Michael Anthony Berger

Michael Anthony Berger of Longmont CO, formerly from Boulder, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Tuesday, July 12, 2011. He was 38 years old. Michael was born in San Mateo, California, on Nov. 18, 1972 to Celeste Emerick McDowell, of Longmont, CO, and Tony Berger of Bluffton, SC. He is survived by his parents, a sister, Stephanie VanHook, brother-in-law, Ryan VanHook, nephew, Ryder VanHook, step-father, Bruce McDowell, step-mother, Kristine Berger, grandmother Lael Dixon, aunt and uncle, Valorie and Andy Toth, cousin, Stacey Roof, and step aunt and uncles, D. N. and Nancy McDowell, David McDowell, and their families. He was preceded in death by grandfathers, Francis Berger and Donald Emerick, grandmother, Ida Berger and his uncle, David Emerick. Michael was employed by American Reprographics. Additionally he worked several years at the Los Angeles Film Office and had numerous positions of responsibility in the food and beverage industry in both California and Colorado. Michael was a compassionate friend to many. He had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying bicycling, golfing, flag football, roller blading, hiking and running. Michael ran in the first ten Bolder Boulder 10K races and many after that. A true sports fan, he loved golf, basketball, baseball and particularly the CU Buffs and professional football. It was not unusual for him to be in seven or eight Fantasy Football Leagues each season. A graduate of Boulder High School in 1991, he attended Pierce College in Moorpark, California. There is no public memorial service. A private Celebration of Life is scheduled in the fall. Donations may be made in his memory to the Humane Society of Boulder County in Boulder, CO.