euskalkultura.eus

10/28/2017 - Wilmington, CA, USA

May 13, 1923 -- October 28, 2017 

Well-known former Wilmington, California resident, typesetter and businessman Mike Beroiz died peacefully in his sleep at The Springs at Veranda Park, in Medford, Oregon on October 28, 2017. 

Mike suffered a serious fall two weeks earlier and, despite successful surgery, struggled to make a recovery.

He was a first generation Basque American; his parents having immigrated to the US via Ellis Island from the Basque region of Northern Spain.

His mother died when he was just 11 and his father, who was a sheep-herder, unable to care for him, placed him with the McKinley Home for Boys, Van Nuys, Calif, where he stayed until he was 17.

While at McKinley Home he began to train as a typesetter, developing a skill he subsequently put to good use in Sonoma, Wilmington and Long Beach.

He volunteered to serve with the US Navy during the Second World War and saw active duty as a Merchant Marine gunner in the Pacific. Mike was proud of his Veteran status and his contribution to the war effort.

He worked at the Wilmington Press-Journal for 10 years and later established B-Z Typesetting on Avalon Blvd where he put his Basque hard-work ethic to good use, building a hugely successful business.

Later, he moved his business into Seaside Printing at Long Beach, where he continued to work until age 83.

After that, he and his wife moved north to Oregon to be closer to their daughter.

Mike was a friendly, gentle man with a quirky sense of humor, and deep pride in his Basque heritage. He was also a keen Dodgers fan. He will be sadly missed by his wide circle of family and friends.

He leaves a widow Martha, a daughter Jo Ann and a son Denny -- plus five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was cremated at Medford and his ashes will be interred with other members of his family at Wilmington Cemetery at a future date. Arrangements by Funeral Alternatives. Medford -- 541 770-6505. Please sign the guest book, www.presstelegram.com/obits.

(published from Nov. 3 to Nov. 5, 2017 in the Long Beach Press-Telegram)