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David Berray Obituary
David M. Berray had a "to do" list that was extraordinary, his wife, Alison Berray, said.
"He'd write down everything from taking out the trash to fly fishing on the Housatonic River in Connecticut to climbing Mt. Fuji. He'd get up very early in the morning and start the list."
Mr. Berray managed to accomplish just about all of the things he planned. The Berrays spent five years in Hong Kong and they rarely passed an idle moment.
They boated down the Mekong River, fished in Canton and hiked in Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. Once they went to New Zealand, where the summer days stretch dangerously long.
"Giving David 16 hours a day of sunlight was exhausting," Mrs. Berray said.
"It would be ten o'clock at night, the sun would still be up and David would ask, 'What do you want to do next?' "
Despite his abundant energy, Mr. Berray, 39, managed to take time off to stay home when each of his two children were born.
He had earned a master's degree from M.I.T. in technology management in 2000 and after a dozen years in banking, became chief operations officer for MoneyLine, an Internet based financial services company.
On Sept. 11, he was attending a technology seminar at Windows on The World.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Catherine Ostheimer
September 11, 2021
Thinking of David and his family today. We met through a mutual friend when I first moved to NYC from London in the late 80s. He introduced me to Yale football games, Vermont Christmas trees, the Surf Club on the Upper East Side, Veuve Clicquot and George Orwell's "Down and Out in Paris and London." Toasting to you this evening, my first NYC friend.
Bob Mulkey
September 11, 2021
I will always remember you running the halls of Telescan. You were so busy and full of energy. But you always had a moment to say hi. RIP
Robin Corkins
September 10, 2021
Also remembering David on this day 20 years later. David and I were in Boy Scouts together in Millbrook. We would plan camp outs at the troop meetings and then go with our patrol out to the Lean-to for the weekend. He was funny, smart and mischievous. I am glad to have known him.
Cindy Roe
September 1, 2021
Remembering David on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
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Deb M
August 5, 2019
Thank you to David Berrays family for the beautiful memorial bench near a Cambridge MA playlot by the Charles River. This is such a tranquil happy spot and the respite offered by the bench in the shade on a hot summer day induced me to look up the name in whose memory the bench is dedicated. My heart feels the love that was inspired by David M Berray. My gratitude and caring thoughts embrace his wife, children and loved ones as I rest on his bench. Thank you!
A grateful stranger.
Julie Carroll
September 11, 2018
I worked with David very briefly at Telescan in 2001. That his mentoring words of wisdom have stayed with me throughout my career speaks to the impact this man had on people. He walked into a room smiling, full of positive energy and focused on the task at hand. He was one that you never forget.
Del Newberry
October 9, 2017
Each day I read an entry from this legacy page and am reminded that none of us are promised another day. We need to honor the legacy of all the people and learn from people like David, who lived each day to its fullest and included time for his family. I pray today for David's friends and family today. Much love from TExas,
Joe Heller
September 11, 2016
Thinking of you today David.
Lorraine Moolenaar
September 11, 2016
I remember you on every anniversary of 9-11. I remember the happy times sharing champagne in NYC with your elegant mom, Vera, and our cabaret singer friend, Diana Rogers. Your smart and joyful persona always shined. To your wife, children, and mother I send condolences.
My Mom Inez and I
Jo Riley
October 1, 2013
Hi David,
We certainly had some great times at reunion (Community of Christ family camp in the beautiful San Juan Islands) and poking around Aunt Belle and Uncle Charlie's place. I remember you as a happy smiling mischievous kid, full of life and wit. You were so smart and so very funny.
Aunt (cousin really) Dona Rawlins passed away last week. I saw Susan and Uncle John at the funeral. Susan's daughter Celeste is very pretty and clever. She loves to make creams and lotions from plants and essential oils.
My children are growing up just like yours. Willow is 22 beautiful and still searching, Indigo is 19 in her 2nd year of university at Western. Brando is nearly 17 and graduating from high school this year.
