Berkeley Hight

Cecil Berkeley "Berk" Hight was born on November 11, 1966, in Bakersfield, CA, to Cecil Burl Hight and Herma Louellen Hight. Berk passed away on September 29th, 2025 after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. From an early age, Berk showed a strong work ethic and a determination to excel. He began his career as part owner in the family grocery store in Shafter, California, later moving into retail operations where he became the lead for installing the new Pantry sections in Kmarts across the nation. His career continued to flourish as he became a general manager and head purchaser for Flying J, three years later advancing to Director of Sales and Operations for Fleet Card Fuels. While at Fleet Card Fuels, Berk earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from the University of Phoenix. He also distinguished himself as the only participant at the time to receive a perfect score on the Chevron Branding School exam, additionally becoming a proud graduate of the Hershey Leadership Academy. Always on the cutting edge, Berk pioneered numerous improvements in convenience store operations, including installing the first customizable soda fountain and introducing the first Subway restaurant within a California convenience store. He continued his career in Strategic Sales and Marketing for RM Parks Petroleum, where his expertise and innovative spirit continued to shape the industry he loved. He concluded his career at international petroleum company Delek US selling fuel across West Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Before his professional achievements, Berk's love of sports, especially baseball, set him apart. A standout player at Shafter High School, he held several records that remain unbroken today. His competitive spirit and dedication on the field mirrored the drive he carried into every area of his life. Though his career and athletic accomplishments were meaningful, nothing mattered more to Berk than his family. He married the love of his life, Cynthia Lee Watterson, on January 21, 1989. For nearly 37 years, they built a life grounded in love, faith, and mutual support. Together, they raised two daughters, Hillarie (born 1991) and Ellie (born 1993), who remained the center of his heart and his greatest source of pride. Berk was known for his active involvement in church. He loved investing in his church family and outreach projects, but even more, he loved supporting his wife and daughters in all their pursuits. When asked about his hobbies, he would simply smile and point to his girls. Beyond anything else, Berk loved the Lord. He modeled Christ's love in both words and actions, leaving a legacy of faith and service for his family and all who knew him. Berk is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Burl and Herma Louellen Hight, and his older brothers Tony and Randy Hight. He is survived by his wife Cynthia; daughters Hillarie Hight (husband Ben) and Ellie Espain (husband Sergio); grandchildren Colt, Lincoln, Evangeline, and Sara; brothers Brad (wife Angie), Scott (wife Vicky), and Bart (wife Lori); sister Dessie (husband Robert); along with several nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, extended family, and countless friends who will carry his memory forward. Berk's legacy will live on through the love he gave, the faith he modeled, and the family he cherished. Services will be held at Bakersfield First Assembly in Bakersfield, CA on November 8th, 2025 at 10am. Please join us in wearing Dodger blue during Berk's celebration of life.

Tributes

Berkeley Hight

November 11, 1966 - September 29, 2025