Obituary of Steven John Berry
My dear husband, Steve Berry, died, Nov. 5th, in hospital surrounded by family. After living with ALS for three years, we part with him in mixed emotions. It is acutely painful to lose the beautiful heart of the man we knew and loved, but also we can find some comfort with the knowledge that he is released from the prison that this disease turned his body into, and that he is finally once again at peace and in everlasting joy with his Father in Heaven.
Born in Manchester, England, Steve moved to Canada with his parents Christine Berry and John Berry at age three. He was an active boy and enjoyed a childhood full of hockey, soccer, and bowling. He loved spending time playing with his brothers, Scott and Michael, and began his lifelong appreciation of superhero, sci-fi, and fantasy genres. As a teenager, he embraced the social side of high school and was involved in school theatre.
Steve graduated from Fanshawe College with a degree in Electrical Techniques. He spent seven years working at Electro-Motive Diesel in London Ontario, as an electrical technician building locomotives, until its closure in 2012. Through this job he was given the opportunity to travel to China and South Africa, experiences he treasured. Most recently, Steve was employed as an electrical technician on tanning beds at Uvalux in Woodstock, a company that quickly became like family.
Steve loved and is loved dearly by family and friends. He was the most caring, funny, and generous man you could meet. So much so that, as those who visited can attest, he kept his room at Participation House stocked with presents - Harry Potter wands, action figures, hockey cards - things that he would quickly give away without a second thought. Seeing the surprise and joy on the recipient's face was priceless to him and in turn brought him great happiness.
He also always loved good food - no shrimp ring or plate of deviled eggs was safe in Steve's vicinity. But when ALS stole his ability to eat he didn't turn bitter or want people to not eat in front of him. Again, he used it as an opportunity to gather joy from others' joy. One of his favourite things was to purchase a meal for his visitors - because if he couldn't enjoy good food anymore, he wanted all of us to do so on his behalf.
Steve always had an easy laugh, a kind word, and an encouragement for everyone. The twinkle that would appear in his eyes would let you know he was either up to something silly, or really excited, or both. He was a wonderful, loving, and supportive husband and father to his young son Tristan. He lovingly left many pieces of advice, heirlooms, and presents for Tristan to discover, learn from, and enjoy as he grows. Through these keepsakes and the sharing of our memories of Steve, Tristan will always know and adore his father.
Steve is deeply loved and will be forever missed.
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With sadness and love we announce the passing of Steve Berry on Nov. 5th, 2018 at the age of 43. Loving husband of Rebecca Hoke Berry. Proud father of Tristan Steven Berry. Dear son of Christine and the late John Berry. Dear brother of Scott (Nikki) and Michael (Carolyn) Berry. Beloved uncle of Jaden, Mason, Hudson and Lia. Dear son-in-law of Stephen and Arlene Hoke. Dear brother-in-law of Jennifer (Michael) Bentivogli and Michael Hoke.
Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Nov. 7th, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 o'clock. Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Justin's Church, 855 Jalna Blvd., on Nov. 8th at 11 o'clock. Cremation with interment in St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to Participation House or ALS Society would be appreciated.