A few years back I was in New York for the Home Show with my best friend Wendy Williams Watt and we had a blast with your Mom. We met at Grand Central station for drinks then went to the restaurant under the bridge beside Terrance Conran's Habitat (:( closed store.) There we had amazing appetizers followed by the greatest dinner ever at Mr. Chow's. We met Tommy Tune and Wendy's boyfriend was the ex goalie of the Rangers so when the stars from the NY Yankees sat down at the table next to us they were fans of each other. A great time and many rounds of drinks ensued. We Canadians in our 40's were dead tired following that incredible night but not Vera. She was ready to hop in the limo with the baseball players and go out dancing! Pass me another Kir Royale please.
I did not get to meet Allison sadly, or your gorgeous kids Lauren and Lachlan who are both pretty grown up by now too.
I miss you dear cousin, I am sitting here thinking of you and things I wish I'd done.
Love always, Jo Riley
xoxo
P.S. Allison, Lauren and Lachlan, I am David's cousin from Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Aunt Bertha was a Dallyn girl as was her brother Clifford who was my Grandpa. My Mom Inez Thederahn (nee Dallyn) grew up on a farm in Ribstone, Alberta.)
Kathy Oelke
March 27, 2013
Thank you so much Barbara.
Barbara Boam
February 20, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #180) on 2/19/13 as a dedication to your life.
May 8, 2012
I am not a relative or friend,but on Sat.May 6,2012, my husband and I toured the Tribute Center in NYC. I purchased a silver bracelet to honor the person whose name was on it. The name on it was David Berray. I right away felt like I had to find his name on the fountain wall,then when I got back home to PA,I had to look online to try and contact family. It sounds like it would have been an honor to have known him. God bless you and keep his memory alive.I will by wearing his bracelet. Nina Latta Reading,PA
January 18, 2012
To The Family,
Many persons did not lose family members on the horrific day of 9/11 but all caring persons are pained by the thought of it. I extend my deepest condolences to you in the loss of your loved one.
Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC
Kathy Berray Oelke
March 6, 2010
I think of you often David. You were taken away too soon. The only thing that helps me through all of it is that you are with your Dad, Brother, and Grandparents. Love you Cousin
patricia berray
February 13, 2009
i am also a berray i stumbled upon this..can u plz tell me if he was ever related to a paul e berray or san diego area????
Debbi Berray Stephens
February 5, 2009
David was my cousin on the Berray side of the family. His father, Bob and my dad, Richard were brothers. Although we lived so far apart, David was always the jokster in our family. My only regret is that we didn't live closer to one another to share family and friends. How comforting it is to read all the messages about David and the lives he touched. We still talk about him, miss him, and honor him. God Bless Allison and the kids. You're all in our hearts and prayers more than you will ever know.
Doug Abraham
April 2, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Kristine
October 18, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
August 23, 2006
In memory....
Kimberly Haley-Coleman
September 11, 2003
From the moment I met him, I new David was a rare person who made a positive impact on everyone he met. He was the only mentor I ever had, and I cannot believe the world will be without him. I still repeat everyday various words of wisdow he imparted to me. He demanded a lot, got a lot, and made the world better. I started out as his 1st employee when he was COO at Telescan in Houston. By the time I left, virtually everyone reported to him. He scared a few people, maybe a lot, but scared them into doing their very best. When I left the company, he was so generous to throw a big party and wish me the best, keeping in frequent touch. I last saw David in New York a few weeks before Sept 11th where he helped me in setting up my new business. No doubt the very moment the plane hit, he was engaged in such a discussion with someone else. He was a friend, a family man, a committed human being. I feel for Alison, Lochlin and Lauren. A treasure is gone.
Catherine Wiest
September 11, 2003
Dear Alison, Today you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I raised my flag at 8 AM in memory of your beloved David. Please extend my thoughts and prayers to David's Mother, your Dad and the rest of the family. Give a big hug to Lauren and Lochlan for me. Family is so important at times like this. You are so brave.
