RYNN BERRY Obituary

BERRY--Rynn, Jr., 68, of Brooklyn, New York, writer and authority on vegetarian history, died of complications from cardiac arrest while jogging in Prospect Park on December 29. After undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia, he made his life's work to promote public awareness of vegetarianism and animal rights. His step-mother Nancy W. Berry and half-brothers Charles and Peter Berry join Rynn's co-author and close friend Chris Abreu-Suzuki PhD and the entire vegetarian community in mourning the passing of a brilliant intellect and thoughtful and caring spirit. Donations in Rynn's memory may be made to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (www.seashepherd.org), the North American Vegetarian Society (www.navs-online.org) or the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (www.pcrm.org).

Published by New York Times on Jan. 11, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
for RYNN BERRY

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Professor Rynn Berry Jr., my best friend and devoted vegan & animal rights activist (even when nobody was looking!). I miss you very much; so do many others, who were fortunate to either attend your lectures, read your work or just hold an informal conversation with you (Once, Rynn and I attended Physics Nobel Laureate Sir Roger Penrose's book signing in Philadelphia, PA. Many readers were waiting in line to get an autographed book of Sir Penrose. The line was growing longer and longer behind us, as Sir Penrose and Rynn were engaging in deep conversations on Phylosophy, History, Physics, Anthropology, you name it ...and the line behind us continued to grow.. ). Professor Rynn Berry Jr. your teachings are here to stay and to liberate all creatres big and small, humans and non-humans. Happy birthday Rynn and Happy Vegetarian History Day on January 31st!!!

Dr. Chris Abreu-Suzuki

Friend

January 5, 2022

Miss you Rynn. Wish I could hear your wisdom as history continues to unfold.

Ms. J Halbert

Friend

January 6, 2021

Happy Birthday beloved friend, scholar and activist Rynn Berry. You will never be forgotten! I celebrate Vegetarian History Day with one of your memorable quotes:"My perspective of veganism was most affected by learning that the veal calf is a by-product of dairying, and that in essence there is a slice of veal in every glass of what l had thought was an innocuous white liquidmilk, Rynn Berry. "

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

February 1, 2020

Rynn left us so many great writings and recorded speeches and comments in his own voice. Celebrating January as Vegan History Month is a nice way to memorialize him, and an opportunity to educate others about vegan history. Jan 31 is his birthday which might be remembered as Vegan History Day in his honor. Thank you Rynn for your amazing scholarship and the memory of your wit and indomitable spirit. We won't forget you.

Vegan World Radio

January 5, 2020

I think of him often for many reasons and one stands out as he was a house guest at my beach place with several others and I put him steering and being Captain Berry of my sailboat while sailing the Albemarle Sound. That smile on his face is locked into my mind forever. Now, if I can just find that photo of this !! Captain Cook.

Jerry Cook

November 29, 2018

Rynn was a friend of mine, and I developed the Wikipedia article about him (and fought others about his 'notability').

I first met him at an NAVS Summerfest when he had been scheduled for an off-mainstream event. His DRY and wry sent of humor in discussing the fallible figures in vegan iconography was addictive for me.

Maynard Clark

November 28, 2018

I think of Rynn's wisdom, fabulous vocabulary, intriguing smile, and quick wit often. Those of us who knew him were very lucky, indeed. His written works and lectures are gifts for all of us.

Kerrie Saunders

November 27, 2018

Yesterday (one day after your Jan 31st birthday) Saurabh, David and I celebrated your life and work, Rynn, at vegetarian restaurant Saravanaa Bhavan. We had dosas, one of your favorites there. Your contributions to our lives were priceless and infinite.
On your birthday Jerrilyn also celebrated Vegetarian History Day via Vegan World Radio.
We miss you a great deal!

C.A. Suzuki

February 2, 2018

Rynn Berry was my roomate at school. He turned me on to reading and the importance of being a thinker.I will never forget this fellow. He helped shape my life. And, for the better.

