Doug BERNER

BERNER, Doug
A longtime resident of Elk Grove, entered eternal rest on June 8, 2011 at the age of 72. He was born October 7, 1938 in Sacramento, lived in numerous places in Northern California, served in the U.S. Navy, and moved to Elk Grove in 1966.

In 1972, he and a group of others established the Retarded Adult Workshop, which is today the Elk Grove Adult Community Training program. EGACT is a non-profit organization that provides education and training for adults with developmental dis- abilities. The establishment of this continuing education center earned Doug the Elk Grove Citizen of the Year Award in 1973.

In 1974 Doug, his wife Jean, along with Gary and Vivian Lawson opened the first pizza parlor in Elk Grove, the 'Pizza Barn'. The Pizza Barn remained open for 25 years and still garners many fond memories for all who entered its branded doors.

He was a Past Master of the Elk Grove Masonic Lodge, and member of the Scottish Rite, and Elks Lodge. After retiring from the Pizza Barn, Doug served as a docent at the California State Railroad Museum and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, perform in the theatre, and grow over time.

Doug is survived by his son Cecil Berner of Sacramento; son David Berner and wife Angela of Elk Grove and their four children, Avanlea, Pendleton, Manton, and Montgomery; brother Ken Berner of El Cerrito; uncle Roy Berner of San Jose; his dear companion Francis Jones of West Sacramento; and his many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his family and countless friends.

Memorial services are at 11:00am on July 1 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 8701 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org