Obituary of Bernard Berry

The sun rose on the life of Mr. Bernard Berry on April 5, 1947 in Denver, Colorado when he was born to Fermon Berry and Othella Berry. The oldest of three children, Bernard had one brother, Gregory Lawrence and one sister, Regina Lee. A happy child, he was dependable, responsible and loving. He loved to hunt and was very caring for his siblings. Educated in the public school system, Bernard graduated from Manual High School, Class of '65. A Vietnam War veteran, Bernard enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of nineteen. In 1969, he served in Cahmran Bay, Vietnam. He was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV. When he completed his active duty with honor and distinction, he was given an Honorable Discharge from the Air Force and a grateful nation. In 1970, Bernard was united in marriage with Constance Greene at Macedonia Baptist Church. To this union were born two children, Tami and Shelbi. The marriage was later dissolved. On March 12, 1983, Bernard was united in marriage with Avis Holmes. As a couple they traveled extensively, served their church and the Lord faithfully and enjoyed home and family. To this union were born two children, John and Marissa. Additionally, Bernard was the proud father of his first born daughter, Yolanda. He was a devoted husband and father. Yolanda remembers camping. Marissa remembers being told every day by her father that he loved her. Shelbi remembers he was always considerate of their needs and was selfless. John remembers him as always being forgiving. His grandchildren were a joy in his life. Michael remembers that he was always very supportive, optimistic and stayed in good spirits. A man of deep faith in God, Bernard was an active and faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church for many years. His family knew he wanted them to stay spiritually oriented. He was also a board member of the Montbello Falcons for many years. By profession a Maintenance Manager, he was employed with IBM in the position of Facility Maintenance Manager for 26 years. During those years he earned an Associate Degree. He was known for being very organized and a hard worker. His co-workers and supervisors enjoyed him. In his free time, Bernard enjoyed family, friends, working with the Montbello Falcons and serving in his church. His best friends were Robert Smith, Russell and Jerry Bishop. They loved his jokes, his wit, smile, compassion, kindness and spirituality. Some of his favorite expressions were, "One thing's for sure, nobody's getting out of here alive", "You never know who you have to drink a pop with" and "Working harder than a Hebrew slave". Bernard's love, kindness, strength of faith and caring for his family will be deeply missed. To know him was to love him. The sun set on the life of Mr. Bernard Berry on November 12, 2017 when the Lord called him home to eternal rest. He is preceded in death by his father and brother. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Avis Berry; son, John (Antoinell) Berry, both of Denver, CO; daughters, Yolanda (Dwayne) Robinson of Aurora, CO, Tami (J.W.) Gaitor, Shelbi Harris and Marissa Berry; mother, Othella Boykin, all of Denver, CO; sister, Regina Lee of Richmond, VA; uncles, Charles (Earnestine) Kendrick of Kansas City, MO, Lumas (Darlene) Kendrick of Denver, CO and Paul Kendrick of Commerce City, CO; 9 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives & friends. Rest in peace...Bernard