Bill Berman, one of the pioneers of the California rental industry, died last month from complications related to diabetes. He was 86.

Berman started his rental career in 1946 with Shell Truck Rental on Market St. in San Francisco, which he co-owned with partner Al Shell. In 1970, Berman acquired A-1 Rental Center in Redwood City, Calif., which he owned until 1980 when he sold it to current owner Terry Tifft. Always active in the California Rental Association, Berman served as CRA president in 1974. He remained active in CRA's Over-the-Hill Gang, a group of retired members still active in association issues.

Berman is survived by his wife, Ann, sons Richard and Bob, and daughter, Diane Robinson.