Donald Benjamin Berry

Donald Benjamin Berry passed away unexpectedly on December 27, 2016 at his home in Fort Jones, CA from complications with pneumonia. He was born on October 27, 1958 in Etna, CA to Mary and Richard Berry. He was 58 years old. Donnie B., as he was affectionately known by friends and family, grew up in Fort Jones, CA. He graduated from Fort Jones Elementary School and Fort Jones High School (Go Cubs!). After high school, he attended Central Oregon Community College where he received an Associate’s degree. He also attended Southern Oregon University. He began work for Timberline/Berquist, a manufacturing company in Fort Jones. After that business sold and was moved out of the area, he went to work for his father-in-law at Fort Jones Lumber Yard where he was employed for many years. He loved working with his customers and the local contractors. Donnie married Yvonne LaMarr in 1990 in Fort Jones, CA. They had two children, Nikki and Melissa. Though divorced in later years, they remained close friends. He loved the community of Fort Jones and showed his love by serving in many different capacities. Donnie B. was a member of the Fort Jones Volunteer Fire Department and served in many positions, including Assistant Fire Chief. During this tenure, he was awarded Fire Fighter of the Year. He was also elected to the Fort Jones Elementary School Board for several terms. Former FJE Principal, Gary Lampella said, “He was truly involved and invested in this community; from parent to school board president, nurturing FJE’s recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School. Our community has been honored with his contributions to support all of us.” In later years, he also served on the Fort Jones City Council. Donnie and Yvonne worked for many years as Tournament Coordinators for the Bev White Memorial Softball Tournament whose proceeds go to support Scott Valley Youth. He competed in this tourney as part of the infamous Funseekers team. Throughout his life, he enjoyed playing sports, hunting, fishing, NASCAR, watching sports (particularly the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49’ers), restringing ball gloves for anyone who needed it and serving his community. Friend Tyler Gausen perhaps said it best, “Donnie Berry was a legend in my book, and will be greatly missed.” He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Margaret Berry. Donnie is survived by his daughter Nikki Huchinson of Richland, WA; his daughter Melissa Berry of Redding, CA; his daughter by choice, Prairie Spaulding of Yreka, CA. His grandchildren Ethan, Emmit, Lexie, and Kruz; His father Richard (Barbara); his sisters, Patty (Steve), Linda (Bill), and Barb (Scott); and his loving nieces, nephews and numerous other relatives. A memorial service and reception will be held at Fort Jones Fire Department at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 7, 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Nikki Hutchinson to help with funeral costs, Fort Jones Fire Department, or Bev White Memorial.

Donald Benjamin Berry

October 27, 1958 - December 27, 2016