Search by Name

Search by Name

Berkeley Challis Obituary

Berkeley Elliott Challis took sudden leave from our planet on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Berkeley was born on May 17, 1982 in Oklahoma City to proud parents, Michael Challis and Elizabeth Hansel Challis. He is also survived by his brother, Samuel Challis sister, Claire Challis and his grandmother, Lois Hansel as well as aunts and uncles, Frank Challis, Steven and Sherry Hansel, Mark Hansel and Dianna Du'Aura and cousins, Nathaniel and Adrienne Hansel. Berkeley will be remembered by his amazing willingness to be of service to those in need. He was a true friend and always ready to lend a hand. He was a skilled automotive technician, a carpenter, a gardener, and the best cook in the family. Our community sadly will miss out on Berkeley's future supreme contributions and service to his family and friends. The Mansions on High now have a dedicated servant as he continues his Paradise ascent to find the satisfactions of eternal service. A Memorial service and celebration of Berkeley's life will be held at Mayflower Congregational Church, 3901 NW 63rd St., Oklahoma City, on Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to Clay Crossing Foundation, PO Box 8, Maud, OK 74854, would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oklahoman on May 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Berkeley Challis

Not sure what to say?





Ginny Lytle

June 8, 2009

Dear Michael, Beth, Sam and Claire,
My family has such fond memories of Berkeley. We will miss his engaging smile and the way he always made you feel he was glad to see you. I'll never forget his willingness to help,such as the time he and Sam came to help me move furniture on an August day in my un-airconditioned classroom and they wouldn't let me pay them for their labor. Please know how much we care. Love, Ginny

David & Holly Jones

May 27, 2009

Michael and Beth,
We cannot comprehend just how sad you must feel for the loss of Berkeley. This sorrowful time must still feel unreal and if you are looking for strength, look above. We hope, from our hearts, that your pain will decrease, that your spirit will gain strength again, and we pray that God will send you blessings.
Berkeley was a very special person. A young man that brought love and joy into our daughter's life. A love that some never get to experience, a forever love. He could brighten the darkest days just with his big, goofy smile. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
When you are feeling lonely for Berkeley, look to the Heavens in the night sky, he will be the one star that is burning so brightly. Think of him smiling down on you and you will find yourselves smiling with him and, in time, even laughing with him.
Please remember if there is anything that we can do, anything at all, do not hesitate to call, anytime, day or night.
Our love and prayers are with you always,

Marta & Dave Elders

May 27, 2009

Dear Beth and Michael & family:
Along with our love and prayers we wanted to express our deep sadness at the untimely loss of Berkeley's presence here on our world. His departure will surely leave a an unfilled place in your lives and we pray that it is steadily filled with memories of his time with you and his brother and sister. Knowing where he is going helps ease the mind's uncertainty and eventually transform the grief of loss into hope for the future ahead for him on the pathway to our Father. All our love.

Tracy Jones

May 27, 2009

I am very fortunate to have Berkeley in my life, as a love and a best friend. I am comforted that he is at peace and forever watching over me. I will keep him with me always. The Challis family and Berk's friends will be in my thoughts and in my heart as they try to find strength and hope in this sad time. Hold on to the good and let go of what is done. He is our guardian angel and with faith we can go on each day with comfort and peace. I love you beyond love Berk. You and me forever!

Tony Finstad

May 26, 2009

Dear Michael and Beth,
As your extended spiritual friends gather this evening here in Alaska, your family is at the center of our prayer circle. May the Divine Comforter bring your family courage....inner peace.... during this difficult time of transition. Sending Light and Love today and in the many weeks to follow.

Mo and Jen Siegel

May 26, 2009

Dear Michael and Beth,
Jen’s and my love go out to you. In your mind you know where your son has gone but the loss must be terribly lonely. Fortunately our Heavenly Father loves him even more than you do. Your earthly sorrows shall give way to lasting peace when you meet again. If we can help, please let us know. You're in our prayers, Love, Mo and Jen Siegel

David Cameron

May 26, 2009

Michael, Beth, Claire, and Sam-
Please know I am sending all of my best thoughts and hopes your way. I am so sorry for your most unexpected loss and it's unanticipated turn in your lives. Life continues to provide the most perplexing of learning opprotunities to all of us-
I wish for you that you all pass though the immediacy of mourning and grief to the better place of celebration of what a good soul Berkeley was, and how he touched you and others is such a positive and wonderful way.
The world was blessed by his presence, and he will always be with us all thanks to the quality of life he brought to everyone ever lucky enough to have experenced him.
He has now moved to a new stage in his existence, no one is ever really gone as long as they live on in the lives of those they have touched-
He will be missed but never forgotten, was are all better off for his time amoungst us all.

Paula Thompson

May 26, 2009

Dear Challis Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you and my heart is heavy for you. Jesus said, "I do not promise to deliver you from the waters of adversity, but I do promise to go with you through all of them." As you face the days ahead, please hold that promise close. In faith and friendship....Paula

DAve Muir

May 26, 2009

To all the Challis family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate these powerful moments. Berkeley now knows who he is more than ever before. Peace to you all.
Dave Muir

Mike Young

May 26, 2009

Michael, Beth, Claire and Sam

Our hearts and prayers are with you at this most difficult of times. Please take comfort in the love and concern of your extended spiritual famiy of Urantia.

Bill & Brendan Rocap

May 26, 2009

Though the snapshot of today is something tragic, we are lovingly reminded that the movie of Berkeley’s life has an amazing ending! My prayers are with you.

