Dennis Berry:
"Always Good To Go"
A eulogy by Maureen McIntire
When Judie asked me to speak today about her husband and my colleague in the Student Affairs office, I was, of course, deeply honored. But I struggled late into the evening with two issues:
First, how to convey those unique characteristics that taken together made Dennis Berry a man so loved and respected. For Dennis was not a simple man; he was a man of many passions and purposes. I worried how to convey this complexity. But in watching the hundreds of people who have come here today, I realize I need not have worried. We each in our own way have been touched by Dennis' magic, that magic that was the "Berry Family," and each of us understands the uniqueness that was Dennis.
Secondly, I worried that I would not have the strength actually to stand here today and to speak to you. For Denny was my friend and my colleague and I shall miss him more that I can possibly express.
I have been blessed over the years with many wonderful friends and colleaguesnone, however, with more spirit and love of life than Denny. It was his eagerness to embrace life that was the defining characteristic of Denny's life. As Denny himself would have said, he was "always good to go."
Among the "loves" in Denny's life were his friends and his children's friends. He talked about them often and at some lengthas was Denny's style. He was a loyal friendnot a characteristic to be taken lightly. He was supportive and caring. Dennis was a sensitive friend, a man who often hid his sensitivity behind humor or, sometimes, even abruptness. But I always found that it was there, just below the surface, waiting to be tapped.
W. Dennis Berry
1951-1998
Dennis also loved his job. He truly did. He faced each day with excitement, eager for the challenges it would bring. He was always "up" and never seemed to have a "down" day. It could be tiring just watching Denny work. He regularly expressed surprise that he actually got paid to do the work he did.
Dennis particularly loved his role as mentor and coachwhether with the students who daily sought his advice and counsel, with his junior colleagues, with the many teammates of Tasha and Justin, or with those of us whom he convinced to join him in the Fitness Center. He was a patient teacher, always ready to listen and to offer advice. He was a motivator, convincing people to go just a bit further. The successes of the many young people, so many of whom are here today, whose lives he touched will stand as a living tribute to his memory.
In the past few days, Denny was promoted to Assistant Dean of Students, a hard-earned and much-deserved recognition. He was thrilled. He believed in the work that he was doing, took great pride in his association with Washington College, and was justly proud to have been recognized in this manner.
But all these rolesbe they as friend, colleague, coach, or mentorpale in comparison to his role as devoted son and brother and loving father and husband. Nothing in Denny's life was as important to him as his family: his parents, Judie's parents, his brother, his sisters and their families. Never doubt that he loved you greatly.
However, it was in his role as father to Tasha and Justin and husband to Judie that Denny shone, where he was his best at the very "top of his game." There is no father who more loved his children or who was more devoted to them. No father was prouder of his children. So, Tasha and Jay, you are the real legacy your father has left us. You have been blessed with extraordinary parents, both your mother and your father. Your father was a good man and you have much of which to be proud.
Judie, only you know the depths of your relationship with Denny. The rest of us could only look on with awe and more than a bit of envy at your closeness. You were Denny's finest moment. All that was special in Denny was clearly on display in the open affection he expressed for you.
I knew Denny well enough to understand that he would have preferred to spend these final moments only with you, Judie, and his family. So, for all of us, I thank you for finding the strength to share this day with us. I hope you will find some measure of comfort in our presence, for we too have come to say "good-bye, Denny. We have loved you and we will miss you."
