Erling Allen Berg

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Erling Berg on June 11, 2026. Erling was born in Burns Lake, B.C. to John & Clara Berg. They owned Berg’s Cash and Carry. He often talked about coming home from school and being able to slice a piece off the wheel of cheese in the store.

Erling was born with an active mechanical mind. By the age of 12, he had built a wooden frame for an airplane. He spent a lifetime building, repairing, and creating. At 20, he earned his mechanic and welding certifications in Alberta.

He married the love of his life, Margaret Gowans, in July 1951, beginning a partnership filled with love, friendship, and adventure. Together they built a home where family and friends were always welcome. They enjoyed visiting everyone they knew throughout British Columbia and Alberta. They were well known for their warm hospitality.

Throughout his working life, Erling took on many roles, including driving logging trucks, operating cats, and working in sawmills. There seemed to be nothing he couldn’t fix—from toasters, washing machines, and lawn mowers to graders, sand trucks, and other heavy-duty equipment. In 1961, he finished building the family home in Burns Lake, which they moved into that December.

Over the years, Erling worked for several employers in Burns Lake, including Hap Porter, Jack Nicholson, and Fred Beech, before joining B.C. Highways in 1963. He later transferred to New Hazelton, where he served as assistant Heavy-Duty Mechanic foreman until his retirement. His skill and work ethic earned the respect of everyone who worked alongside him.

Erling was known to be a little wild in his younger years and loved to party with friends when he wasn’t working. That fun-loving spirit never left him. He had a very dry sense of humour, was always ready with a joke, and loved making people laugh. He loved to get firewood. Erling became famous among family and friends for his perfectly stacked wood piles—a reflection of the care and precision he brought to everything he did. His sweet tooth was legendary. In his later years he practically lived on porridge and lots of chocolate. Erling will be remembered as a man who could build and repair almost anything, and whose quiet strength, generosity, and wit, left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Erling was predeceased by his parents, his brother Melvin, his beloved wife of 72 years, Margaret Berg, and his son-in-law, Ed Curell. He is lovingly remembered by his children June (Sam) Pullano, Wendy Berg, and Allan (Amy Brown); his grandchildren Nick Pullano (Cheryl), Tony Pullano (Sapphire), Nicole Edwards (Steve), Katrina O’Byrne (Matt Engel), Erik Berg (Natalie), James Berg, and Josée Berg; and by his 18 great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff and care aides at Wrinch Memorial Hospital, and Dr. Wiens for their patience and care. There will be a celebration on Saturday August 22, 2026, at 4994 - 13th Avenue in New Hazelton. Feel free to stop by to share some stories and memories between 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

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