Howard King

Howard Lewis King
04 Mar 1942 - 31 Mar 2011

Clubs & Associations

Oaktown 8's

Quick Facts

• member of Oaktown 8's from 2010 until his death
• married to Garry Bernhardt, also a dancer, in 2008

Obituary

Howard King, a remarkable man, passed away on March 31, 2011, leaving behind a gap in the lives of those who knew him, as well as his kind, supportive, joyous, healing demeanor.

Howard King was a mental health provider and a member of the Berkeley/Albany Mental Health Commission, having served as both Chair and Vice-Chair during his tenure. Mr. King dedicated himself to the wellness and recovery of mental health consumers. He took this advocacy beyond any established role into acting as a guardian angel for the vulnerable.

Mr. King lacked a large ego which was substituted by a big heart. He acted selflessly doing what came naturally, showing kindness and compassion towards others. He spoke openly of his own foibles and past transgressions with humor to support others struggling with life's challenges. While soft-spoken, flexible, and even-tempered, Mr. King's advocacy was consistent, vigorous and active. These qualities made him a unique human being who collaborated equally and fairly with all persons regardless of status or position.

Legacy

DESIGNATION OF THE HOWARD KING WELCOMING ROOM

WHEREAS, Howard King dedicated himself for decades towards supporting the recovery and wellness of mental health consumers; and

WHEREAS, Howard King served beyond his obligations when employed in the mental health field as well as in his volunteer capacity as a member of the City of Berkeley and Albany Mental Health Commission for several years including his terms as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Commission; and

WHEREAS, Howard King was a consistently vigorous and active, although soft-spoken and even-tempered, advocate for mental health consumers; and

WHEREAS, Howard King tirelessly took the initiative in proposing multiple wellness and recovery issues and placed those ideas into action, never failing to prepare his ideas with precision as well as demonstrating flexibility and respect for mental health consumers, individually and as a whole; and

WHEREAS, Howard King collaborated equally and fairly with all persons regardless of their status and position; and

WHEREAS, Howard King, in his generosity, never sought self-promotion but rather, acted selflessly doing what came naturally to him, showing compassion and kindness towards others; and

WHEREAS, Howard King, lacked a large ego, substituted by a big heart and often acting as a guardian angel for persons needing assistance and support; and

WHEREAS, Howard King spoke openly of his own foibles and past transgressions with humor to support persons struggling with life's challenges; and

WHEREAS, Howard King has left behind a piece of his remarkable character with all who had contact with him; and

WHEREAS, Howard King welcomed all persons with a kind, supportive, joyous, healing demeanor.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Berkeley, that we, the Mayor and City Council of Berkeley, hereby recognize Howard's vast contributions towards wellness and recovery for mental health consumers and the joy that he brought to peoples' lives.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Berkeley proclaims that the Berkeley Mental Health Center waiting room be designated as the HOWARD KING WELCOMING ROOM and that clear, large lettering be placed in a visible area at the head of the waiting room, identifying the waiting room as the HOWARD KING WELCOMING ROOM so that consumers, staff and visitors alike can clearly see the lettering. A record signature copy of this Resolution to be on file in the office of the City Clerk.

Memorial Panel

• 4LR | Oaktown 8's

Photos

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  The brass sign over the reception window is approximately 30 inches wide, by 6 inches tall.

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  The Berkeley Mental Health Center (relocated in June 2021) is now located at: 2640 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA.

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