Santa Clarita community members are remembering Brad Berens, former executive director of the Santa Clarita Valley Committee on Aging and the SCV Senior Center, who passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday morning.

Berens dedicated decades of his life to serving Santa Clarita’s senior community, leading the development of essential programs in transportation, housing, and home-delivered meals.

Under his leadership, the SCV Senior Center became one of the most respected and comprehensive senior service organizations in Los Angeles County.

A Santa Clarita resident, Berens left the SCV Committee on Aging in June 2010 after a 19-year career  in which his name became synonymous with the local senior center.

His daughter shared the news in a heartfelt message:

“Our dad has finally moved on to the other side. He went peacefully in his sleep at home early this morning. He was a great man and even better dad, til his very last breath. He did so much for the community, especially the seniors in the community. I will always aspire to be the best woman I can to make him proud and I will do everything I can to be like him. Love you (more) dad. Til we meet again.”

Jim Ventress, longtime Santa Clarita resident and former CEO of the SCV Boys & Girls Club, remembered Berens as a dedicated partner in community service.

“Brad was a very passionate person with a caring soul. We were involved in various community activities as Executive Directors for the Senior Center and the Boys & Girls Club. He would say, ‘I got the older kids and you got the younger kids.’ Rest In Peace my friend.”

Berens was known not only as a devoted community leader but also as a kind and compassionate man who worked tirelessly to ensure that Santa Clarita’s older residents had access to care, dignity, and opportunity.

His vision helped shape the valley into what has been called one of the “most elder-friendly communities in the nation.”

A celebration of life will be planned, and community members who wish to attend are encouraged to reach out to his family for details.

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