Richard Schulman

January 31, 2018

Valenda Newell

September 19, 2016

I just today heard of Rynn's passing, I had the opportunity to meet him during his recent trip to south Florida . . I admired his work on behalf of veganism. My sincere condolences to his family

Neil Kaplan

June 21, 2014

I met you at a gathering in New Haven in (was it?)2004 and thoroughly enjoyed your incisive knowledge of the history of vegetarianism. A fine man, a fine intellect. Carpe diem.

r m fransson

May 13, 2014

Rynn Berry

April 15, 2014

Rynn Berry

April 15, 2014

It was a great pleasure to meet Rynn. I'd viewed him presentations he'd given and I think I've read just about everything he'd written in the popular press. But meeting him and then having lunch with him in NYC was probably one of my biggest thrills.

He was very generous of his time and his knowledge. Like many others, I will miss his bright light!

Russell Elleven

April 14, 2014

Rynn Berry

April 4, 2014

Rynn Berry

April 4, 2014

Rynn Berry

April 4, 2014

Rynn Berry

April 4, 2014

Rynn Berry

April 4, 2014

Rynn Berry

April 4, 2014

Visit the Wikipedia article about Rynn Berry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rynn_Berry

Maynard Clark

April 4, 2014

My sincere condolences and sympathy to Rynn Berry's family and friends. He encouraged and inspired me in my vegan life with his talks and books, and I am thankful for his life and work.

Pamela Young

March 14, 2014

Rynn was one of a kind. The v-world is the lesser for its loss.

Tom Regan

March 10, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

March 9, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

March 9, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

March 9, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

March 9, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

March 9, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

March 9, 2014

March 9, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

March 9, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

January 28, 2014

January 23, 2014

January 23, 2014

January 23, 2014

Rynn, you will be missed in this reality and welcomed in another. Good journey to you, friend of all of Earth's children!

Tomi Gatling

January 22, 2014

I count myself lucky to have met Rynn at a talk he gave in Houston. It was so kind of him to share his knowledge, warmth and wit on many occasions. May his unique voice live on in print and audio recordings and continue to inspire. He will truly be missed.

Michelle Gunnett

January 22, 2014

This man was an eminent historian and scholar. In his life's work he combined both a genuine enthusiasm for knowledge with a deep compassion for other living beings. He was one of the few people who are a light in this world, and we are all the poorer to be without him.

Patrick Hoyt

January 22, 2014

January 18, 2014

Dear Family of Rynn Berry Jr,

This must be a very sad time for you. We offer our condolences to you on the loss of a fellow eco-warrior. May Rynn's spirit live on and inspire others to have concern for the oceans, to have others continue on in his name to save that which we depend upon to breathe the air and drink the water. We appreciate his support and thank you for sending us this link to sign his guest log. We offer you the best of our support in this time of loss.

Frances Holtman
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Outreach Assistant
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

January 17, 2014

January 16, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

January 15, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

January 15, 2014

Chris Abreu-Suzuki

January 14, 2014

Rynn was such an inspiration for so many of us. I feel honored to have had the pleasure of meeting him, and I will miss him a lot. His legacy will continue to make a difference.

Nuno Metello

January 14, 2014

A generous spirit, a researcher with solid and honest convictions, and a brilliant writer. I'll miss our walks and great conversations, together with Chris who introduced us, moments that you shared your wisdom and your good feelings. It was always nice to see your joy in savoring the fruits of the season, here in Rio de Janeiro. You planted strong and fruitful ideas, winning our hearts, our thoughts and our gratitude. The vegetarian approach to a better world for all, lost one of its great warriors.

Celso Tchao

January 14, 2014

Rynn, you were dearly loved and are already sorely missed. Thank you for blessing so many of us with your warm, wise, and gentle spirit.

Gail Davis

January 14, 2014

Every time he was here, he brought to us and all of our friends peaceful mind and inspirational thoughts. His presence was always an honor to us. We do miss the opportunity to meet him once again in São Paulo, where he was expected to give a speech. God knows when and where this will happen. Thank you so much Rynn, R.I.P. Conceição and João, Restaurante Vegetariano, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

January 14, 2014

Rest in PEACE, gentle soul. We are forever grateful to have had the honor and pleasure of working with you towards a Vegan Planet!

