DWAYNE HARRY BERGER

1925 - 2013

Berger, Dwayne Harry

Feb. 19, 1925 - Sept. 5, 2013

A 47 year proud resident of San Clemente, Dwayne began life as the middle child of five on a Minnesota farm. He often shared that it wasn't long before he realized farming was not part of his 'big picture'. At eighteen, he enlisted in the Army and was sent, one of thousands of troops, via the Queen Elizabeth to the European Front. The Battle of the Bulge is where Dwayne sustained serious gun shot wounds to his legs, endured emergency surgeries, spent 6 months in a body cast in European hospitals and eventually was transported stateside in a hospital ship. Due to the brevity of these injuries, he was honorably discharged.

Dwayne was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. He took advantage of college life to the fullest; meeting and pursuing a beautiful coed there who would become his life long partner of 62 years, Faye.

Snow was also not a part of Dwayne's 'big picture', and so, he moved his young family south to Arizona. Business prospects eventually brought the family to California. Dwayne spent time on the road with Travelers Insurance. One of these road trips took him to the place of his dreams…San Clemente. He called his wife, Faye, from the road that very day to tell her he had found the place where he wanted to spend the rest of his life. The following weekend, the family drove to San Clemente, and purchased the home where the family has resided for 47 years. Dwayne's children, Stephanie and Eric were delighted with the proximity to the surf. In fact, the extended family all currently resides in San Clemente.

Dwayne became a member of Dana Point Yacht Club, eventually becoming Staff Commodore/Life Member. He was a proud member of San Clemente Exchange Club. Dwayne served on the City Planning Commission and was partners with Don Echelberger in San Clemente Real Estate Company. One of the highlights of his real estate career involved clients Bebe Rebozo, Richard Nixon, and David and Julie Eisenhower.

In addition, Dwayne was a founding member of Mariner's Bank.

When he wasn't working, Dwayne could be found either on his boat in Dana Point Harbor or at the Muni. Travels took Faye and Dwayne throughout Europe, Latin and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean.

Dwayne lived life to the fullest, loved and took pride in his family, and loved his life in San Clemente.

Dwayne is survived by his wife, Faye; daughter, Stephanie Thom (Glenn), grandson, Cameron (Ellen), granddaughter, Courtney; son, Eric (Velva), grandson Austin, granddaughter Aly (Justin); brothers Wallace and Neil Berger.

A Celebration of Dwayne's Life will be held at Dana Point Yacht Club on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 11:00 AM at Dana Point Yacht Club, 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point, 92629.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area, Inc., 1304 Calle Valle, San Clemente, CA 92672.