Gordon Sidney Berry

Heather and Scott, With a heavy heart I send my condolences to you and your family. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time with 'Uncle Gordon' during my formative years, growing up in Peterborough. Especially our adventures from Haultain, down Eels creek to the 'Berry Patch'. Those canoe trips, family visits and time listening in awe to animated stories of his travel experiences will live on as wonderful memories of time spent with an exceptional man, inside and out. All our Love, Robin and Paul Brown

Mr. Berry was my Science teacher at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School in Peterborough. I was also a member of the Outdoors Club, and have fond memories of a canoe trip to Algonquin Park. Mr. Berry certainly lived a long, fulfilling, and very interesting life. My condolences to his family.

Sending hugs to Gord’s family at this time. I was travelling in SE Asia many years ago when I met up with this fellow Canadian. I lived in Hastings at that time -what a small world! I remember going to Gord’s home after the trip and cooking Thai food for a group of his friends. He was such a cool guy and great artist. His life story is one I admire!

So very sad to hear of Gordon's passing. I had the pleasure of being in the Pine Ridge Art with Gordon. I thought him and wonderful , kind , patient person. He was always available to help with a art question. He will be greatly missed by us all. Rest in peace.

Dear Heather, Scott, and Tracy, I was saddened to hear about Gordon's passing. I met Gordon downtown one day unbeknownst to me that he was Scott's dad. He was painting a downtown scene and I was taking photographs. We had an interesting conversation about photography and composition. After I read his numerous life accomplishments in his obituary, I realized that was just the tip of the iceberg in terms of a life well- lived. He was truly a humble man with a wealth of knowledge. He had so many interests! He left his mark on this world through his travel experiences, musical prowess, photography, painting, and as an author. He made an everlasting impression on so many people. He will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. Gordon Sidney Berry June 27, 1930 - July 12, 2022 ~ REST IN PEACE ~

Heather and Mike, Scott and Tracy...Emma, Meghan, Dawson and Fraser - my deepest condolences. You are held in warm and caring thoughts, as you navigate the stormy waters of loss and grief. Gordon was a memorable adventurer, an outstanding artist, and a deeply loving Dad/Grandad - may your hearts be comforted by remembering how widely and well he lived his life. Sending love and peace, to you all.

Scott, Tracy and Family On behalf of Terry, Gloria, Sally and myself we all want to express our deepest condolences on the passing of your Father, Grandfather and Father-in-law. Rest In Peace Bob and Sally

So sorry to read this Heather Gordon was such a lovely, kind, gentle man I remember fondly Gordon paddling over to meet me when I first bought “White Pines” 13 years ago. We sat on the dock and talked and talked. Gordon suggested that screenings of our films could be fundraisers for the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir. I was delighted. This led to several wonderful dinners in Cobourg and Port Hope. I’d love to attend a memorial service if that is possible Peter

Hi Heather, Thanks for letting me know about the departure of your dad. Tough times indeed, for family and those who called him friend. Yet, he is one soul that left everything he touched, including us, better, and we are all privileged for having shared some time on this Earth with him. Gordon will always remain on the very short list of the most interesting people I have known, and I would guess that I am not alone in feeling this way. Missed, yes. But memories of time spent with him, I'm sure will see us all through. I still recall our first meeting; I was visiting my friend and "native plant mentor", Jim French at his cottage on South Bay on Stoney Lake in July 2006. As Jim and I sat discussing wildflowers, people, and planning more gardens, this fellow and his dog appeared in our midst. "Hey Gordon, how ya doing pal!" Jim said, and then introduced us. "What an interesting looking man", I thought, "a beard, yet no moustache." We chatted a while and once the topic of native orchids showed up, then we really got into it! For me, some orchids I had found deep in a mosquito-infested and very damp spruce/tamarack woods was what had initially began my fascination with plants in the 1990s, and was the reason I had come to know Jim in the first place. Now here was your father, with such an enthusiasm for these beautiful plants, listing all the orchid species he had seen - many of them in the area - including a good many species I had not yet seen before, myself! Less than thirty minutes in from my first meeting with this fine gentleman, we were making plans to lead each other into those quiet, "off-the-beaten-path" places to visit some of these remote spots, most sacred to the orchid lover. I told your dad about some Purple Fringed Orchids I had just found, and although he had seen the species before, he did not already know of the location that I would one day bring him to. It did take a while, but he, Tash, Jim, and I did the trek into there (see attached photo) sometime later. In the meantime, Gordon and Tash did lead Jim and I down what seemed like a mile-long ancient deer path through a rocky oak/pine woods which ended at a beautiful sphagnum bog. There he showed us five species of orchids, two of which I had never seen before, and one of those, I have not seen since. We stepped lightly all around on the spongy ground, being careful not to crush sensitive botany, nor to bust through the mat of floating vegetation into the water below. It was kind of like the feeling one gets when walking on thin ice in the winter! We did okay, and walked away quite pleased with the results of our first guided tour of one of your dad's secret treasure troves of rare orchids! We took a few other hikes here and there, but not nearly as many as we had made plans to. I remember one summer when your dad hired me to help him out with a few things at the cottage, and there on the shores of those islands were two species of Spiranthes (orchids), one of which I had not seen before, and I said to him "What Gordon, do these things follow you around?" "No", he said, "They were here already, when we got here". I was honoured, about a decade or so ago, when he asked me if I would help by contributing some photographs and writing a few chapters for a book he was working on with the Peterborough Field Naturalists. A couple of years later, "Nature in the Kawarthas" was complete. I believe that was my first time having my words published in a book, and I am grateful for his having asked me to do it. After that, I don't recall that we saw much of each other, despite keeping in contact, and making tentative plans to get together at some point and take another orchid hike. Yes, Gordon Berry will be sadly missed. But the memories of times spent with him, whether hearing stories about some of the 40+ countries he had visited, or hiking through places with or without trails to be greeted by the silent beauty that is a wild orchid, or just sharing conversation and a patch of shade on a hot day... He will be most fondly remembered. Thanks Heather, for sharing your dad with the rest of us! I feel very fortunate to have known him. Be well. Regards, Tim

