Allan Palmer Berg, 74, passed away early morning, Feb. 3, 2021, from pneumonia complicated by vascular dementia. His devoted caregiver, Helen, was by his side. Allan was born in Olympia, Wash., to Palmer A. Berg Jr. and Judith (Velazquez) Berg.
He attended Lacey Elementary, Chinook Junior High (Middle School), and North Thurston High, graduating in 1965. An outstanding athlete, Allan participated in wrestling, cross country and track, setting a long-standing high school record. He also participated in scouting and became an Eagle Scout in 1962.
Allan enjoyed challenging outdoor activities. During summer, he swam and waterskied in front of his childhood home on Long Lake. He also learned to hunt, fish, camp and hike. As a young adult, Allan worked two seasons as a DNR forest firefighter. Later, he mountain and rock climbed, telemark skied and sailed — his sailboat was his prized possession.
Allan favored creating things, large and small, with his hands. Introduced to woodworking by Mr. Bettine in high school shop class, he became a professional builder. Allan gained commercial experience serving as a Seabee (NMCB-4) in Vietnam and received additional training in millwork stateside. Outside the military, he apprenticed and became a journeyman carpenter and skilled at making beautiful cabinets. Not surprisingly, Allan became a general contractor and opened Whidbey Building Company, completing multiple residential and commercial projects on Whidbey Island, Wash. He was also known to make well-crafted Christmas gifts, which will be treasured. For nearly 50 years, Allan developed his talent and created many aesthetically pleasing yet functional objects.
Apart from the previous, the family acknowledges our loved one’s difficulty dealing with strong emotions. If only we had all understood from whom to seek help. Two suggested life-changing resources are Celebrate Recovery and Freedom Session.
Saddened by our loss, Allan’s absence will be felt for a long time. He is predeceased by his son Joseph Allan Berg; grandparents Palmer A. Berg and S. Emily Berg and Otilio and Ramona Velazquez; father; youngest brother, Army Special Forces Sgt. Bruce A. Berg; and brother-in-law, (John) Kim Dorsett. He is survived by his son Sean A. Berg; granddaughter Alexa (Berg) Fisher; and stepsons Justin Holtman and Clay Holtman; former spouse Kathy Berg; mother; brother Randy A. Berg; sister-in-law Vicki Berg; sister Bettina A. (Berg) Dorsett; three nieces, their husbands and their children; plus many extended family members.
The family is grateful for the love and careful attention Allan received from his caregivers at Abby’s Adult Family Home, Lynnwood, and Angels on Whidbey, especially Christa.
A memorial gathering will be forthcoming, possibly in late June. Please look for updates and, if you like, share memories at www.forevermissed.com (enter Allan Berg).
