Sad News-Carl Berry

Sad.  We loved that guy.  He had been sending Heidi a lot of his art books ,etc. over the last few months, always with a long hand written note in pencil.  A really sweet guy.

Carl and I had a few PM's back and forth based on topics here.  Sadly, I never met him in person, but he seemed to be one of the most genuine guys you could know.

A truly kind man and a real gentleman. I have been the recipient of many private messages from him and we had some great conversations through that system.

Rick, I know he was your buddy and you two shared a strong bond. 

My condolences to everybody who counted him as friend or family.

Truly a good guy. Always so positive. This board will definitely feel this loss.

From my visit with him in September. We had lunch at the Sycamore in Bethel and I believe this tree is the one named for the place.

Sorry to hear of Carl's passing-a good guy.  I met him at Carlisle a few years ago and we had nice conversations and some PMs over the years. I even offered him a spare fuel pump after the breakdown on the way to Carlisle but he got one  also.

Joel

Mel Cardenas and I were on a mission to get Carl a smart phone. He was actually looking forward to the whole idea, especially when Mel suggested he get in on a family plan with one of his sons...we were going to save him big bucks, he might have been able to start posting photos and, of course, buying more parts that he really didn't need but couldn't say no to a perceived bargain. I saw a huge pile of this stuff during my visit last September...he had plans :-)

Thank you Richard for posting.  This is Carl's son Jonathan.  It is touching to see everyone's comments.  I knew he made a lot of friends in this community and it became a very big part of his life after my mom passed 5 years ago.  At some point I'll likely reach out for guidance on the large assortment of parts accumulated.  My brother is more of a car person than I am but I think this is beyond both of us.  Thank you all for your thoughts know that he really cherised the community.  I can be reached directly at jonathan_berry_98 at yahoo.

Thanks Jonathan. Great to see you here. Your father had many good friends here and I'm pretty certain some of the locals will be able to help in the future.

Could you let us know what was the cause of death. I, and many others were somewhat aware of some of his medical issues. We all tried to remind him to take better care of himself...he was a stubborn old coot (my term of endearment for him).

Rich,

Thank you for posting the photos, Carl will be missed by many.

Chuck

Johnathan---devastating news---too sad for words.  I loved seeing your dad and we always spent a lot of time together.  We were both Marines, we both had Vintage Speedsters and we both used to hang out at Marcus Dairy when I used to ride my BMW there when we lived in New Canaan over 20 years ago.  

Your dad is one main reason I loved Carlisle and I always enjoyed being with him there.  He was so proud of you too, Johnathan.  Now you will have to keep his Speedster and take his place with a lot of friends you haven't met yet.

I know what a loss your mom was for your dad and he called trying to get over that awful event "reinventing his life" but of course he never really got over the loss---you either, I know.

Truly sad news and all I can say is just Damn.

Johnathan--I tried to email you after I posted here and my email failed to be delivered.  Did you give us the right email address?

Thanks---Jack

Hi Jack.  It is jonathan_berry_98@yahoo.com.  Perhaps you put two 'h's in jonathan?

Met Carl 4 years ago at Carlisle.  He, Rich and I had dinner together one rainy nite.  What a fun guy to be with and talk to.  We many may emails back and forth on the front wheel opening visual unbalance o VS and other speedsters.  We talked of the itchy fiberglassing solution for it and his new louvered rear deck lid. His recent dilemma was getting another black Speedie he had purchased in SC here on SOC back to CN in this crappy weather.  We talked over merits of the QuickJack and problems of getting older and not being able to work on cars like we used to. Last email was on the recent election - he didn't listen to election outcome because it had become so distasteful to him.  A day later he drove to local "Git and Go" for coffee and overheard that Trump had remarkably won. 

Carl said in email " I didn't sleep well Wednesday night and got up very early in the dark and drove around the corner to an all night gas station/store that sold coffee. While stirring in the creamer I overheard a comment by two also early risers "Well I guess now there's no reason to donate to the Clinton Foundation"

    What? Did I hear that right? What the hell does that mean?...It was only then that I found out that Trump was the president-elect!!!! What an incredible turn of events...an incredible reality. That was the best tasting coffee I've ever slurped."

I too will sorely miss him! THX for the great pictures, Rich.  They depict his outgoing warmth perfectly.  Wish I could have gotten him down to FL!

Here's a link to the Carlisle parking lot, the morning after poor Carl's Speedster had to get flat-bedded in. As you can see, Alan and Company had no qualms about getting him up and running. I'm pretty sure this was rge Carlisle event where I finally met him in person. https://youtu.be/Yd_eJQeDdNg

Jonathan,

So sorry for your loss. You dad (as you know) had a good heart. He'll be missed.

 I've been emailing him now and then until a few weeks ago, he said he was having issues but was on the mend, said his VS ? speedster was disassembled and had just purchased another one in the Carolina's I believe.                                                         What a great guy Carl was, I recall the Saturday morning of Pumpkin runs he was traveling south and stopped by our house before 7AM just to drop off a bottle of wine. He was so appreciative the morning my friend Ross and I fixed his fuel pump problem at the Hotel a few years back and we had fun doing it .  A couple of years ago Carl won a raffle prize that was dear to Connie, a painting Heidi Gallo had done, be as it may some weeks later it arrived via UPS at our door with the following note.... " Dear Connie, I hung the painting on my wall at home and a week later it fell off the wall landing undamaged on the floor, I knew right then it wanted to become yours ...enjoy !"

  Connie and I are so saddened by this news  .........                      

 ~  Mr. Carl Berry a gentlemen and a gentle man  ~

So sad to hear the news about Carl, another great SOCer who was a true gentleman and all around good guy!

His positive energy and quick smile was always on display. May his soul Rest in Peace!

I had just sent off a short e-mail to him this morning and was looking forward to his witty response. I'm really going to miss his friendship. I know most of you guys thought we were kinda peas in a pod. 

As we all reflect and honor Carl, take the time to let your family know you love them, Carl would want it that way ~

If I could I'd like to offer a short prayer to you and your family:

Father, we ask You to send Your peace to those persons who are mourning. Continue to surround them with family, friends and loved ones who will offer words of comfort. Give them sweet and restful sleep. Father, remove the spirit of heaviness, and give them garments of praise. In due time, bless their lives to overflow with laughter and joy again. As they take refuge in You, please help them to put their trust in You. Holy Spirit, we ask that You settle the hearts and minds of those who are feeling any guilt, resentment, bitterness, or anger. Help them not to look back but to press forward.

R.I.P. Carl Berry

Topic continued here

https://www.speedsterowners.com...carl-berry-s-passing