I would like to take a few moments to adjourn tonight’s meeting in memory of Bernie Katz, a longtime resident and pillar of our community who recently passed away at the age of 86.
Bernie was born in Brooklyn, New York and lived in the New York City area until his family moved to California when he was a teenager.
Bernie graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1950.
Shortly after graduation, President Harry Truman ordered American troops into combat in Korea and Bernie entered the Army a few months later at the age of 18.
He followed in the footsteps of his father Isador, who served in World War I, and his brother Leon, who served in World War II.
Bernie served 14 months in Korea and received an Honorable Discharge at the age of 21.
Among his military awards are the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the United Nations Ribbon.
He returned to Los Angeles following his service and soon met Phyllis Adams.
The two were married and had two wonderful children – a son and a daughter.
Phyllis passed away in 1995, and Bernie eventually moved to Newhall to be closer to his daughter in 2003.
Bernie became active in the Santa Clarita community – particularly at the Senior Center, where he served as the Chair of the Veterans Committee and on the Senior Center Advisory Council.
While at the Senior Center, he met Dorothy Gates one evening, when the two sat down at the same table.
The two hit it off and were married in 2006.
After their marriage, Bernie and Dorothy moved to Friendly Valley, where they remained active with their neighbors in addition to their work with the Senior Center.
Dorothy is a regular fixture here at City Hall, working at our information desk and always greeting residents with a smile.
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Dorothy, their combined children, and their grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends.