Raymond Joseph John Berns

Born on June 24, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois, Ray led a very full life. After high school, he joined the Navy and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade before being honorably discharged after an injury that prevented him from advancing further in his Navy career.

He attended Loyola University Chicago on a basketball scholarship and earned a degree in business, which would serve him well throughout his working years. He moved to California with his family in 1948 where he worked at a Los Angeles-based wholesale liquor company, and later, as a manager for their Anaheim branch.

Several years after the untimely death of his first wife, Dolores Berns, he met and married Alice Gail Hanshaw on November 10, 1979 who would remain his constant companion for the rest of his life, as well as a loving stepmother to his only son, Christopher Berns. In return, Ray was wholly welcomed by Gail’s adult children as a father figure and was a devoted and involved grandfather to their children.

Together, Ray and Gail led an active lifestyle where they enjoyed playing sports together, such as tennis and golf. They also loved to travel, making nearly-annual trips to Maui to visit Gail’s son Bill. After he retired at age 62, Ray purchased and operated three cocktail lounges in Orange and Los Angeles Counties: Boondocks, Interlude, and the C’est Si Bon.

Ever the jokester, Ray was considered by many to be the life of the party, brightening any room with his stories, toasts, and perfectly delivered jokes. He enjoyed a rich social life full of laughs, love, and unforgettable friendships.

He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his son, Dolores, as well as his only son, Christopher. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Gail Berns, her children who saw Ray as a second father, Jack, Bill, and Faith, as well as his grandchildren whom he loved very much, Nicole, Jack, Nathan, Brandon, and Farrah.

We will miss you very much Papa Ray.