Duane Ian Berry
It is with a mix of emotions that we announce the passing of Duane Ian Berry. On December 15, 2023, Duane transitioned from this earthly life to an eternal existence with his risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. With his final breath, he moved from pain and suffering to a new creation, perfected by the Abba Father, God on High.
Duane's journey began in the Maritimes when he was born to Harry and Bernice Berry on July 15, 1940, in Moncton, New Brunswick—the seventh of nine children.
At the tender age of 12, Duane made a personal commitment to Christ during a summer VBS program. From there he embraced his life's purpose with certainty—to share the gospel of Jesus. Following Senior matriculation from UBBTS (Atlantic Bible College) he went on to graduate from Gordon College and then obtained his Bachelor of Divinity at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. Subsequently he served the Lord at Ruggles Street Baptist Church (Boston, MA), the Swedish Covenant Church (Beverly, MA), Grace Chapel (Lexington, MA), Trinity Baptist Church (Nashua, NH), Highlands Baptist Church (Edmonton, AB), Gordon College (Wenham, MA), Emmanuel Baptist Church (Saskatoon, SK), Nashwaksis Baptist Church (Fredericton, NB), Bonavista Baptist Church (Calgary, AB), Heights Baptist Church (Medicine Hat, AB), Hilda Baptist Church (Hilda, AB), Golden Prairie Baptist Church (Golden Prairie, SK), and Century Meadows Baptist Church (Camrose, AB).
A man of passion in every facet of his life, Duane deeply cherished his wife (of 59 years), Sandy, expressing his love openly. His unconditional love extended to his children and he wholeheartedly embraced their spouses: Barclay (Lisa), Brad (Quinn), Steph (Berk), and Brett (Jenn) and grandchildren: Taylor (Brayden), Paige (Jared), Nick (Mackenzie), Ashley, Sydney (Trae), Caitlin, Hannah, Matt, Declan, Belle, Luke, Rowan, Nora, Maddie and Emmy Lou - relishing every moment with them.
In his earlier years, Duane excelled as a competitive athlete in baseball, hockey, and golf. With him on the pitcher’s mound, his teams won the Maritimes Jr., New Brunswick-PEI Juvenile, and Maritimes Sr. championships, and his team was inducted into Moncton’s Sports Wall of Fame. Although he was drafted by the Milwaukee Braves (now Atlanta) he chose to pursue his real passion to follow Christ instead of sports and went into the ministry. As he aged, his interests expanded to encompass all sports in which his grandchildren participated, transforming him into an avid and enthusiastic supporter.
A perpetual learner, Duane possessed a curious mind. He was a leader and a visionary who found joy in challenges, debates, and discussions. He enjoyed reading and researching many fields including history, politics and theology.
We consider ourselves fortunate to have known and loved Duane, a remarkable pastor, husband, father, and friend, whose presence enriched our lives immeasurably. On behalf of our family, and for those privileged to have known him, we extend heartfelt gratitude for the role you played in his life. Duane would want each of you to know that he appreciated and loved you dearly.
Celebration of Life
11:00AM January 3, 2024
Callingwood Road Presbyterian Church located
6015 – 184 Street NW, Edmonton, AB.
We invite you to join us either in person or via live stream to share in this time of remembrance and reflection.
Live Stream: Duane Ian Berry - Celebration of Life
Time: Jan 3, 2024 11:00 AM Edmonton, AB
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85825135551?pwd=TW4wR01hNG0xS0dtdm9hUFVQT1gwQT09
Meeting ID: 858 2513 5551
Passcode: 1940
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Samaritan’s Purse.
I first met Duane at the Highlands Baptist Church in Edmonton we had
A wonderful relationship and when I accepted Jesus in 1976 and he took
Part In my Baptism. We shared Jesus ai the Salvation Army I’ll always remember
Sandy’s laughter and they both added a blessing to both Vivian and my life’s
Bud & Vivian Swayze
I’m happy for Duane that he is free of the bondage of illness. He is with the Lord now.. Hallelujah!
I’m sorry that family & friends will miss him.
Dear Sandy and family,
May you sense the comforting presence of Jesus as you say goodbye to Duane. I remember when he preached at River West Church; I was impressed with how much of a scholar he was. It was an enriching experience to hear him expound on the Scriptures. At that same time I remember seeing you standing at the back trying to “tell” him it was time to stop! That brings a smile to my face as I remember. I pray the good memories of his love for you and his family will bring much comfort in the coming days, weeks, months or years until Jesus comes. Much love my friend.
I value this man highly though it has been many years since I saw him. I remember the very first time I heard him preach – I had come to Christ some years earlier through reading the Bible but had never found a church. I remember asking God to lead me to others of His people ( if they still existed- I didn’t know any other Christians until a friend invited me to Duane’s church). Duane’s sermon that day was on the atonement and how Christ took and absorbed all my sins. It was like an electric shock that day to hear that he believed what I did! He was a follower of the Christ I believed in! Duane baptized me at Highlands Baptist Church in 1980. I so look forward to meeting him again!
