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Richard Berry Obituary
Born in Dallas, Rick pursued his education with dedication, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Texas State University before obtaining his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. His passion for helping others led him to a distinguished career in Austin, where he practiced family medicine for 48 years. Throughout his career, he was known for his approachable nature and unwavering commitment to his patients.
Rick was a man of quiet strength and deep compassion. He had an easygoing demeanor that made him instantly likable and accessible to those around him. His kindness and willingness to help others were defining traits that touched many lives. Above all else, he cherished his family. He adored his children and grandchildren and took immense pride in their accomplishments.
Rick is survived by his sons, Jonathan (Cat) and Colin; grandchildren, Aurora, Bronwyn, Ronan and Sarin; great-grandchildren Anna Leigh, Keegan, Eli & Bryan; brothers, Ron (Myra) & Steve (Wendy); sister, Donna (Don); nieces, Haley, Natalie, Kaitlin, Sara & Sydney; and nephews Kevin & Brian. He was preceded in death by his parents, BW Berry and Dorothy Berry Brandt, daughter, Jennifer, and granddaughter, Heather.
A memorial service will be held on February 15 at12 PM Noon, at Eastside Community Church, 1190 Chicon St., Austin, TX 78702. Parking is available in an adjacent lot at the intersection of 12th & Chicon.
Rick's legacy is one of warmth, generosity, and dedication to both family and community. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Berry
Wendy Watson
February 14, 2025
All memories of Rick make my heart smile. One of the kindest, caring, and compassionate men I have ever known. His sense of humor always made me laugh. He had a quiet demeanor but was so smart. I always enjoyed listening to him talk and it was usually him asking how someone was.
I love and miss him dearly.
Love,
Wendy
Barbara Berkeley
February 12, 2025
I met "Brother Rick" while a graduate student at UT in 1974. He had just graduated from UTMB and was completing ER work at Breckenridge. He had a cute A-frame out by Jonestown where Jennifer and Colin were born. It was a wonderful time in Austin and the Berry family introduced me to their amazing clan. Family and extended family were all around and if you were lucky, you were included. And were grateful to learn and remember some of the family stories, relatives and relationships! Rick was often at the center and everyone was grateful to know this kind, gentle, generous soul. It was a privilege to watch him face his battle with the same generosity, compassion, dedication, love and concern for his family near and far. He did all he could to take care of everyone in his circle. What a blessing to know someone so dedicated to loving all. Peace and comfort to all touched by his gentle spirit.
Jay Newman
February 10, 2025
I recall the first time I met Rick….it was 1989 and his brother, Ron, and I flew to Austin from Dallas for business. Mysteriously, Ron stopped the car in front of an office building and told me follow him to the office windows….where Ron began to tap furiously on the glass until some doctor motioned for us to come inside. This was my first introduction to Dr. Rick…and I was struck by how unusually approachable and friendly he was. This doctor was more than Austin-laidback. He was genuine and he clearly cared about his family (how else to explain "dropping in" on a busy doctor?). That was 35 years ago and through that time the good doctor and I crossed paths many times. Always friendly. Always genuine. And always in the moment while enjoying family and friends in his company. RIP, Rick. You made a difference in countless ways.
Dilbara England
February 9, 2025
Dr. Richard Berry was an incredible man. An amazing doctor and great mentor from whom I've learned so much. He was loved by so many. He adored his family, was always proud of his "boys", and never failed to mention their achievements.
It's hard to find a right words to do this man justice.
He will be missed indeed.
A. L. Stickelbault
February 16, 2025
He is missed. Dr. Berry was my primary physician for over 20 years. He was a gentle soul and was honest.
Adolph L. Stickelbault
Kristen Bolling
February 8, 2025
There are many things that I will miss about Rick, but what I will miss most is his voice. His beautiful Texas accent was warm and inviting, with rounded vowels that transformed even the simplest words into something special. When he called his dog, "Say-um, c'mere, bo-y," it felt like a love song. I once mentioned that listening to him speak lowered my blood pressure. Ever the scientist, Rick insisted I measure my blood pressure upon my arrival and again after our morning discussions, just to test my claim. He could never prove me wrong.
But it wasn't just the quality of his voice that I'll miss; it was also the wisdom behind his words. He spoke with the thoughtful cadence of a John Steinbeck novel, carefully choosing simple yet impactful phrases that always got to the heart of the matter.
I can almost hear Rick's voice as I write this, saying "awwww, Kristen, that's so sweet …but remember: less is more".
So, I'll end it here.
Ron Berry
February 8, 2025
Rick was the best brother one could imagine. For almost 78 years, he was more than my little brother, he was my best friend. From our childhood together, to going off to college, starting our careers and families, and enjoying our retirements in Austin, he was always a central player in my life. He'll be in my heart forever, and I'll miss him for the rest of my life.
Jim Rogers
February 9, 2025
I met Rick during high school (Woodrow Wilson H.S. in Dallas) where our classes included honors Chemistry, Math and Physics. We became closer as he began to attend Lakewood Methodist Church were my family attended. We also worked on the school annual (The Crusader) in our senior year. We finally found that both of us wanted to become doctors. A student teacher in our math class (from North Texas State University) told us that we could live off campus and she recommended University Apartments. We shared a two-bedroom apartment there our freshman year with John Etchieson and Wilson Jones (also from Woodrow). After that we moved to the Hickory House (closer to campus) where we shared an apartment with another premed student (Larry Burrows from Atlanta in east Texas) for the last 3 years of college.
We encouraged each other and studied constantly alternating getting the best class exam scores in our premed classes. As we approached our graduation from North Texas State University we applied to the Texas medical schools. Rick was accepted at Galveston and me at San Antonio. We were ecstatic to be accepted but saddened by not being able to continue our studies together.
As I expected, Rick became a competent caring family practice physician and I know he touched many lives. He certainly touched mine. When my wife Emilie and I last visited Rick at his apartment in Austin in mid-December we were so touched by his bravery as he approached his final days at home on hospice care. He had purchased a 3 wheeled motorized bike so he and his dog Sam could go for outings in the beautiful green space where his apartment was located near Central Market and the Austin State Hospital. His same zest for living was still apparent and I was so pleased that we could tell each other in his final days how important we had been to each other. I will miss him very much but am so glad to have had Rick as my dear friend. He will be in my thoughts for as long as I live.
Jim Rogers, MD
Child Psychiatrist
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