Francis 'Hi' Berry

Francis R. “Hi” Berry, 83, died on April 27, 2010 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Bethel on Sept. 24, 1926 to Ralph and Helen (Eldredge) Berry. He graduated from Gould Academy in 1944, and spent the next year and a half in the United States Air Force. In 1949 he graduated from Bates College and returned to the service, this time with the United States Army Airborne (Paratroopers).

He taught school for many years, the majority spent teaching math and coaching various sports at Gould Academy, where the Senior Female Athlete Award is named in his honor. He is also a member of the Gould Academy Sports Hall of Fame. He owned and operated Lone Pine Campground in Newry from 1969 to 1995 where he met many wonderful people and acquired many lasting friendships. He loved to cut wood and spend time in his shop building pine furniture. Through the years he built many homes for himself and family members.

In 1974, he was awarded the Bethel Area Chamber Henry H. Hastings Award.

In later years he enjoyed traveling the country in his motor home. He was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed hard work. In 1994 he built his own “field of dreams” (Freedom Field), that is now home of the Bethel Red Sox Little League Team.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Mary Lou Berry. His children, Denise Roderick and her husband Larry of Arizona, Marjorie Osgood and her husband Jim of Newry, David F. Berry and his companion Robin Gilbert of Bethel, and E. Scott Berry and his wife Rocky of Newry. He leaves grandchildren, Jason and his wife Sarah, Mandy Berry, Devon Berry, Erin (Osgood) Deprey and her husband DJ, Wade Osgood, Shawna (Roderick) Chase and her husband Peter, Heather Roderick, Elise and Nicole Berry, and seven great-grandchildren. A sister, Claire Cantrell. Mary Lou’s children, Mary Lou Killelea, Rhonda Dalton, Robert Cole and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Pauline Graham Berry in 1955; his second wife of 32 years, Helen Conroy Berry in 1989; brother H. Eldredge Berry; sisters, Vivian Violette, Verna Dyke, Marjorie Menzies, and Glenyce Emery; and a special niece, Judith Costa.

Calling hours will be held at the Alliance Church, Route 26, Bethel on Thursday, April 29, 2010 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Church on Friday at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Merrill Bitner officiating. Burial will be at Powers Cemetery in Newry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Bethel Baseball, c/o of Rob Manning, P.O. Box 163, Bethel, ME 04217.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.andrewsgreenleaf.com.

Francis 'Hi' Berry