Obituary of Fredric Jarvis Berry

Fredric Jarvis Berry “Fritz”

Tribute 10.7.2020

 

Fred Berry had tough roots as a youngster which turned him into a strong man. Born in Houston, Texas, he spent most of his youth in Northern California graduating from Camden High School in San Jose, California. Fred was drafted by the U.S. Army, completed basic training, and spent two years active military stationed in Germany, becoming bi-lingual. Once fluent in German he spoke whenever he had the opportunity for the remainder of his life. Upon returning home Fred also learned Spanish attending junior college night classes in Santa Rosa, California along with “Peanuts” creator/illustrator Charles M Schulz.

 

Fred married Judy (Judith) Malone in November 1968. The couple welcomed a son (Bruce Berry) in December 1969 and the three of them moved to Lake Tahoe, California. Fred’s love of sports saw him coaching youth baseball and football long before Bruce was old enough to play.

 

Fred and Judy welcomed a daughter, Audra (Berry) Moore in April 1973.

 

Fred Berry accepted a job offer with Intel and the family moved to Oregon in October of 1978 becoming his permanent home to live out the remainder of days.

 

Fred was an animal lover and anything from a horse to a squirrel would engage with him. He liked motorcycles and owned a few of them through the years. Fred’s main passion/hobby in life was sports of all kinds, remaining active in baseball, co-ed, modified and fast-pitch softball, Nordic, and Alpine skiing. Fred also officiated and coached Soccer, Football, Basketball and Baseball over a 40-year period from the Portland Metro area all the way to Phoenix, Arizona. Fred often remarked when it came to umpiring baseball, “I have an excuse to ride my motorcycle and they are willing to pay me for the best seat in the house”. 

 

Fred, over the years, opened his home and his heart to host foreign exchange students for the academic school year.  Fred has 19 additional “sons” globally.  Not only did he mentor the boys, Fred was their #1 sports fan, and each boy became a son to him.

 

Fred was the type of man who would give you the shirt off his back. He never met a stranger from helping with a flat tire to translating Spanish to English at a Home Depot or Lowe’s. He was also passionate about his close friends and would drive anywhere from Northern California to Arkansas to help build a deck, fix a car, or remodel a bathroom.

 

Perhaps Fred Berry’s greatest passion was his grandson Nathan. Nathan Moore, son of Audra, was born in March of 2006. Fred was Nathan’s cornerstone for anything from Go-Kart racing to building Pinewood Derby cars to band concerts and of course Baseball and Football. Grandpa’s ability to give consequences was watered down “significantly” when it came to his grandson Nathan.

 

Fred passed away on Monday September 28^th, 2020. A beautiful sunny day surrounded by family, close friends and neighbors. Fred will be greatly missed by many, however he left deep roots and the gift of humor to all those who loved him.

 

Fred is survived by his wife Judy (of 52 years) Tigard, Oregon. Son and daughter-in-law Bruce/Kathi Berry of Oregon City, Oregon.  Daughter Audra Moore, grandson Nathan Moore of Vancouver, Washington. Eldest brother Don/Mary Berry of Alma, Arkansas.

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