Edward Higgins Berke

Edward Higgins Berke

New Haven, CT - Edward "Eddie" Higgins Berke passed suddenly due to a tragic accident, July 4th on Casco Bay off Falmouth, Maine. He was 31.

He was the beloved son of Bruce A. and Nancy H. Berke of Bow, N.H, cherished brother of Hunter P. Berke of Charlotte, N.C., and life partner of Madelaine (Maddy) Pigott of Ontario, Canada and Stamford, CT. Eddie was predeceased by his loving grandparents, Edward and Jean Higgins, and Norman and Barbara Berke.

Born in Concord, NH, he grew up in Warner and Bow, NH, where he attended school and played youth and interscholastic sports. He was a 2011 graduate of Bow High School and a 2015 graduate of St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY with a bachelor of science in geology. He earned a master's of science degree in economic geology in 2022 from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He was employed as a hydrogeologist at Fuss & O'Neill in New Haven, CT, where he resided.

Eddie and his brother shared a love of the outdoors and sports, engaging in hockey, soccer, baseball, downhill skiing, hiking, and rock climbing. The brothers grew up sharing their father's passion for golf, and Eddie pursued a common interest with his mother in rocks and minerals that ultimately led to his study of geology and his profession of choice.

An avid Red Sox, Bruins and Patriots fan his whole life, he especially rejoiced in seeing the Red Sox "reverse the curse" in 2004 after becoming a true Red Sox fan in 2003 through the heartbreak (boo Aaron Boone) of losing the ALCS.

Never one to let much grass grow under his feet, he acquired a fondness for travel from his family's varied vacations (Norway, Yellowstone & Civil War battlefields) during his youth including their home in northern NH's White Mountains where, for a few summers and winters, he was a zip line and rock climbing guide at Bretton Woods. Prior to his graduate studies, Eddie traveled to Jamaica, India, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, as well as the American Rockies, living and working for a time in Canon City, Colorado and Jackson, Wyoming, where he met Maddy, the love of his life.

A young man with an adventurous spirit and a penchant for living in the moment, Eddie was a "ski bum" in Jackson Hole for two years. There he was a barista, brew pub waiter, ski instructor, a liftie, hiking guide, caddie, thespian, tarmac flagman, and baggage handler. After the ski life came his mining experience with Zephyr Minerals working at a prospective gold mine outside of Canon City. Later in grad school he was a geology department teaching assistant, the coach of the Iowa State women's club hockey team and an intern with Nevada Gold Mines in Elko, Nevada. And with each of these roles came many a story to tell.

Some have described Eddie as an "old soul" or a Renaissance Man for all of his varied interests and activities that seemed to span generations. He had an inspired approach to life and a passion for all kinds of music, literature, acting, poetry, and philosophy. His love of learning knew no bounds. More recently, Eddie came upon his bathroom renovation talents through diligent and precise learning and application of his new abilities. Flooring, tiling, trim, painting and fixture installation skills emerged.

Eddie was a people person and very likely never met anyone he didn't like. Connecting with others and relationships were important to him and he was always there for you if you needed him for anything. Friends he made were friends for life. In part, they became lifelong friends because Eddie always expressed interest in what others were doing or involved with in their lives. And whenever he was planning for the next adventure, he was inviting others in hopes they would join him for the experience.

Appropriately, his description of life in a May 2020 social media post found him recognizing his 10,000th day on Earth with this apt note..."it's a pretty sweet deal if you ask me," he wrote. "Here's to time flying while the fun's being had!" And fun he had, whether lighting up the dance floor, knitting retro golf head covers, sporting his grandfathers' hand-me-downs, writing heart-felt notes on his great-grandfather's typewriter, or hitting up record stores to score some vintage vinyl, every moment was one he savored.

In short, Eddie cherished his friends and family as well as the time he had to spend with them. We all love Eddie and he is sorely missed everyday by all of us who knew him.

Besides his parents, brother, and partner, he is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends in New Hampshire, New England, Canada and beyond.

Edward's family offers their heartfelt thanks to the men and women of the Maine Marine Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies that participated in the search.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Eddie Berke Memorial Fund to benefit organizations that reflect Eddie's love for golf (First Tee), hockey (Concord Youth Hockey) and geology (St. Lawrence University Geology Dept). Donations can be made by check payable to the Eddie Berke Memorial Fund and mailed to Franklin Savings Bank, 139 King St, Boscawen, NH 03303; or through Venmo at @EBMF21. Donations received will be divided between these organizations, however if you would like your contribution to support a specific activity, please indicate which activity you would like to support.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11am - 2pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, NH with a service and remembrances beginning at 11:30am.