Thanks for reaching out in this difficult time. Your father was a great department head and mentored me as a new teacher (the first woman in the department). A very special talented man in so many ways but he always had time to inspire and help others. He was very proud of both you and Scott as well as the 4 grandchildren and delighted in keeping us updated. I would be honoured to attend a celebration of his life if that decision is made. Mary Burchell

Thank you for letting us know this very sad news. It seems unbelievable that he could be gone. I was on a canoe trip with my kids and grandkids at Massasauga Provincial Park when I found out. I had paddled solo out on the very calm lake before breakfast when the text came in from Ev. It certainly seemed appropriate and helpful to me to be in such a beautiful quiet natural place alone where I could come to terms with the news and shed my tears in solitude. I met your father when I joined the Peterborough Singers in 1990. Despite the 23 year age gap between us, we hit it off immediately. We enthusiastically shared a joint love of music, travel, nature, canoeing, cross country skiing, gardening, and family. We shared many adventures, meals and phone calls. I regret immensely that Covid kept us from getting together much these last years and that for some unknown reason his last three recent calls to me were not able to connect. I was able to contact Scott and hopefully he conveyed to your dad that I was trying to connect. This photo was taken a year ago at the Berry Patch and I treasure it. He was and is an inspiration to me and I was deeply honored to be his friend. I know how close he felt to you and your daughters and how unabashedly proud he was of you all. Lucky lucky you to have had such a father. In sympathy Gael

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Upper Stoney Lake Association

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Upper Stoney Lake Association

What a shock to read of Gord’s passing. He was the kind of man that should live forever. My sincere sympathy to Scott and Heather. You will miss him terribly. Even though we didn’t see each other often, I certainly much enjoyed his visits when he was in town. We would reminisce about the teachers at TASS, our canoe trips with your family and ours years ago, good times at your cottage, and Gord’s new achievements and adventures. He lived life for every hour and minute! Please get in touch.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Upper Stoney Lake Association

I will miss Gordon at our PRAA gatherings. I always valued his opinion of my paintings and greatly admired his ability to draw. I send my sympathy to his family at this sad time but hope the high regard in which Gordon was held by all who knew him will be of some comfort to them.

I met Gord as part of the PRAA. He was always available for various discussions on many art subjects. He reached out to me on many occasions to advance my skill set . His talent is evident any his work, pencil sketches, water colour etc. He will be missed.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Upper Stoney Lake Association

It sounds like a life we'll lived indeed. Our sincere condolences Scott, to you and all of your family.

I only knew Gordon for a few years, sitting opposite him at our usual table in the Cobourg Library. I was always impressed with the water colours he produced, particularly his Cobourg street scenes. A truly gifted gentleman and a delightful conversationalist. He will be missed.

I have known Gordon for about 15 years through the Pine Ridge art group. He was always a wealth of information and often very helpful to me in my painting endeavors. A wonderful man and kind person, he will be badly missed.

For the entire Berry and Farren family - my deepest condolences. I am so privileged to have had the chance to know Gordon, to admire his gentle grace and “way about him” and to benefit from his talent with a painting he did of our house as a wedding present. Sincerely, Gillian Richards

Sorry to hear of your loss of your father. Thinking of you. Jan Bangs

So sorry Scott and Tracy to hear of your loss. I am thankful to have had a brief opportunity to meet such a wonderful and interesting person that was so full of life. God bless you and your family.

