Raymond Charles Berry
Ray passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, at McLaren Hospital, Lansing, in the arms of his wife Cathy and surrounded by family after a short illness. He was a devoted and loving husband to Cathy, and to his first wife, Berenice (nee Pedley) who preceded him in death.
Ray was born and raised in London and emigrated to the United States in 1972. He was a man with a strong work ethic and deep passions. From a young age he worked hard to support himself and later, his growing family. He held a number of unusual jobs, including nude model for an art school, gardener at Kew Gardens, and turkey wrangler at a poultry farm before making a career at Aeroquip Corporation. Beside his family, Ray’s passions were jazz, the Detroit Lions, travel, and golf. Ray had two holes-in-one. Ray was a story teller who would spin long and amusing tales to the rapt attention of old friends, new acquaintances, and family. His zest for life and sense of humor defined his personality.
Ray is survived by his children, Clare (Jerry) Cunningham, Abi (Eric) Johnson, Benedict (Helen), and Ellen Berry; his stepsons, Stephen (Takako) McQuillan, Timothy (Amber) McQuillan, and Brian (Claudia) McQuillan; his stepmother, Joan Lavender; his brothers and sisters, Ian (Rachel), David, Sally Deater, Susan (Christopher) Young, Nancy (Brian) Kelly, Dallas (Cheryl), Jill (David) Lavender, and Ruth (Christian) Lavender; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
His eldest son Damian predeceased him in 2018.
A celebration of Raymond’s remarkable life will be held this summer.
4 Messages to “Raymond Charles Berry”
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Terry and Carol Stygles
January 22, 2024 at 9:00 amWe are heartbroken to hear of Ray’s passing. As a friend and former neighbor we count ourselves lucky to have known and loved him. His stories, wit, and adventures were truly entertaining. He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to Cathy, the best thing to happen to him.
Doug and Liz Daligga
January 22, 2024 at 6:02 pmWhat a loss. We were fortunate to know Ray, but sadly for only about three years. We envy those who knew him longer. He had an undeniable presence . A gentleman, smart, funny, gracious and welcoming to all. Cathy, we share your sorrow..
Fuzz
January 23, 2024 at 6:11 pmRay was a great guy. He was the epitome of everything a man should be. I always looked up to him, and have always cared a great deal about his family. The world lost one of the good ones. Rest in peace. You will be sorely missed.
Teresa Hodgson Mast
January 24, 2024 at 5:02 pmRay, I have known you since I was in my early twenties, when Berenice and I were bringing our boyfriends home to meet Mum and Dad. Seems like you have always been in my life and we had that special connection of being English. I have always known you to be fun to be around, thinking of how you can help people out, thinking of others like taking my son (a drummer) to a drum concert. Always a good husband to my sister and a good dad; a good breadwinner. So lonely after Berenice died and so delighted when he met Cathy. The love their shared was very special and Ray and Cathy have been our special friends over the last 13 or 14 years. I will miss you so much, Ray. You left us far too soon.