Obituary

Robert Franklin Berst

March 4, 1923 - October 1, 2011

Robert Franklin Berst, 88, of Charlotte, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Presbyterian Hospital-Matthews.
He was born on March 4, 1923 in Buffalo, NY, to the late Frank and Marie Tobin Berst. Mr. Berst attended St. Gerards School and was a graduate from Kensington High School. He served in the Air Force during WWII serving in the South Pacific and at Wake Island, where he had the unique job of training homing pigeons to carry messages from downed aircraft. He raised racing pigeons for 72 years, belonging to the Buffalo Racing Pigeon Association for 40 years and an active member of the Charlotte Racing Pigeon Club for 20 years. He was also the secretary for the Niagara Frontier Pigeon Racing Club for 26 years. He really enjoyed racing pigeons for 60 years, having them come home from 600 miles all in one day. His theory was “old pigeon flyers never die, they just fly away.” Mr. Berst also attended many veteran reunions all over the US. He was a member of St. John Neuman Catholic Church in Charlotte.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Berst.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Thelma Schuler Berst; children, Ron Berst and wife, Donna of Mooresville, Jim Berst of Troutman, Pat B. Davidson and husband, Kevin of Mooresville; grandchildren, Greg Berst, Lauren Berst, Samantha Berst, Heather Davidson, Michele Davidson, Keith Davidson; and great granddaughter, Haleigh King.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 4 from 6:00-8:00 PM followed by a Celebration of Life at 8:00 PM at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joseph Alghrary officiating. Burial will be at a later date in North Tonawanda, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Red Cross, 200 Overhill Drive, Suite A, Mooresville, NC 28117.