Edward Bruce Berryman, passed away passed away peacefully at age 94 on August 13, 2014 from cancer. He was born on August 9, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to Fontana in 1933 and graduated from Chaffey High School in 1938. During high school he lettered in basketball and swimming and played the drums in various dance bands.
Ed continued his education at Chaffey College (Class of 1940) and played the drums in the college theater orchestra and marching band. In 1941 he marched in the Tournament of Roses parade as part of the band. Following Chaffey College, Ed earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the California Maritime Academy, majoring in Marine Steam and Electrical Engineering.
During World War II Ed served in the United States Navy aboard USS Thuban in the South Pacific. After discharge from active duty, he continued in the Naval Reserve for the next 26 years, retiring with the rank of Commander, USNR in 1980. Simultaneously, he worked as a metallurgical engineer at Kaiser Steel in Fontana, retiring in 1977 after 30 years of service.
Ed had a variety of interests throughout his life besides drumming. He was an amateur photographer, ham radio operator, grower of epiphyllum orchids, and avid home gardener. He was a 54-year member and past commander of Ontario Old Baldy Post #2085, Veterans of Foreign Wars; a member of Masonic Lodge #301 in Ontario and Scottish Rite; and an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ontario for 70 years. In 1998 he was a finalist for City of Ontario Volunteer of the Year.
Ed served on the Chaffey High School Alumni Association board of directors for over 30 years, and as president for 25 years. He was honored as Tiger of the Year in 2006 and is known to many as the face of the Alumni Association.
Ed is survived by his wife of 66 years, Emmy Lou Williams Berryman ’39; sons Steven ’67 (wife Alida) and David ’69 (companion Diana West); grandchildren Kristen (Scott) Bibeau; Maxwell (Rachel) Berryman, Jill Berryman and Ginger Berryman; nephew Anthony (Rose) Hestand and niece Janis (Kevin) Walker and families, and his American Field Service student Dr. Udo ’70 (Daniela) Saueressig and family of Germany.
In addition to family related by blood, Ed leaves a large extended family of neighbors and friends who hold him and Emmy Lou dear. Ed and Emmy Lou built their home in Ontario in 1950, and over the years it has been a gathering place and safe haven for friends and neighbors and their children– John and Juenenne Jackson; Brenda Bartell, Traci Bartell (deceased) and Don Bartell; Diana Campbell and children Marina, Zoey and Benjamin; Debbie Bowen; and many others.
Ed will be remembered for his volunteer service to many organizations in Ontario, his untiring devotion to Chaffey High School, his engineer’s personality, his many talents, his energy, easy laugh, love for Emmy Lou, and his big heart that had room for everyone.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, August 23 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ontario. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ed’s memory to the Chaffey High School Alumni Association, 1245 N. Euclid Ave., Ontario, CA 91762.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18