Bert Why Jr.

June 21, 1938 - February 25, 2026
Santa Clara, California

Funeral Mass: Saturday, February 28, 2026, 09:00 AM at St Justin Catholic Church, Santa Clara, CA
Graveside Service: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 09:00 AM
Interment of Cremated Remains: Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, Santa Clara, CA

WHY, Dr. Bert Jr., age 87, of Santa Clara, CA, died February 25, 2026. Beloved husband of 54 years of Barbara (neé Hong), devoted father of Geoffrey and Annamarie Why of Watertown, MA, loving grandfather of Theodore and Mathias, dear brother to Doris Lum, dear uncle to Susie Hutchinson, Patti Ferry, Kathy Lee, Harold Why, Mike Mar, Bruce Lum, Karen Pimlott, Greg Lum, Roberta Huggaboom, Kathy Rommel, and many great nieces and nephews. Bert was also a cherished uncle, and brother-in-law to all of Barbara's family, as well as "Uncle Bert" to so many children and grandchildren of dear friends.

Bert was the son of the late Bessie (neé Lai) and Bert Why Sr. of North Bend, OR. Bert was predeceased by his brothers Harry and Earl and his sister Anna Mar, as well as his nephews Harry Jr., and Howard.

Born in North Bend, OR on June 21, 1938, Bert attended St. Monica's Grammar School, where he met lifelong best friend, the late Dr. Russell Keizer. He graduated from North Bend High School where he starred on the basketball and tennis teams. He initially attended Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, on a basketball scholarship, but transferred to the University of Portland, OR, and graduated from the University of Oregon Dental School receiving his Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) in 1965. He was commissioned as a captain in the US Army and served as a dentist from 1965 through 1967. He was stationed in Fort Lewis, WA and South Korea. Bert practiced dentistry in San Jose, taking care of the community for over 35 years.

Bert was an accomplished athlete who enjoyed weekly golf and tennis games with friends into his mid-70s. He faithfully attended St. Justin Catholic Church, Santa Clara CA since 1972. Bert and Barbara traveled extensively in their retirement with friends and family. Both Bert and Barbara continuously volunteered at Self Help for the Elderly and were great supporters of many charitable and educational institutions.

Bert's life was celebrated in the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Justin Catholic Church on Saturday, February 28th. He will be interred, with military honors, Santa Clara Mission Cemetery on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Chi Am Scholarship Fund (in memory of Dr. Bert Why, Jr.), Chi Am Circle, PO Box 2756 Cupertino CA 95015.