Dewayne Baxter Berry, 75, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2018 following a heart attack during his recovery for a hip replacement at Northwoods Lodge in Silverdale, Washington. He was a 7-year cancer survivor and fought bravely.
He was born July 10, 1943 in Moscow, Idaho to Durward and Bertha Berry. Growing up in the Spokane area he was known to his friends and family as Butch. He graduated in 1960 from John Rogers High School in Spokane, Washington. After graduation Dewayne enlisted in US Navy. He served 3 years from 1961 to 1964 as an Electronics Technician. After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he moved to Melrose Park, Illinois, where he worked for Hammond Organ. One night in 1965 he went on a blind date, arranged by his boss, with a local teacher. Soon after Dewayne moved to Lake Zurich to marry that teacher, the love of his life, Ruth Ann Bracher on October 8, 1966. They lived in Lake Zurich where he worked as an EMT and police officer in a K-9 unit. His 3 handsome sons, Mark Wayne, Daniel Peter, and Michael Durward were all born there as well.
In 1978 they all moved to Cle Elum, Washington to be closer to his family and work as a police officer in nearby Roslyn. In 1980 Dewayne and family moved to Roslyn where he became the Chief of Police. It was there he raised his sons. During his time as Chief of Police they filmed the movie ”The Runner Stumbles” staring Dick Van Dyke. After leaving the law enforcement field in 1986, he remained a volunteer fire fighter/EMT in Roslyn and drove semis for a few years.
In 2003 Dewayne and Ruth left Roslyn for the Puget Sound area to be closer to their grandchildren who live in Kitsap County. The couple spent the next few years managing Manufactured Home Estates in Spanaway, Everett and Bremerton before settling in Silverdale, Washington.
In 2011 Dewayne was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a cancer the attacks the bones. It took a toll on his body and slowed him down, but didn’t knock him out. He maintained High spirits, desire to live life and love for his family. He continued to spend time with his kids and grandchildren at every opportunity. He climbed aboard a decommissioned aircraft carrier for his son’s retirement from the US Navy and sailed the ocean fishing for salmon with his sons and grandson. He fit right in roaming the zoo with his grandchildren and loudly cheered them on at school and sporting events. Most recently Dewayne enjoyed horsing around with the mini horses his grandchildren show at the county fair and local horse shows.
Courageously battling his ailments, he continued to hold his head high and always displayed a sense of humor and a smile. He was always willing to help others and share a prayer. He was a great man, the best little brother, a good friend, a loving husband, a wonderful dad and an awesome grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth Berry; sons Mark Berry and wife Karyn, of Portland, Oregon; Mike Berry and wife Sheila, of Federal Way, Washington; Dan Berry and wife Tami, and their children, Dylan (age 13) and Makayla (age 11), all of Poulsbo, Washington; his sister, Marlene Poage of Coulee City, Washington; and 3 nephews and 1 niece.
Dewayne loved fishing, spending time with his family, and had a deep love of animals. He loved to joke around with people and had a great sense of humor. He was courageous, humorous and loving.
The Celebration of Dewayne’s life will be held at 1:30pm on Sunday, 2 September 2018 at Abundant Life Four Square Church, 5610 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, Washington 98312.
In leu of flowers, please consider a donation of school supplies to your local school district or the Benevolent Fund of the Abundant Life Foursquare Church in Bremerton.
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