Arthur Charles Berry
March 25, 1943 - May 8, 2015
With great sadness we share the news of Art’s passing. Born in Montreal, his Mother moved the family to Rawdon, Quebec after his Dad died from a wound received in the war. Art joined the Navy right out of school and it was during his service that he learned many of the lessons that became the foundation of his life.
Art and his partner went on to open one of the first data processing bureaus in Canada and when companies shifted to in-house computing, Art shifted his focus as well, helping to introduce Cobra Golf to Canada. He stayed in the golf business for many years. His last career was in the employ of the Yates Funeral Service on Vancouver Island, a role that he dearly loved and very reluctantly retired from only recently.
When Art was young, his Mom told him that she wanted him to be a thief - She wanted him to steal something good from each person he met. That became the philosophy for his life.
One of his passions was for the Masonic Brotherhood. He joined the Lodge in Quebec, was Master of Sunnylea Lodge in Ontario three times. When he moved to Vancouver Island, he became a member, and ultimately secretary, of Euclid Lodge. He met many wonderful friends and made lifelong connections that shared his values across Canada through the fraternity.
Art made time for others and would always find a way to help someone that was in need. A great communicator, he kept in touch with friends old and new. He had integrity in his work and his relationships, never taking shortcuts to make things easier for himself and he brought that out in others.
The ultimate caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Art leaves his wife Mary Ellen to remember the love and the laughter. He will be deeply missed by his sons and their families; Christopher, his wife Sonia, and grandchildren, Philip and Victoria; Matthew, his partner Katherine, and grandchildren, Jacob and Victor; and James, his wife Corrie, grandchildren, Sydian and Clover. He loved them all so so much.
He also leaves to miss him, sisters, Marjorie Laviolette of Owen Sound, Ontario, and Barbara Hoard of Milton, Florida; their families; as well as his first wife and friend, Sheila Deveney; his cousins; and his Uncle Spike. Art was predeceased by his parents Maude (Goudey) and Arthur Charles Berry Sr.
Art was deeply involved with Mary Ellen’s family, loved them all and was loved in return, especially her mother, Liz and, his partner in crime, Sheila. They will miss him as well.
Thank you to the many, many friends and family and his Masonic Brothers who visited, called, emailed and texted, and generally supported him. His last few weeks on earth were so full of love, concern, and fun. We love you all.
The Palliative Care Team at the Nanaimo General Hospital with the special nursing staff, the doctors, and the volunteers, made Art’s last days comfortable and supported the family and friends as well. Thank you all so much. You are all amazing.
To Barry Tuck and all of the staff and his friends at Yates Funeral Service, the family appreciate your gentle help with guiding us through this difficult time and showing us how to make it meaningful for everyone.
Art always wished to live respected and die regretted…..and so he did.
God bless you.
There will be a Memorial Service in Art’s honour at 2:00 pm on Saturday,
May 23rd at Yates Funeral Service, 1000 Allsbrook Road in Parksville.
In lieu of flowers, please make sure you have registered as an Organ Donor, a cause near and dear to Art’s heart or make a donation in his memory to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation, 1200 Dufferin Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B7 where he received such wonderful care each time he was there.
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesfuneral.ca
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM
(250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.