Much love, Your cousin Catherine
Cathi Wiest Desmarais
September 11, 2003
I meant to say "your children" when I said "your girls".
Cathi Wiest Desmarais
September 11, 2003
David's wife Alison is my second cousin, one generation removed. (Alison, your grandfather George Bair was my mother's first cousin) Though I have never met David, I wanted Alison and her girls to know that we prayed and hoped and worried with them when my mother heard the news from Alison's father on September 11, and we will continue to honor your loss and pray for you all each year.
Malcolm McMullen
September 10, 2002
David and I met on the Soccer field at Hotchkiss. He was Goalie and I was the center Fullback and so we spent alot of time together. We both were at prepschool (Hotchkiss) in Lakeville, Ct. and I was touched in the profile that he still loved fishing in the along the school boundries. His energy was contagious then, and from the other comments made here, one can see that his energy was a constant throughout his short life. I have told stories many times about how smart he was, since well before his tragic death. Dave was one of the brightest people I ever knew. I pray for his wife and children who I have never met, as well as his circle of friends who had remained close throughout his personal and professional life. I wish I had.
Sally Berray
September 7, 2002
I just wanted to say hello to David's friends and family. The things I read on the internet about David's joyous spirit, and the fact we share the same last name motivated me to make the United in Memory quilt square in his honor. My heart goes out to you.
Ann Actkinson
September 3, 2002
My fondest memory of David was his smile. He seemed to always be smiling. I didn't work with him directly, but I saw him frequently and no matter how busy, or how intense, he always said, "hello" and a smile. I miss his smile. I miss his intelligence. I miss his down vest. You have to understand - in Houston, Texas, we don't see down ski vests often. He looked like he had just walked out of an LL Bean catalog. And I loved teasing him about it. And he would laugh. And smile.
I wish I could have worked with him again, although it was unlikely as he loved the northeast and I am a Texan. But he inspires me today. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and his family. I was honored to know him.
I miss you, David. But, thank goodness you passed through my life, no matter how brief, to inspire me.
Krista Mann
August 13, 2002
I think of your family often and am sorry for your loss. I know that David will be always in your hearts. And he will always be in ours; it is amazing how tragedy has led us to live our lives more joyfully. Thank you, David for reminding us to enjoy each day. My prayers and thoughts are with you all! Love, Krista.
Jordan Oelke
April 26, 2002
David is my mothers cousin and so he would be my cousin to, and i just wanted to say that my family really misses David, but we know that he is having a grrrreeeaatt time up in Heaven! :) GOD BLESS DAVID M. BERRAY!
Angie Campbell
April 22, 2002
May God Bless you and the ones that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in God's loving peace.
Robert Costello
March 11, 2002
Maura and I will always remember David's zest for life and contagious smile. Whenever we would see him in Singapore when he and Allison would come down from Hong Kong to visit Allison's brother Ted, the evenings were always full of great stories and great laughs.
We consider ourselves truly fortunate for having met David and having had the opprotunity to spend time with him.
Love,
Rob, Maura & Max
Maria Walton
February 5, 2002
What to say about a man who touched so many lives so positively...I was priviledged to work with David during his time here in Houston as one of our Senior Vice Presidents. Always so positive, and dedicated to the task at hand, all who came in contact with him only yearned to be such a fantastic leader and mentor. I had aspirations to become the professional I am today when David came to work for us...he always told me, "You can do it, I know you can". Words of encouragement were never few and far between. He gave me the leadership and focus needed to succeed in my career, but also kindness and understanding words when needed. Our company had experienced some very tough transitional pains, and through it all he was understanding and kind. For me he was the "Human" in Human Resources, he tought me so much and also taught me to never forget what is most important "family". To all of us who knew him, we are so grateful that we were blessed with such a gift. Alison, Lauren, and Lachlan were his center...A loving husband, and father...he is truly a HERO for all of us to remember and admire...I know I do.