How often did we, fellow scholars at London House, together with fellow Ramblers, board a train for a remote corner of SE England for a day hike, capped by a fine lunch at a local pub? Alas, not often enough. I will miss you, Gordon. RIP my friend. Rich Harvey, Ohio University, Athens.

Our condolences on the Gordon’s passing. What a rich life well lived! He will be remembered in all of the most important ways and his legacy will live on!

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Upper Stoney Lake Association

Gordon, was a drawing master, artist, to whom we all looked up to at Pine Ridge. His gentleness and generosity touched us all... He patiently and beautifully made several videos of our art work. Gordon always popped around to check in with us... I am glad many will have his beautifully rendered drawings and paintings to connect with his spirit... Gordon will be missed... blessings and peace to all. PS... Who knew he was in his 90s?

It saddened me to read of Gordon's death. I had the pleasure of working with him on the Cobourg Library Board. He made me smile and was always an interesting conversationalist.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Upper Stoney Lake Association

Gordon will be sorely missed at Pineridge Art group. He was a truly accomplished man. Elsie Harvey

our deepest condolences to Scott and Heather, Tracy, Mike and Grandchildren on the passing of your Dad and Grandfather. Gordon had been a great friend and visionary of Birchmuir and will be greatly missed by all of us. RIP Gordon.

As Gordon was a part of our family we are feeling a huge loss. Our love to Scott, Heather, Tracy and mike and the grandchildren. Gordon was a very accomplished man and led a very full life. We will miss him but remember him with love

I only knew Gordon through his beautiful watercolours, of which I have several. A wonderful artist, I will always treasure them. A great loss for Cobourg.

My condolences to Gordon family he was a remarkable man and it was A pleasure to know him. A man of many talents he was willing to share.We had many long conversations toward the end of his life, of shared experiences during WW2 he will be greatly missed by us all.

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember when we first bought our cottage on Simpson and one morning in July hearing live recorder music! It was such a pleasure to hear Gordon and his friends play all day long that day. And then the following years up until the pandemic. He inspired me to take up the recorder back in Vancouver and one day gave me a couple of recorder books. He also kindly gave us a copy of the book that he co-wrote on the history of Stoney. Mike's parents lived to around Gordon's age and although it's a long life, it's always too early to end. I'm really sorry for how the pandemic robbed our elders of their last years. I'll never forget Gordon motoring over in his pontoon boat and setting up shop in the Berry Patch each summer. And I'd hear him chainsawing and doing all sorts of chores - he loved his cottage and he loved the lake. So again, our condolences. Never an easy time.

I had the great pleasure and privilege of getting to know and work with Gordon when he joined the Board of the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir. His wisdom and experience was invaluable when it came to raising the standard of the way we presented concerts to our audiences, and he almost single-handedly re-organized and catalogued our music library. He was a true gentleman, and I’m so happy that our paths crossed. To his family - please accept my deepest condolences.

Sorry for your loss, my prayers are with the family

We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences to the Berry family and friends. Sending prayers and hugs. Sibylle and Mark Richard

Our deepest sympathies to you, Tracy, Scott and family. May you find comfort in your cherished memories. Keeping you in our prayers.

Gordon Berry was a walking historian He told us many stories over the years and gifted us with mounted photos to hang up when we opened The Stoney Lake Market (Whetung Supply Store) in 2007. They are still hanging up to this day. He gave us books, supported all community events. He was a very special man and will be missed RIP Mr Berry 😢

Our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. Tracy and Scott, know we are thinking of you and keeping you close in prayer. Your Dad was a real gem, we all enjoyed our time spent with him at the office. We are honored to have him as a patient. Chelsea, Melindah, Maiu and Tracy.

Gordon was one of the first people I met at the Seniors photography club in Cobourg and it was he who encouraged me to take a more active role in the Club activities, something I have never regretted. I always described Gordon as the youngest Octogenarian I had ever met, and after having been around Lawn Bowls for seven decades that is truly saying a lot. Gordon’s joy of life was unbounded, his life experiences so incredibly vast - I relished every time we spoke. Gordon was responsible for moving our Photo55 club forward, pushing, in his Gordon-like way, members to expand their skill set, to improve their photographic eye - all to the better enjoyment of their craft. Gordon was all about sharing! I was honoured and so pleased when Gordon agreed to be interviewed for our local Northumberland 89.7 radio station’s Legacies program and would encourage Photo55 members, family and friends to check the station’s archives for this interview. Gordon, a true renaissance man, will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. We have lost a friend!

Gord will continue to live on in our family memories for his many contributions to our lives. His infectious laugh and enthusiasm as well as his knowledgeable conversations, will continue to be remembered at the Owls Nest with fondness. Thank you for enriching our lives Gord.

We send our thoughts and wishes at this sad time to you all. Gordon was a wonderful so talented individual, and I was delighted we got to see him more when we were older. we send our best wishes from England Fiona Allan Ashling and Siobhan.

