NWA Capt. Gregory J. Berry

 https://www.rnpa.org/memoriam/obits/344-greg-berry

  

 Greg and Nina Berry were together for 50 years and married for 47. A loving husband, dad, grandpa and friend; he cherished his family and lifelong friendships, while also befriending new ones and every dog he met. He served as his daughters’ swim club president and basketball coach. From a family of Croatian fishermen, he enjoyed commercial and recreational fishing his entire life. Greg was aways ready to lend a hand and help others. During time off, he helped his contractor uncle build houses on Bainbridge Island, including the home he raised his family in. He spent his retirement days building his workshop and woodworking.

   Known for his calm demeanor, sharp wit, humor and kindness, Greg was a truly genuine human being with a heart of gold. It was never about him; it was always about family, friends and colleagues he cared about. In typical pilot fashion, Greg passed on National Aviation Day. He wrote the following parting message to share with his friends and colleagues.

   Nothing unique about me or my circumstances, except for now having both perspectives. When hearing of something like this in the past I might have hesitated sending a text or email thinking it too impersonal or insignificant and would just be adding clutter to an already overloaded frequency. I quickly learned I was wrong and completed a hard 180 accepting each as a personal gift and delivered directly to me to boot! Singularly, each might appear to be but a small ray of light, but in concert the illumination best expressed to my fellow aviators as “the peek worth a thousand scans.” The answer to what I needed was simple: nothing. I already had been given a sample supply by my family, friends and now the superheroes known as caregivers.

   If you’re not an aviator, look for someone with a big watch nearby who should be able to explain it to you… but NOT TOO BIG… because that person won’t have a clue. Every hand extended, kind word, visit, phone call and messages provided me comfort and strength. How can darkness in a person’s life so quickly switch to brightness and joy without the full acceptance of love and friendship, because that’s exactly what happened in my life, through all your graciousness and love. I want to thank each and every one of you for granting me the peek worth a thousand scans.

-GJB

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~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Gregory J. Berry

August 26, 1952 ~ August 19, 2023

 

https://www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Gregory-James-Berry?obId=28754334 

Obituary

Gregory James Berry passed away on August 19, 2023 at his home with his wife and two daughters by his side after a hard-fought 4.5 month battle with glioblastoma. He was 70 years old. 

Born August 26, 1952 at the Winslow Clinic on Bainbridge Island to John and Carmen Berry, Greg grew up in Eagle Harbor with his two brothers and other long-time island family friends. A strong work ethic was instilled in him at an early age. He mowed the lawns at The Bainbridge Country Club beginning in middle school and held the job through high school. Greg loved playing football and basketball as a kid and earned varsity letters in both sports. He graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1970 as class salutatorian.

Greg went on to earn his degree from Seattle University in Business Administration with a minor in Economics. Summer breaks were spent fishing up in Alaska to finance college and flying lessons at Boeing Field. He obtained his Private Pilot’s License at age 19. After graduation, he pursued his passion for aviation and joined the Navy where he flew the A-6 Intruder. In 1982, he was hired by Northwest Airlines and was a commercial pilot for 30 years flying primarily Boeing 747s while also serving as a Navy Reservist for 20 years. 

Greg was always one to lend a hand and help others out. During time off, he’d help his contractor uncle build houses on Bainbridge Island, including the home he raised his family in and later spent retirement days building his workshop and woodworking. He served as his daughters’ swim club president and also coached basketball. From a family of Croatian fishermen, he enjoyed commercial and recreational fishing his entire life. 

Loving husband, dad, grandpa and friend; he cherished his family and lifelong friendships, while also befriending new ones and every dog he met. Greg and Nina Berry were together for 50 years and married for 47. He was an amazing husband and dad, but an even better grandpa. He could carry a serious conversation but was always ready to crack a good dad joke. Above all, he was an intent listener. Known for his calm demeanor, sharp wit, humor and kindness; he was a truly genuine human being with a heart of gold. 

Greg was preceded in death by his parents John and Carmen Berry, his brother Ron Berry, his in-laws Felix Sr. and Asuncion Narte. He is survived by his loving wife Nina, daughters Angela (Michael) and Natalie, beloved grandchildren Max, Jolie, Gia and Lucy, brother Tom Berry, eight sister and brother-in-laws, twelve nieces and nephews and extended family.

 All are welcome to attend his Memorial Service on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 10:00am (rosary beginning at 9:15am) in St. Cecilia's Catholic Church: 1310 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, with a Celebration of Life reception at Kiana Lodge: 14976 Sandy Hook Road Northeast, Poulsbo, WA 98370 immediately following the church service.

 In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a contribution to our fundraiser: https://fundraise.gbmresearch.org/gregberry created in his honor to help fund the research to find a cure for glioblastoma and/or K9s For Warriors whose mission is to train shelter dogs as service animals and pair with veterans experiencing military service-connected trauma.

 Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA. 

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Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2023 8:01 PM

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA Capt. Gregory J. Berry

August 26, 1952 ~ August 19, 2023

 

…passing of retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain Greg Berry, age 70, of Kingston WA.  

 

Dear Friends and Colleagues,  

 

 

From Greg's family,  

"It is with very heavy hearts that we share the news that our dearly loved

Greg/Bear/Dad/Gargo, passed away on Saturday, August 19th, after a

hard-fought battle with glioblastoma. He was at home, exactly where he

wanted to be, with my mom, sister and I at his bedside. We were fortunate to

spend 145 days with him following his diagnosis. 145 is a significant angel

number and his Navy squadron number. In typical pilot fashion, it was

fitting that he passed on National Aviation Day."

 

 

 

Greg hired on at NWA on August 09, 1982.

 

 

 

I will pass along further information as it becomes available.

 

 

 

Bill Day