Scott "Perkins" Berg

Scott Alan Berg was a vigorous man who thrived on family, friendships, and the expanse of all outdoors. Scott was born in a decade of radical change in America. Despite the Vietnam War, protests on college campuses, and the assassination of key political leaders, the United States made gains in the civil rights movement, with opportunities for women, and in the space race with the first moon walk. A true bright spot for Roger and Bonnie (Gundy) Berg of Muskegon, Michigan was the birth of their son, Scott Alan, on October 4, 1968. His older sister Christine was born in 1966, and their younger sister, Julia (called Julie) born in 1971, would complete their family. Scott's mother recalls Scott being rather cranky as a baby, but she also knew early on that Scott would love nature. Whenever she took him for walks in the stroller, he was happy and looking all around. Even a misfortune of nature couldn't dampen Scott's childhood fondness for being outdoors. Julie remembers a time all three children caught poison ivy and went around singing, "We are the poison ivy kids." Scott was all boy. He entered kindergarten in Manistee (where they moved in 1972) with a broken arm. He was always active, whether playing little league baseball, exploring the out-of-doors, or just having fun with his sisters and friends. Even though there were times Scott made his younger sister cry, he also carefully wiped her face with a cold washcloth so mom would not find out. There was a gentleness to Scott that, even though he developed a sort-of gruff way of speaking, his family always knew he was a real "softy". When Scott's parents divorced, his mother moved to Wolf Lake (east of Muskegon ) where the three kids entered Carr Elementary. Scott didn't really like school, but he made the best of it playing sports and hanging out with friends. In high school his friends came to call him "Perkins." At graduation, when he walked to get his diploma, a loud "Perkins!" was yelled from the crowd and made everyone laugh. The nickname stuck into adulthood, but the family never knew how he got it. In later years, his workmates called him "Smiley." These nicknames just reinforce Scott's nature and the depth of friendships that continued throughout his life. Friends and family were a big part of Scott's life. Being very loyal and easy going made Scott the good friend that he was. In his adult years, the constancy Scott had with friends and family seemed to supersede any dating relationships. Scott had great friends and his family were among his greatest fans, especially during football season. His mom celebrated his birthday one year by bringing a cake to the locker room. However, the sports that took first place in Scott's life were hunting and fishing and off-roading on his "toys" - snowmobile, dirt bike, 4-wheeler and motorcycle. Even breaking his leg when he did a wheelie up "Wolf Lake Hill" couldn't keep Scott from doing what he loved. Any day Scott could be outside was the best day of his life. Many memories were created over the fun he had outdoors. One time, Scott and his cousin Tom were taken on a camping trip to Canada by his Grandpa and Grandma Japenga. They went fishing, but only Scott went home with fish. It wasn't that Tom didn't catch fish, but he often lost them because he would reel them in too fast. Not Scott - he always got his fish. Then the boys wanted to sleep outside, but Grandma cautioned it was bear country. The boys were sure Grandma didn't know what she was talking about...until they saw a bear cross the road. They had to admit, "Grandma knows what she's talking about." Later, Scott bagged his own bear and proudly has the rug for a trophy. Scott and his sisters have fond memories of camping and walking the trails at Hoffmaster State Park with their dad. Going into the town of Grand Haven, they often walked the boardwalk and stopped at Pronto Pup to watch corn dogs being made on the spot. Part of the fun was watching the experienced old man masterfully (with the use of only three fingers) pop the dog on a stick, dip it in cornmeal, drop it in the fryer, pull it out, slap on mustard and ketchup, and hand it to them through the window like they were at a carnival concession stand. With his love for the outdoors, it's understandable that Scott took a job in construction after high school. He liked to build. Even when he went into manufacturing after a few years, Scott still worked on houses. For the past 18 years Scott was employed in factories, but his skills in construction were put to work. When a house fire caused severe damage to a garage that had been converted into a den, Scott got busy. Though he hired out most of the renovations, he did alot of the woodworking. Scott did an "awesome job." In reality, the project was as much about Scott's character as his skills. It showed the kind of friend he was and the friends he kept. Scott never lacked for a place to stay during those months, he always found a home with family or friends. Scott dealt with downturns like he did everything in life: pick up the pieces and go on...no regrets...never look back. Scott's family and friends cling to memories that keep Scott at the center of their hearts and minds. A saved voicemail message from Scott, telling about an errand he was running for his mother, lets her hear his voice. A meaningful event that his mother regards as a sign from God, gives the family a sense of peace. For on the morning after Scott died, from injuries sustained in a tragic motorcycle accident, his mother recounts this experience: In the more than 30 years Scott's mother has lived in her house, she has never seen a deer in her yard. That morning, as she sat looking out her back window, as she does every morning, a deer entered her yard and looked at her. Through this encounter, the family felt assured that Scott is okay and with God.