Randal Joseph Berta

Randy Berta of the St. Andrews community died early February 1, 2005. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph "Benny" Berta. Randy called him "Pop". Randy was 57 years old at the time of his death. He was born on August 9, 1947 in Crockett, CA to Elsie Marie Stuckman Berta and Joe "Benny" Berta. Randy was captain of his football team at John Sweet Union High School. He then went on to play football for Contra Costa Community College. Randy got his start in the gaming industry as a change person at Harrah's Casino in Lake Tahoe. Where he met and soon after married his "sweetie" Elaine Powell Gray Berta. They were married for 29 years. He also worked at Sahara in Las Vegas, where he was reunited with his buddy Kenny from Tahoe. He took a break from the gaming industry for several years to travel extensively with his wife before eventually residing in New York City. He returned to Las Vegas to manage The Free Throw Sports Lounge for one of his dearest friends, Bill Roullier, now of St. Ignatius, Montana. When gaming became legal on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, he moved to Biloxi where his wife Elaine was a native of the St. Martin Community. His first job on the coast was as a dealer at the President Casino. He then worked as a dealer for the Copa Casino, before going to the Biloxi Grand Casino as a table games supervisor, where he once again reunited with his buddy Ken. His current position at the Grand was as a table games shift manager on swing shift. His employment at the Grand Casino spanned 11 years. Survivors include, wife and best friend, Elaine. His most precious mother Elsie Marie Stuckman Berta of Crockett, CA. His two sisters Renee Lunsford, husband Curt of San Pablos, CA. and Sandra Madding, husband Lee of Hayward, CA. His three sons from his first marriage to Linda Mirata, Randy, Joe, and Matt, all of Oregon. His nephews Tim and Michael Decarlo and Bryan and Stephen Braga. His great nephews. Michael D., Rob, Bryan Jr., Kevin, Michael and Allen. His great nieces, Kassi, Nicole, and Kalyn. All of them whom loved him greatly and will miss him tremendously. His family was very important to him. He was a loving son, brother, and husband. His stepson Michael Gray, wife Erin, and grandchild, Savannah. In-laws, Joe, wife Patsy Powell and Yvonne, husband Elvin Battaya and numerous nieces and nephews. Close and very dear friends are Walter Bruner of MS., life long friend Merle Snopel of Pacheco, CA. Earl Ross of Lake Tahoe, Ken Meddors of Bay St. Louis, Billy Roullier of St. Ignatius, MT., Billy Desjardins of Gautier, MS who was also his partner and mentor at the Grand Casino They will all feel a great loss and miss him being a part of their lives. Randy's cremains will be transported to a favorite place and very special part of his and Elaine's lives, Lake Tahoe. A gathering of Randy's family, friends and co-workers will be held to celebrate his life on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Old D'Iberville Community House on Rodriguez and Gorenflo.