My deepest sympathy,
Maria Walton
Seth Krosner
January 16, 2002
David and I went o high school together at Hotchkiss. WE were even i the same semnior English Class (mr. Carlisle's). I am so sorry for his tragic loss.
Marta Johnson
January 14, 2002
David was a great man. I learned a lot from him working with him at Bankers Trust. It is so sad.
Teresa Jahn
January 8, 2002
What a smile full of life and enjoyment of living. His smile must reflect the warmth in his heart. We are very sorry for your loss of David. May his warm smile, his life and love live on in those who love him. May the sorrow in your hearts be lightened by golden memories of times shared with David. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
IRENE
December 7, 2001
GOD BLESS DAVID M.BERRAY AND MAY HE
REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY
AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Dennis Santiago
December 1, 2001
David Berray and I worked together at Telescan in Houston for about six months in 2000. He was a very talented and charismatic individual. Cool under fire. A pleasure to work with.
We traveled to Houston from opposite coasts leaving our families behind on Sunday and hopefully return by week's end.
In the evenings, we would talk about our families. We missed them. We plotted gifts for our wives for being such troopers as we worked far from home. David adored his daughter. His second was not expected until November 2000.
I remember he came in one day with a picture of Lauren standing in the middle of a stream in New Jersey fishing. An avid fisherman, it was clearly proud papa day. He was wearing that big huge David Berray grin on his face. The kind he would get when he was really happy about something.
His dream was to find a way to work in New York. To be closer to and enjoy his family. He wanted this to be his next great adventure. He did make it home. It lasted less than a year.
When I heard what happened I cried. When I got home I hugged my wife and daughters. And then I got very angry.
The conference he was attending at the World Trade Center was one I had attended several years before. Required study for leaders in the market-data industry somewhere along the learning curve.
The career and life parallels made the pain very personal. He deserved more time with those kids.
David Berray touched my life quite deeply as it turned out. More than I had realized when we were together. I am honored to have known him.
With deepest sorrow,
Dennis Santiago
PATRICIA HOPKINS
November 8, 2001
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR TRAGIC LOSS.
I JUST WHAT TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT MY
MEMORY OF DAVID WHEN I FIRST MET HIM
,EVEN THOU IT HAS BEEN 30 YEARS, HE
IS STILL A FAMILY MEMBER. DAVID WAS
MY SECOND COUSIN ON MY MOTHER'S
(VERNA) SIDE OF THE FAMILY (MORRISON). HIS GRANDFATHER NORMAN
AND MY GRANDFATHER WILBERT WERE
BROTHERS. I MET DAVID 30 YEARS AGO,
THIS PASS JUNE, WHEN DAVID AND HIS
GRANDPARENTS NORMAN AND BERTHA
MORRISON CAME TO VISIT RELATIVES IN
ONTARIO, CANADA IN 1971. RECENTLY MY
AUNT BERNICE (BETTS) SENT ME 2
PHOTOGRAPHS OF DAVID WHEN HE WAS 9
YEARS OLD TOGETHER WITH HIS SECOND
COUSINS AND ALSO ANOTHER PICTURE
WITH THE ADULTS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER. PHOTOGRAPHS IS WHAT KEEPS
MEMORIES ALIVE AND ALSO REMIND US
THE TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER.
TO DAVID'S PARENTS BOB AND VERA, HIS
WIFE ALISON AND HIS TWO CHILDREN
LAUREN AND LOCHLAN FROM MY FAMILY
(HOPKINS AND BETTS) TO YOURS, WE
WISH TO EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHY IN YOUR
FAMILY'S LOSS. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR
FAMILY DURING THIS TRAGIC TIME. OUR
HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU,
ALWAYS
SINCERELY
PATRICIA HOPKINS
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