B Session

January 13, 2014

What a sweet and gentle spirit. Rynn's words will live on to be a source of information for those seeking the compassionate lifestyle. My condolences to Chris and the family.

Kathy Brady

January 13, 2014

We will miss Rynn, probably the first vegan many v-curious people met.

Janet

January 13, 2014

Rynn, the (North American Vegetarian Society) Summerfest gang is going to miss you and your wonderfully enlightening, interactive talks. The best thanks a friend could offer is to strive to be as kind as you...and what an act to follow. Gratitude always.

Lee Hall

January 12, 2014

A gentle spirit, brilliant scholar and writer, and very special person. Your departure will be a loss so many who have learned from you over the years. Your advocacy for non-violence has been a blessing to the vegan community and to the animals who benefit from a humane lifestyle. Your books will keep the things you worked for alive in the hearts and minds of those who are privileged to read them.

Donna Hughes

January 12, 2014

I was very very fond of Rynn. I met him through Christina Suzuki and had many fine meals and wonderful conversations with him. He had a wonderful mind and a Great Spirit! He will be missed... - Mackian White

Mackian White

January 12, 2014

I am shocked and saddened by dear Rynn's premature departure. I have so many fond memories of Rynn. Of course, there is his gift of beautiful writing, so gently promoting the many benefits of plant-based eating. He was a soft-spoken, humble, and kind scholar. But first and foremost, he was a nice person, always with a smile on his face. He left us decades and decades before his important research on history of vegetarianism could be more completely presented.

Dilip Barman

January 12, 2014

Dear Rynn,
Much appreciation for your dedicated and extensive historiography of veg*ism.

Bill Harris, M.D.

January 12, 2014

Our colleague & friend Rynn Berry taught us all a great deal about Ahimsa via how he conducted himself & communicated. His demeanor was always humble & gracious, & he never sought out the limelight. He continually throughout his lifetime built upon his unusually broad range & depth of scholarly knowledge as a historian. Though he very generously shared that fairly unique expertise on countless occasions, there was never a moment when he conveyed any sense of proud self-importance. His passing is a profoundly sad loss, & his kindness, activism & teaching will truly be missed by our extended community.

Bob LeRoy

January 11, 2014

Your untimely passing is a tremendous loss to the vegetarian world, and most especially to the world at large. But thanks to your excellent writing skills, generations to come will be inspired by your path and your wisdom. Your steadfast dedication to a life of compassion will encourage countless others to follow and for that reason alone, you made your all-too-short time on this earth really matter. Memory Eternal, dearest Rynn . . .

Sue Speck

January 11, 2014

Rynn..I will miss your friendship and calming energy as much as your wisdom. Missing you but grateful that I got to know you in my life ..

Jerry Cook

January 11, 2014

You were my dear friend, teacher and inspiration. Thank you for all your incredible work and dedication. I can't see through the tears, but my life will be forever privileged for having known you. I will miss you always Rynn.

Jerrilyn

January 11, 2014

Rynn,
You are deeply missed. Your compassion, humility, and dedication are truly inspirational. I offer my deepest sympathies.

Hal Hamer

January 11, 2014

It was wonderful knowing Rynn even though the occasions were brief in São Paulo and in our small-holding sanctuary in Petropolis, Rio de Janeiro.
His work in defence of animal rights was an inspiration to all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Márcia Magalhães and Mike Donoghue

Márcia Magalhães

January 11, 2014

After contributing so much for the elevation of the humanity (including during your visits to my country), may you now enjoy the much deserved Heavenly Bliss wherever he may be. With my sincere condolences from Brazil.

Sandro Hung

January 11, 2014

Rynn, You have been an inspiration to all who knew you and of your many works. Many blessings as you keep up the work from the other side.

David Kidd

January 11, 2014

Your kindness and compassion will leave blessed footprints on this earth forever.
Maribeth

Maribeth Abrams

January 11, 2014

A best friend, a mentor, a role model loved by all, his lessons on ethical living are here to stay. My condolences to his family.

Dr. Chris Abreu-Suzuki

January 11, 2014

I offer my deepest sympathies, may your memories continue to bring you comfort, and always remember "God is our refuge and strength." - Psalms 46

Tyler

January 11, 2014

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