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 Two Paso Robles men died June 7, 2014 after the single-engine Piper Cub they were flying crashed shortly after takeoff from a private airfield on Vineyard Drive.
Robert Berg, 82, and John Warren, 66, were the only occupants of the plane that took off at about 10:05 am on a sunny morning and then, witnesses told investigators, suddenly banked to the right and spiraled back down to the ground. Both men died at the scene.
The private single-runway airport in Paso Robles is called Oak Country Ranch Airport and is owned by Berg, according to FAA records. The men were in a 1939 Piper J3C-65 plane registered to Berg and his wife, Donna.
A local pilot recalled Berg as a generous, kind-hearted man that he met as members of the Estrella Warbird Museum. Berg moved to Paso Robles from Los Angeles about 15 years ago and helped his wife Donna found the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation, which offers free classes to children in art, drama, dance, and music. Berg owned a paint company in Los Angeles and donated paint for the Estrella Warbird Museum to renovate its facilities at the Paso Robles Airport.
Bob was described as a very kind, very humble, and very giving man, a real gentleman.
The Tribune, June 7, 2014
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John R 'Jack' Russell (1949)
I am deeply shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Bob's tragic death. A couple of years have passed since our last communication, but I will remember Bob for his up-beat, confident and kind style of conversation. His presence, in the Class of 1949, has been duly noted and his contribution as a friend, always with a smile and ready with a quip, will be everlasting......and, now, sorely missed.
I extend my deepest sympathies and condolensces to his wife, Donna and family.
John "Jack" Russell
Class of 1949
Roger Van Pelt (1950)
I remember Bob Berg as a very quiet individual. But on the football field he would not feel sorry for an underlassman. Coach Douthirt was one of his favorites. That 80 year mark makes it tougher on all of us. Marengo had some pretty good athletes.