William Henry Berge Ph.D.

LEXINGTON - Berge, William Henry, Ph.D., 81, a celebrated history professor for more than four decades at Eastern Kentucky University and a pioneer in race relations for the school, died on February 23, 2012 in Lexington, after a gallant struggle against cancer.

Born in Avoca, PA, on July 28, 1930, to Theodore John and Lois Carr Berge, "Bill" Berge graduated from Dalton High School in Dalton, PA, and entered the United States Air Force during the Korean War. While stationed in Anchorage, AK, he and first lieutenant nurse Marion Malone were married, on November 1, 1952.

With a dream of becoming a teacher someday, Berge earned his bachelor's degree in history in 1957 from Eastern and his master's and doctorate in history from Vanderbilt University.

"Dr. Berge returned to his alma mater in 1961 to begin a highly successful teaching career," recalled Eastern president Dr. Doug Whitlock, who as a freshman at EKU began taking Dr. Berge's history classes. Student and mentor were re-united in recent years through Dr. Berge's retrospective oral history in the video series "EKU Then and Now" (available on-line).

"As the founder and director of the University's Oral History Center," said President Whitlock, "he helped preserve for generations the memories of a bygone era. And as a major contributor to the Blue Heron Outdoor Historical Museum at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, he helped millions of visitors better appreciate life and work in the early coal camps.

"Dr. Berge was one of the greatest friends students on this campus ever had, as evidenced by his service as Ombudsman for many years, and by his remarkable support of our minority students. He is fondly remembered for building bridges of understanding, and for fostering racial harmony at a turbulent time in American history --- not just by his words but by his faithful example. He helped organize and advised the University Ensemble, a gospel group, and advised Omega Psi Phi fraternity, the first African-American Greek-letter organization on our campus." President Whitlock further added: "He also was one of the most avid followers of Eastern athletic teams, attending almost every football game, home and away, since 1955, and hundreds of basketball games. He embodied the phrase 'The Essential Eastern' long before it came into common usage. We talk today about making of our students informed, critical and creative thinkers. That is what Bill Berge did for countless Eastern students." Dr. Berge served as secretary of the Kentucky-Tennessee Chapter of the American Studies Association. He was an active member of the Southern Historical Association, and he served as unofficial Harbor Master of Wood Creek Lake.

For 25 years following their retirement from full-time teaching, Bill and Marion lived in a cabin on Wood Creek Lake in Laurel County, KY. At the lake they gathered many of their closest friends and colleagues and, drawn by Bill, a number of his closest friends established homes there as well.

Dr. Berge is survived by his wife, Marion, and their two sons, Ted and Tom. Ted and his wife Stacy are residents of Lexington, Tom and his wife Amy, live in Louisville. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jack, Meredith, Will, Sara, and Quinn. Bill Berge will be deeply missed by a multitude of friends, colleagues and former students. Among those missing him most will be his "Wednesday Wingmen", members of a weekly gathering of Bill and his friends from the Eastern community.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Meditation Chapel on the campus of EKU in Richmond, KY, from noon- 2 p. m., with a memorial service beginning at 2 p. m. Interment will be at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, Nicholasville, KY, at a private family ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the "Berge Scholarship Fund", EKU Foundation, Office of Advancement, 521 Lancaster Ave., CPO 19A, Richmond, KY, 40475.