Bert Romero

To Bert Romero, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Bert, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Bert really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

His parents were Abelardo and Annie Romero. Bert was raised in Los Angeles and West Covina, California. Even as a child, Bert had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

Always a good playmate, Bert was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Bert managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Bert was raised with Four Siblings. He had 2 older sisters Rena and Cookie 1 younger sister Gloria and younger brother named David.

All of Bert's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Bert experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He was a boyscout. Bert's memorable achievements included winning a poster art contest in 4th grade having to do with California Poppy's cash prize was $25.00.

Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Bert was a class “cut-up.” He didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Bert simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Bert, grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. Since experience was Bert's best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Bert graduated from Edgewood High School in 1961. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Bert never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Bert to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Bert delighted in his role among all his acquaintances, because he viewed them all as potential spectators for his performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Bert was always right at home putting on a show among his friends. Bert utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of his best friends were Bob Gilbert. Later in life, he became friends with Bob Coleman and Terry Carey. Bert loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Bert very easy to approach. On February 14, 1975 Bert exchanged wedding vows with Frances Catherine Long at home in Baldwin Park, California. He tried hard not to impose on his spouse. He was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

Perhaps the reason Bert related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children. Bert was blessed with Six Children, 3 Sons Bert Jr. Gilbert, Matthew 3 Daughters Megann, Chelsea and Autumn. They were also blessed with Eight grandchildren and one on the way, Ashleigh, Sean, Valan, Aubree, Seth, Kaiden, Ella and Tessa. Bert had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of his attention was directed. Bert's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Bert had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

At work, as in life, Bert was a real “people person. ” he had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Bert liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Bert was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Bert's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Bert as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was Owner of Gold Crest Exterminators. He was employed for 48 years as a Termite Inspector.

Bert enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Bert liked creating and making things. His favorite pursuits were astronomy, camping, fishing and yearly camp outs at the beach with the entire family. Bert was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Bert felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if he wasn’t the best, Bert loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Bert relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Bert never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. Recreational sports included fishing and camping. Bert was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity.

Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Bert recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints.

Living life in the fast lane suited Bert just fine. It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included yearly summer camping trips to the beach, Lake Poway and Lake Dixon.

Bert was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of Bert's favorites was Blondie a Lab. They were best friends he had Blondie for 15 years.

Bert believed that you had to experience life, and his life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in he never did retire he still was working, Bert took it in stride as one more way to have fun. With his boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Bert remained busy with people and projects. Even in retirement, Bert continued to stay in touch with his old friends and, since he'd never met a stranger, he made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

Bert passed away on November 11, 2010 at Loma Linda Medical Center in Loma Linda, California. He suffered a Stroke. He is survived by his wife Frances 6 children, 8 grandchildren, his Mother Annie Romero, Sister Rena Howard, Cookie Flores, Gloria Ann Nestlerode Brother David Romero and a host of extended Family and friends. Services were held at Green Acres Memorial Chapel in Bloomington, California. Bert was laid to rest in Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, California.

Bert brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Bert Romero lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.