Gene Peter BERTHELSEN

BERTHELSEN, Gene Peter
Died on April 10, 2011 at the age of 73 after a 7-year battle with multiple myeloma. He was born in Yreka, CA on October 4, 1937, the son of Kate Harris of CA and Valdemar Julius Knute Peter Berthelsen of Denmark. He grew up on a farm outside of Etna, CA. He pursued a music degree at Chico State but transferred to SFO State where he earned an English degree. His first job was at Shell Oil in San Francisco. He then moved to Sacramento in 1968 where he earned an MS in government at CSUS. He then served at the State of CA at the Dept. of Employment, Computer Systems, and then for 30 years at Caltrans as spokesperson/PR, Project Development, head of Environmental in Stockton, editor of the magazine 'Going Places' and of the newsletter for the Quarter Century Club. Gene is also remembered for his volunteer service to the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society (STJS): Board of Directors, editor of the 'And All that Jazz' newsletter, head of publicity, editor of the Jazz Jubilee program for 25 years, and Executive Director of the Jazz Jubilee for two years. He is also remembered for being a theatrical critic for the Sacramento Union, the author of three unpublished novels, and the leader/cornet player of the Catsnjammer Jazz Band, his greatest joy. He is survived by his wife Donna Springer; children, Justin Berthelsen of San Francisco and Maren Berthelsen; granddaughters, Zoe and Verity of New York City; brother John Berthelsen of Hong Kong; nephew Christian Berthelsen of New York City; first wife Pamela Lynch of Sacramento; and too many friends to enumerate. Remembrances may be made to MMRF (Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) or STJS. He requested that his cremated remains be scattered over Mr. Shasta. Please remember Gene in your own way, preferably martini in hand.