We have just learned yesterday, that one of greatest friends of Ocean Beach has passed. Mike Berrill – who lived for decades with his wife Sue and daughter Amanda on Saratoga Avenue in Casa Berrill – had been in poor health recently. We are deeply saddened for the Berrill family and for Ocean Beach.
Mike Berrill was one of the original founders of that quirky – but oh-so-OB group – the Ocean Beach Geriatric Surf Club – also known by its much longer, original handle, the Ocean Beach Geriatric Surf Club Precision Marching Surfboard Drill Team and Gidget Patrol.
Its members would march in parades – including the annual OB holiday parade – suited up in swimsuits and surfboards, some with ironing boards – women and men – and gyrate and dance to surf music while they marched, all the while making fun of surf culture and having fun. They were wonderful to watch, as many OBceans did over the years. The Club had faded in past years and quit making public appearances. Some of them did appear in the holiday parade in 2009.
Please, if you have thoughts about Mike or his creation, the OB Geriatric Surf Club, come make them here. Or if you have photos of Mike or the Club in parade or in parade rest, sent them to us to publish obragblog@gmail.com
Peace, Mike Berrill – you brought a loud of laughter to Ocean Beach and you allowed us to laugh at ourselves.
R.I.P. Mike Berrill.
Mike was a great guy. He had a passion for OB and a passion for fun. I’m proud to say I knew him. He was one of the brighter jewels in OB’s crown. Congratulations Mike. You did good. Three Cheers for Mike!!!
PS: Sue, please know that you gave Mike the fuel for his passions. You’re a terrific wife. Thank you.
No longer Geriatric, and surfing perfect waves…Rest in Peace, Mike
Damn Unca Mikey, we had some fun!
https://www.facebook.com/obsurfclub
p.s. the picture is Albert Rubidoux.
I was surprised to see my photo in your publication with the caption, “An unidentified member of the OB Geriatric Surf Club.” I would have been happy to give you permission if you would have asked. I enjoy reading your articles on the community I live in, and am quite fond of. Please keep me in mind if you are in need of other community photos.
Arnold Young
“Surfskimmer”
Hi Arnold, thanks for taking the time to comment.
Is the photo of you, or was it taken by you?
The picture was taken by me back in 2009, one of the last times I saw the group in the OB Christmas parade.
Thanks for being you, Uncle Mikey, and gracing this experience with your creations of love and adventure, after all we are talking surfing here. Neighbors for 10 years, we helped Rich Groshe get the Geriatrics off the sand. Rich left, then I left, then there was one (of the original 3). Tripp left, and that left you and Sue to hold it all together. They tell me you held the reigns well, for the last 20 years. It may have started as a lark, but the backs of those waves had off the lip rainbows, thank you very much.
San Quintin, Bahia Asuncion, Santa Cruz, Pacifica, Rocky Point, da Pier, da hut, Chasms, Newbs, Abs, Jack Murphy Stadium, Venice Beach, Midnight Banner Patrol, town council, and all them parades with all them bars, club bus trips, making it mellow and calling it tranquilo.
Via Con Dios, amigo mio. Its all 6 foot and Tubin’ now. Bien Viaje, Rascally Ron