ROBERT DANIEL (DAN) BERRY

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ROBERT DANIEL (DAN) BERRY Suddenly, on Saturday, December 2, 2006 at the St. Boniface Hospital, Dan passed away at the age of 56 years, as a result of complications related to cancer. Left to mourn, besides his siblings and their partners, are his children, Alicia (Jayson Leclercq), Megan, Shaina Berry; grandson Jayden Leclercq; nieces and nephews, Jon and Kris Helgason, Chris Millman, Ben, Samantha, Shauna, Julie and Brad Grisdale-Berry; his very special friend Barb Einarson and family, and new friends, Jocelyn Wardrope and Jim Gardiner and their families. The first New Year's baby in Saskatoon in 1950, born to Bob and Elva Berry, Dan was big brother to Susan, Jeff and Blaine. Most of his early years were spent in Regina, later moving to Winnipeg and going to Kelvin High where he was a fine and popular student who played with the Clippers and won many city races in track and field. A highlight of his return to Winnipeg a few years ago was a visit with his old coach, Mike Kachmar. Beginning his working life as a Mounted Police officer, Dan took his undergraduate work in commerce and policing/law, and went on to complete a Master's in Adult Education. This led him to his career in college teaching and administration. He left this career to work in writing and publishing and most recently was getting ready to work on his PhD. His parents would have been so proud. Dan Berry was a handsome, charming and kind-hearted man who cherished his three beautiful daughters. He was also close to his sister and brothers. Recently, he was proud to support his sister's artistic ventures, enjoyed little chats with his nephews, and this summer was back home in Edmonton for a few months of pizza, movies and car rides to work and school with his girls. He was so proud of his little grandson, Jayden. The sun rose and set on his first daughter, Alicia, and when Megan and Shaina came along, it was the same. He was hugely entertained by their wit, their naughtiness, their beauty and charms! He was rarely frazzled by little girl tears or stomping, by teenage antics or needs; he laughed easily and he was rewarded with three wonderful kids. Although he and his wife Ali recently parted ways, he remained loyal and concerned about her, wanting her to be happy always. He spoke on the phone with both her and his daughter shortly before he died. On Wednesday, December 13 at 1:30 p.m., Dan's funeral service will be held in St. James Presbyterian Church, 1476 Portage Ave. (across from the Clarion Hotel). Flowers are gratefully declined and those who wish may make a donation in Dan's memory to a charity of one's choice. Go softly into the night, dear brother. Dan's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 09, 2006