Obituary of Richard Berry

Richard “Bear” Berry, 55, a resident of Olympia, WA since 1999, passed away at his home on January 28, 2010. Richard was born to William “Bill” Berry and Roberta Dell Langston on January 9, 1955 in Boise, Idaho. Richard married Denise L. Garrett at her parents’ home in Olympia on August 8, 2002.Richard served in the Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Oklahoma City from 1973 to 1975. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a locksmith and worked for many years in West Seattle before his health conditions forced him to retire early. Upon his marriage to Denise in 2002, they bought a home on property south of Tumwater, where Richard had always wanted to retire. Rick was an active member of the Patriot Guard veterans motorcycle escorts and felt that it was a privilege to honor our fallen heroes with his assistance. “Bear” had been a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA), taking classes and safety courses to further his extensive motorcycle skills. He felt strongly that you should never stop learning and was a strong advocate of furthering motorcycle safety awareness; both for riders and other drivers on the road. Rick spent this last year (2009) making contact with several of his surviving family members whom he had not seen in many years. He loved riding his motorcycle on the highways and byways of Washington, Oregon and Idaho, going fishing as often and wherever he could with his wife or just to relax while she was at work. Affectionately known as “Bear” at many karaoke spots wherever he happened to be, Rick really enjoyed singing. During a recent visit with his brother, Chris, in Prescott Valley, AZ, he helped as a “roadie” and back-up singer for his brother’s band, “The Retrofitters”. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Denise Garrett-Berry; his two children, Stormy and Levi Berry; his step children Chris Maida, Christopher Garrett, pvfc, and Amanda Garrett, his granddaughter Terasita and new grandson, Jackson D. Garrett. He is also survived by his mother, Roberta Perkins; sisters Shannon and Donna and brother Chris Berry, his stepmother, Jan Berry, and his step brothers, Von and Guy Walk, and stepsisters Melody Teuteberg, Carmen Bradbury, and Debra Dewberry. Richard was preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Berry, his sister, Pam and his brother, David Berry. Memorial donations can be made to: Rick “Bear” Berry Memorial Fund at any Washington State Employees Credit Union. Account is listed under Denise Garrett-Berry’s name. All proceeds will be used to pay for Rick’s funeral and other costs related to his death. Any remaining funds will be donated to further motorcycle safety awareness. You may leave memories and condolences online by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.