Richard BERRY

Dr. RICHARD BERRY 'Dick' The world said a fond farewell to one of its most talented, adventurous and compassionate people this Mother's Day. Dr. Richard Edwin Berry, known to most as 'Dick' or 'Dr. Berry', passed away on Sunday, May 14 in Brampton, ON in his 81st year. He was predeceased by his wife, Carole Berry (nee Brighton); and survived by his three sisters, Imrie, Jean and Kathy; and his two brothers, Jim and Fred; his two daughters, Andrea and Susan; and his four grandchildren, Alison, Edwin, Ruby and Garrett. On March 8, 1942, International Women's Day, Dick was born in Madsen, Ontario,way up north where the roads did not reach and travel was only by bush plane, skidoo or canoe. From early childhood, he was a rascal: getting into mischief, seeking adventure, and entering into the hearts of many. Dick left the north and went to Toronto to study accounting at Ryerson. There he met his life-long love, Carole, claiming he knew the moment he saw her that she would be the one he would marry. They married on August 24, 1968, and welcomed their daughters, Susan (1973) and Andrea (1976) to their home in Malton. Dick returned to school, studying psychology at York University, earning his PhD, while also perfecting his squash game (much to the dismay of Carole who spent her spare time typing out his thesis!) Dr. Berry spent his professional career as a Clinical Forensic Psychologist, a pioneer in his field in many ways. He spearheaded a team to develop the SAFETY program at Thistletown Regional Centre for Adolescents, and then conducted many forensic psychological assessments for victims of institutional abuse, including residents of the Mount Cashel Orphanage and First Nation communities such as Sheshatshui in Labrador. Dr. Berry continued his private practice until 2015, when he (finally!) retired. Dick enjoyed the cottage in Minden on Horseshoe Lake for many years, windsurfing, canoeing, photographing the wildlife, trying to golf and puttering in the boathouse. He was a marathon runner, participating in dozens of Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton races, even realizing a life goal to run the New York City Marathon in 1999. A couple of weeks each winter was spent at the timeshare condo in Puerto Vallarta with family, a sunny beachfront reprieve from the work at the office. Dick was a fantastic husband, father and grandfather. His unending love for Carole was evident in the way his gaze always followed her around the room, and his unquestioning support for her work and community endeavours. He had an uncanny sense of knowing when the kids needed a listening ear, a bit of loving advice, and his fabulous 'Berry hugs'. As a grandfather, he found no greater delight than to play with his four grandchildren, making sure they had orange juice at every breakfast and read stories together. It was an absolute tragedy to see Dick decline in his last years to Vascular Dementia. Though his brain and body became crippled, even with dementia, his heart stayed wide open. In his final days, he continued to recognize his family, relish a shared hug and find joy with the sun on his skin and wind in his hair. Dad, we love you so much and are so grateful for the time we had with you. While it pains us to have lost you, we rejoice in knowing in our hearts that you have been reunited with the love of your life. Thank you for inspiring us to be bold and compassionate, and live life to the fullest. You are forever in our hearts, Dad. May you rest in peace. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 10 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga (84 S Service Rd, Mississauga, ON L5G2R9) visiting to start at 12:30 with a reception to follow.