12/20/2020
Legends Never Die///It is with great sadness that we share the news that our beloved Berj has passed after a six year battle post-stroke. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Please share a memory or story about Berj below.///
Berj Palanjian, devoted family man and larger-than-life figure in the Orange County community, passed away on Thursday December 3, 2020.
Born to his Armenian parents Leon and Rose Palanjian in Aleppo, Syria, Berj came to the United States with his parents and younger sister, Sossi, in 1966. After a brief stint in Boston, they moved to San Diego to be near family. Berj attended high school in San Diego before moving to Costa Mesa to live with his beloved uncle, Jerry Palanjian.
Berj admired his Uncle Jerry and went to work for him at Grand Prix Performance in Costa Mesa, hardly ever missing a day in over 40 years. While helping Jerry run the business, Berj grew into somewhat of a local celebrity with his personality, trustworthiness and automotive expertise.
Grand Prix customers remember that Berj was always quick with a joke (maybe not always appropriate) or a compliment to make them smile. While on the surface Berj was a fun-loving tough guy, he also had a huge heart and was extremely helpful to those in need. His charisma combined with his generosity contributed to his status as a local legend, known and appreciated by so many in this community that meant so much to him.
During his marriage to Carolyn, they were blessed with three sons, Chase, Jake and Dane. Berj was a dedicated father who cherished his time with his boys. He was extremely proud of all of their accomplishments and wasn’t shy to brag about them to anyone who would listen...from his eldest son Chase’s Military Service to Jake graduating from Cal State University, Long Beach and Dane graduating from the University of Southern California.
Berj loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing and dirt biking with his boys and dogs. He earned a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying in his sparse free time. Berj was also an avid cook and gardener (staghorn ferns were his specialty). Continued in comments...