To all the Berry family, we are so sorry to here of your sad loss and news . you are in our thoughts such an amazing uncle and amazing man. our love the crofts family

I have a life time of great memories of Gordon, and always looked forward to his visits. He was always fascinating to speak whether it was about his latest creation, be it a book, drawing, photograph, his travels, his deep love of nature, music, history, Stoney Lake, or something else. He also had a great sense of humor. I recall as a very young boy being handed a bucket and enlisted to help with the problem that the water level was lower on the other side of the island. I will miss, his stories, his energy, and his infectious laughter. His was a life well lived. Our deepest condolences and best wishes to the whole Berry family. Mike, Ana Maria, and David

Dear Scott, Tracy, Fraser and Dawson, our sincere condolences on the passing of your dad/grandad. We didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Gordon, but reading his obituary, it sure sounds like he lived his life to the fullest. We hope that your many happy memories with him will help you through this sad time. Rick and Karen.

I can honestly say that I have the greatest admiration for Gordon Berry. He was always a true gentleman and an encourager. Nothing ever stopped him from trying anything. I recall going to dinner when he lived in Bridgenorth and he had cooked a leg of lamb. He hadn’t done that before but it was just chemistry to follow a recipe. I recall at that time he was making his own piano. A true craftsman and always looking to try anything. Everything was possible. Well done Gordon you have inspired more people than you are aware. Thank you Scott and Cheri Humber

My deepest sympathy to you - Tracy, Scott, Heather, Mike, your children, and extended family and close friends. Gordon sounds like a fascinating man. You will miss him dearly but I’m sure you are grateful for the special memories that you will hold close in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you 🙏❤️

To all the family members - my condolences on losing a most interesting family member. Gordon and I worked on the organization of the NOC Music Library, sorted out botanical photos for Willow Beach Field Naturalist records, handled the set ups for the Cobourg Art Club and Pine Ridge Art Association art show displays at the Cobourg Library, sorted out some of his computer issues, and discussed all manner of subjects. He will be remembered, and I shall miss him and our chats.

Dear Heather and Scott, Tracy and Mike, Dawson, Fraser, Emma and Meagan, I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Gordon was always such good company, and so proud of all of you. I am blessed to have autographed copies of his books and many woodwork treasures but most of all I have such wonderful memories. We sang at Christmas, we enjoyed spirited conversations around dinner tables, and engaging discussions whenever he needed a guarantor for his passport photos. I remember times at Art and Agnes', at your home on Benson Ave and my parents home on Philip St with great fondness. He will live on in his art and in the hearts of so very many lives he touched. While memories never replace companionship, I hope they give you all some solace. With my love, holding you all in prayer, Carolee

Scott, Tracy, Dawson & Fraser,& Heather & family. So sorry to hear of Gordon's passing. We know that he loved all of you and his interests in the environment and many gifts will carry on with you! Take care of yourselves at this difficult time. Sending much love❤️

Sending our deepest condolences to Scott, Tracy, Fraser and Dawson, as well as Heather and her family. Although we didn’t know Gordon well, he was always so friendly and had a big smile on his face. We very much enjoyed when he shared stories of his travels. It was obvious how much he loved his family and the outdoors. He had an incredible life adventure and a wonderful family. Thinking of all of you during this hard time.

So sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family. He was such a great person. So many stories and accomplishments to share. As a member of the Pine Ridge Art Association we would both talk for hours about painting and wood carving. Such an inspiration. I will miss him greatly.

To Scott, Tracy, Dawson & Fraser, along with all the family members, we remember you at this sad time of the loss of a wonderful father and grandfather. He has accomplished so much and you can stand proud of him. Losing a parent is a difficult event in one’s life and so we say to you, blessed are those that grieve, for they will be comforted. May you all know much comfort at this time and a peace beyond our human understanding.

Tracy, Scott & family, I am so sad to hear of Gordon’s passing. It was a pleasure to have know him. You were lucky to have had him in your lives. May he RIP

To Gordon’s Family, I am a fellow member of the Pine Ridge Art Club together with Gordon and found him an absolute delight to talk to and observe progress in his paintings. His earlier years show a man full of life and willingness to do new things that are very admirable and I would have like to known Gordon better. Your many memories of him will recall a life well lived through many changes and tough times.

Sorry to hear about Gordon , I loved talking with him when I saw him at the NOC. After reading about him hear , I'm sorry that he was so modest.

Scott, Heather and families; Sorry to read that your Dad has passed away, while I never had the pleasure of meeting him, from reading the interesting obituary he was truly a talented and great man , one who made the most of his "dash". It is wonderful that you have great memories and his creations as reminders. Doug Mann

Tracy Scott Dawson and Fraser, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father/ father-in-law/grandfather. A life well-lived that will generously provide you with many wonderful memories. Thinking of all of you. Sincerely, Wayne McCurdy