David (Kit) Berry, of Dos Palos, California, a Christ-follower, family man, negotiator, and humorist was called to heaven November 12, 2022. Sheila (wife) and Hayley (daughter) were by his side as he peacefully departed while listening to his favorite style of music, The Blues.
Dave was the only son of Clarence and BarbaraJean Berry. He is survived by his two elder sisters, Virginia Clydesdale- of England and Michaeline Williamson of Tennessee. Kit was raised in the Cupertino, California area where he graduated from Leland High School. During his high school years he was an accomplished athlete and lettered in football and track, his record stood for more than 20 years. He ran track for San Jose City College while earning an AA in Police Science.
He was hired by Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, attended the police academy and began his career as a deputy sheriff. He held assignments in patrol, jail, and bailiff for courts. He volunteered with the search and rescue team as a diver, as well, as running for the police olympics. He was elected as a union representative serving many years as a contract negotiator and social director. He enjoyed his co-workers and had a reputation for being loyal, trustworthy and funny. After 33 years he retired, beginning a new career as a Federal Court Security Officer. He worked at the Yosemite and Modesto courthouses. Kit had a measured approach to life, he was charismatic, and level-headed and helpful.
Dave enjoyed his family, taking them on hikes, ski trips, camping, and generally embraced hanging out at home barbecuing. Supporting his children by watching them participate in their varied activities was a treasure for him. He created an environment which encouraged familial support while instilling an active lifestyle in each child.
Win or lose, Kit cheered for his teams: Vikings, Raiders, 49ers, Navy; he enjoyed sports so much that he would cheer watching fishing. He was an amateur triathlete, a swimmer, and during his later years, a walking enthusiast.
Dave liked hanging out with friends, he reveled in the time spent on exotic destination trips; cherished the laughter shared around food, art, and drinks. Dave was a great story teller, delving into every detail of even the most mundane experiences, with humor and grace. He always put a smile on my face and those faces lucky enough to hear his tales.
Dave always saw himself as a cowboy much like that of his favorite western stars: John Wayne and Paul Newman. A favorite pastime of his was watching movies with his family; especially watching the same movies over and over again until we had memorized the entire film. He loved the classics like Hombre and The Searchers. His cinematic tastes ranged vastly. He loved anything from Bridge on the River Kwai to modern comedy classic Step Brothers. Dave would make a cinematic pilgrimage through time every year especially around the holidays. In our family we have a ritual of watching movies that coordinate with various holidays. So naturally we watch: The Ten Commandments at Easter, The Patriot at Fourth of July, and of course Die Hard at Christmas.
He was extremely generous always giving what ever he could. Two particular charities he felt passionate about are: The Wounded Warrior Project and the St. Labre Indian School of Montana. In the spirit of his generosity, donations can be made in his name or a donation of trees through Tulip's website to help our forest.
David is missed, he was a light filled with joy and laughter. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Thompson-Berry; his sisters, named earlier; his children: David, Timothy, Justine and Hayley; six grandchildren and so many friends. Please share your memories and comments which will warm and comfort the family's heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held Feb 18, 2023 at the Hotel de Oro in Santa Nella, California. Please RSVP.
Dave was the only son of Clarence and BarbaraJean Berry. He is survived by his two elder sisters, Virginia Clydesdale- of England and Michaeline Williamson of Tennessee. Kit was raised in the Cupertino, California area where he graduated from Leland High School. During his high school years he was an accomplished athlete and lettered in football and track, his record stood for more than 20 years. He ran track for San Jose City College while earning an AA in Police Science.
He was hired by Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, attended the police academy and began his career as a deputy sheriff. He held assignments in patrol, jail, and bailiff for courts. He volunteered with the search and rescue team as a diver, as well, as running for the police olympics. He was elected as a union representative serving many years as a contract negotiator and social director. He enjoyed his co-workers and had a reputation for being loyal, trustworthy and funny. After 33 years he retired, beginning a new career as a Federal Court Security Officer. He worked at the Yosemite and Modesto courthouses. Kit had a measured approach to life, he was charismatic, and level-headed and helpful.
Dave enjoyed his family, taking them on hikes, ski trips, camping, and generally embraced hanging out at home barbecuing. Supporting his children by watching them participate in their varied activities was a treasure for him. He created an environment which encouraged familial support while instilling an active lifestyle in each child.
Win or lose, Kit cheered for his teams: Vikings, Raiders, 49ers, Navy; he enjoyed sports so much that he would cheer watching fishing. He was an amateur triathlete, a swimmer, and during his later years, a walking enthusiast.
Dave liked hanging out with friends, he reveled in the time spent on exotic destination trips; cherished the laughter shared around food, art, and drinks. Dave was a great story teller, delving into every detail of even the most mundane experiences, with humor and grace. He always put a smile on my face and those faces lucky enough to hear his tales.
Dave always saw himself as a cowboy much like that of his favorite western stars: John Wayne and Paul Newman. A favorite pastime of his was watching movies with his family; especially watching the same movies over and over again until we had memorized the entire film. He loved the classics like Hombre and The Searchers. His cinematic tastes ranged vastly. He loved anything from Bridge on the River Kwai to modern comedy classic Step Brothers. Dave would make a cinematic pilgrimage through time every year especially around the holidays. In our family we have a ritual of watching movies that coordinate with various holidays. So naturally we watch: The Ten Commandments at Easter, The Patriot at Fourth of July, and of course Die Hard at Christmas.
He was extremely generous always giving what ever he could. Two particular charities he felt passionate about are: The Wounded Warrior Project and the St. Labre Indian School of Montana. In the spirit of his generosity, donations can be made in his name or a donation of trees through Tulip's website to help our forest.
David is missed, he was a light filled with joy and laughter. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Thompson-Berry; his sisters, named earlier; his children: David, Timothy, Justine and Hayley; six grandchildren and so many friends. Please share your memories and comments which will warm and comfort the family's heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held Feb 18, 2023 at the Hotel de Oro in Santa Nella, California. Please RSVP.