I’m so sorry, Sandy! And yet what a wonderful homecoming your husband must’ve had! May you now spend some time in healing and recovery. Many blessings! Your cousin, Arnell
I sure liked Duane. I found him dare I say, a man’s man! He was a real blessing in my wife (Karen) and in mine (John) also. He was VERY instrumental in helping us when the MS was so bad that I couldn’t work anymore. He also provided a couple of other helps that utilised his gifts that I won’t get into. I clearly remember the time after a Church picnic at St. Bonaventure School whereby I sat in my wheelchair BEHIND the backstop and provided a target for Duane to pitch at. He might have been around 60 at the time? but he definately could throw some heat in order to “throw that speedball by ya”! Bruce Springsteen. It was a pleasure Duane and I sure look forward to seeing you with all the other saints in Heaven. Our condolences Sandy and to all the rest of the Berry clan
Duane was one of my two Canadian roommates my Junior year at Gordon College in 1961-1962. He had excellent athletic ability, however what impressed me the most was his Christian care and watchfulness over me that year. His nourishing and cherishing enabled me to continue despite my natural inclination to rebel. I would like to encourage all his grandchildren that you are not too young to use Duane as a pattern in your contacts with your classmates. You may be a young person in God’s plan in a situation even though you may feel that your natural ability is not adequate. However, our natural ability is not the deciding factor how the Lord may be able to use us if we cooperate with Him. This was my experience with Duane. This was a year when his athletic ability was on the back burner due to a back surgery however, his fresh touch with the Lord was intesified through the pain.
Our hearts are aching with you and for you in the loss of a wonderful pastor and friend. We cherish many memories of your time with us at Highlands and even recently. We will be online on Wednesday from Victoria. Love and hugs. Dorothy and Brian Massey.
I am sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. I always found him encouraging and supportive. Our paths crossed many years ago as we were working on developing a youth center at Bonavista Baptist. Our thought’s and prayers go with his family, friends and colleagues.
Dear Sandy and Family,
We are saddened to learn of Duane’s passing although he is with his Father.
We have fond memories of his service at Bonavista Baptist. May God grant you blessings of peace as you grieve. With love and prayers, John and Sherry
Deepest condolences to youvdear Sandy and all the family
Duane is on a much better place with the Lord
May the Lord comfort your hearts and give you strength at this difficult time
Dear Berry family, Pastor Duane meant alot to my parents ,siblings and I as our pastor,and freind.I accepted christ as a child while you all were here at Trinity Baptist. I remember going to a few hockey games with Duane also.Pastor Duane has allways been remembered as a great teacher,,and freind to my family .My condolences to your entire family,freinds ,and anyone who knew him.We will see him in heavan.
Dear Sandy and Family our deepest Condolences to you for the passing over of your Beloved Duane.
May the Comfort and Peace of the Holy Spirit be around you like a cloak of light, and may your hearts be filled with the assurance that you will meet again in Yeshua’s Holy Kingdom.
We are very sorry to hear of Duane’s passing, but now with comfort in our Loving Father’s Presence. Condolences to Sandy and the family.
Many memories of him as we both served at Bonavista Baptist. Allen with Trustees and me as Elder.(I remember him telling me as I was moving into another area of serving, – I would always be an Elder) Many meetings at the Berry’s home in Midnapore and Sandy always had her delicious cinnamon rolls/ coffee pot on for us all to enjoy.
Our daughter and husband were married – 21 years ago by Duane. Taking pre-marital meetings with him. Kim always appreciated his honesty to them.as they looked forward to their life together.
Rest in Peace, Duane and thank you for serving us at Bonavista Baptist Church.
Sandy and family – we are praying for all of you today as you meet for Duane’s memorial service. We have valued our friendship through college and over the last many years. May God continue to bless you … despite this loss in your family … and in this new year! Dave and Marilyn
I is hard to believe that after almost 50 years that Duane let me to accept Jesus into my heart 1974. I was hoping to see you one more time. And now I continue to worship our Almighty God, Jesus Christ, our Savior and the Holy Spirit, who spoke to me, to “Tell someone” and Duane shared me who that was.
I will see Duane again when join again in God’s Holy Kingdom.
Dear David and Kathie,
I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of your brother/brother in law.You are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy
Cindy Howie
Sandy and family,
While Duane will be missed by many, we also rejoice in his “graduation” to eternity and look forward to the reunion once we all make it home. Condolences and prayers for you all as you navigate his loss.
My dear friend Duane,
Only God knows how much I cherished our conversations about the bible and the life. You was both a friend and a pastor.
I trust in God that you are happy with Jesus Christ, the Lord you served your whole live.
Rest in peace, Duane