harley Graydon Berry (1930-2025): Durham Community Pillar Passes Away at 94
STRATFORD, Ontario – Harley Graydon Berry, a lifelong resident of Durham, Ontario, and a devoted member of his community, passed away on sunday, March 9, 2025, at St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital in Stratford. He was 94 years old.
A Life Dedicated to Family, Community, and the Great Outdoors
Born on April 16, 1930, in Caistor Township, Lincoln County, Berry moved to Durham as a young boy and remained deeply connected to the town throughout his life. He was a dedicated employee of Kroehler Furniture and also served as a Durham town councillor. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through his landscaping, flower arranging, real estate sales, and grounds maintenance work at Interforest.
Beyond his professional life, berry was an avid outdoorsman, finding joy in gardening, hunting, and fishing. He also had a passion for sports, playing hockey and baseball in his younger years and enthusiastically following professional golf and local hockey teams, notably holding out hope for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ next Stanley Cup victory.
Family and Legacy
Berry is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 74 years, Betty (nee Smail), whom he met and married in Dromore. Together they raised four sons. He is also survived by his sons Don and his wife Mary, Wayne and his wife Karen, Paul and his wife Catherine, and Mark and his wife Michelle.He was a cherished grandfather to Matthew, Krystle, and Katrina, and a great-grandfather to Lyric and Lillyana.
Service and Remembrance Details
A visitation will be held at the Durham Legion, located at 271 Bruce Street North, Durham, on March 20th from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.A funeral service celebrating Harley’s life will follow at 12:00 p.m., with members of the Royal canadian Legion Br. 308 participating. Spring interment of cremated remains will take place at Amos Cemetery in Dromore.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Durham Legion or the War Amps, in recognition of Harley’s commitment to community service and veteran support. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.
**What community organizations or initiatives was Harley Graydon Berry involved with in Durham, and how did he contribute to them?**
harley Graydon Berry (1930-2025): Durham Community Pillar Passes Away at 94
STRATFORD, Ontario – Harley Graydon Berry, a lifelong resident of Durham, Ontario, and a devoted member of his community, passed away on sunday, March 9, 2025, at St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital in Stratford. He was 94 years old.
A Life Dedicated to Family, Community, and the Great outdoors
Born on April 16, 1930, in Caistor Township, Lincoln County, Berry moved to Durham as a young boy and remained deeply connected to the town throughout his life. He was a dedicated employee of Kroehler Furniture and also served as a Durham town councillor.His entrepreneurial spirit shone through his landscaping, flower arranging, real estate sales, and grounds maintenance work at Interforest.
Beyond his professional life, berry was an avid outdoorsman, finding joy in gardening, hunting, and fishing. He also had a passion for sports, playing hockey and baseball in his younger years and enthusiastically following professional golf and local hockey teams, notably holding out hope for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ next Stanley Cup victory.
Family and Legacy
Berry is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 74 years, Betty (nee Smail), whom he met and married in dromore. Together they raised four sons. He is also survived by his sons Don and his wife Mary, Wayne and his wife Karen, Paul and his wife Catherine, and Mark and his wife Michelle.He was a cherished grandfather to Matthew, Krystle, and Katrina, and a great-grandfather to Lyric and lillyana.
Service and Remembrance Details
A visitation will be held at the Durham Legion,located at 271 Bruce Street North,Durham,on March 20th from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m.A funeral service celebrating Harley’s life will follow at 12:00 p.m., with members of the Royal canadian Legion Br. 308 participating. Spring interment of cremated remains will take place at Amos Cemetery in Dromore.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Durham Legion or the War Amps, in recognition of Harley’s commitment to community service and veteran support. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McCulloch-Watson Funeral Home, Durham.
Q&A: Remembering Harley Graydon Berry
Q: Where was Harley Graydon Berry born, and how long did he live in Durham?
A: He was born in Caistor Township, Lincoln County, but moved to Durham as a young boy and remained a lifelong resident.
Q: What were some of Harley Berry’s contributions to the durham community?
A: He was a town councillor and contributed through his diverse entrepreneurial ventures, including landscaping, flower arranging, real estate, and grounds maintenance. He was also a dedicated volunteer, likely through his support of organizations like the Durham Legion.
Q: How did Harley Berry’s family play a role in his life?
A: He was married to Betty (nee Smail) for nearly 74 years and together they raised four sons. He was a grandfather and great-grandfather, highlighting the importance of family in his life.
Q: How can people pay their respects and contribute in Harley Berry’s memory?
A: A visitation and funeral service will be held on March 20th at the Durham Legion. The family requests memorial donations to the Durham Legion or the War Amps rather of flowers.
Harley Graydon Berry’s life exemplifies dedication to family, community, and the simple joys of life. Consider honoring his memory by supporting the organizations he cherished.