John & Kimberley Lobsinger

May 26, 2009

Michael, Beth, Sam, Claire,

We are the people of hope. Being part of the people of hope is that we believe in life beyond the grave. We believe that Berkley’s life continues, though altered and removed from ours. He still loves and he still feels. He lies beyond our physical grasp now, but not our spiritual reach.

Berkley now goes forth to the arms of God. Where he will be free to love fully in ways we can’t even understand. And when we are still enough and open enough, we can feel him. And we can hear him say, “I love you.”

And we could tell him we love him, too.

Berkeley leaves a legacy, even at such a young age. We will always remember his respect for his mother and sister, his friendship with his father and brother, and his love for his family. Our memories of Berk are those of an easygoing, affable guy, who was always willing to lend a hand, who loved his path in life, and who could light up the room with his smile.

We grieve with you for your loss, while we celebrate the life that was and still is!

Mary Taylor

May 26, 2009

Beth and family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Phil Taylor

May 25, 2009

Beth, Michael and Claire,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am saddened for the time that will pass with out the warmth of Berkeley's presence but I take heart in your faith and the determined destiny that you hold for your son and all God’s children.

Peace be upon your family and friends.

Gary Dangerfield

May 25, 2009

Michael & Beth, it has been far too many years since we have seen each other. I am so saddened to learn of your loss... but am so comforted by your eternal outlook... one which provides time for all things - even this painful thing, to be made right. www.garydangerfield.com

Karen, Chrys & Richard Larsen

May 25, 2009

Beth, Michael and Claire.....

Father is holding you, now more then ever, during the full emotional expressions of your human hearts. I am saddened by the feelings that you must now endure. Through your faith, the smile of your loved one is sealed within your mind,heart and soul, until you meet again.

Carol & Bill Kelley

May 25, 2009

Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Michael, Beth, Claire and Sam. Our Heavenly Father will provide you with the courage and the strength to endure your heartache from the loss of your hansome son, Berkeley.

The Mogilka's

May 25, 2009

Michael, Beth, Claire, and Sam,
Berkeley's smile and sweet eyes will always be remembered by us. I'm sure he will be there waiting for us when we meet him on the Mansion Worlds.
Much love,
Susan, Henry, Ian, Monique, and Kelley Mogilka

Stephen Zendt

May 25, 2009

When the book of someone's life is suddenly slammed shut, it strains loving hearts and minds to comprehend what has taken place.
May angels and spirit companions uplift our understanding of departure. May wisdom come and insight.
Michael and Beth and all your family are being held in bonds of loving care, now.
Knowing that we are all in a universe of love can place gentle balm in the heart of sorrow, and shine light upon our life.
Bless you as you heal.

David Kantor

May 25, 2009

In the depths of human experience,
Deep into the night,
Beyond the illumination of our meager campfires,
Far past the limited ability of words to comfort;
Out here,
Where a bitter cold wind blows in from the abyss,
Chilling the soul;
Out here,
Where we encounter the Mystery in all its terror --
Keep going;
One thought at a time.
Let love support you;
Let your spiritual benefactors
Strengthen your grasp on faith and trust,
Safeguard your spiritual values,
Recharge your zest for life.
Keep going, my friends.
We have miles to go before we sleep...

Susan Ransbottom

May 25, 2009

Beth and Michael,
I am holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that you perceive and are continually supported by the love and grace pouring into your lives during this most difficult and challenging human time.
Much love,
Susan Ransbottom

Lenny Cowles

May 24, 2009

It lifts us out of ourselves and beyond ourselves, when we once fully realizes that there lives and strives within us, something which is eternal and divine. And so it is, that a living faith in the superhuman origin of our ideals, validates our belief that we are children of God.

The pursuit of the ideal—the striving to be Godlike—is a continuous effort before death and after. Life after death is no different in the essentials than the mortal existence. Everything we do in this life which is good, contributes directly to the enhancement of the future life. Every mortal gain is, a direct contribution to the enrichment of the first stages of the immortal survival experience.

Paraphrased from the Urantia Book, 103.5

Arley & Rhonda Grubb

May 24, 2009

Michael & Beth, Our loving thoughts and prayers are with you.

Eric Cosh

May 24, 2009

Michael & Beth:

Please accept my sincere thoughts and prayers on the loss of Berkeley. One of the thoughts that comes to mind for me right now comes from the lyrics of a song that I wrote many years ago called "Together in Time". ..."thou time, is now between us, I know, in time we'll be. Together, and FREE!"

My warmest thoughts and prayers...

eric cosh

Brenda Fischer

May 24, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Carol Setters

May 24, 2009

Michael and Beth - My prayers are with you - what glorious reunions await us in heaven!
Carol

karen allen

May 24, 2009

Oh the memories I have of Berkeley since he was a little child, so full of life, so full of joy, and as he grew older into a strapping young man, so willing to lend a hand whenever called upon. I can remember many times he came to the aid of a damsel in distress. Our Father in Heaven has a new willing soldier of peace & love as our poor little planet must suffer the hole he has left behind. Love you Berkeley, eternally - Karen

Tom Allen

May 24, 2009

Here's a guy who will have no trouble recognizing the Personality of the Infinite Spirit. His legacy of service will only multiply exponentially as he progresses in his Paradise Ascent. Farewell Berkeley, but only for a season.

Tom

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

Make a Donation
in Berkeley Challis's name

Memorial Events
for Berkeley Challis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Berkeley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Berkeley Challis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more