We Lost a Dear Friend!

Gene Berry left us on January 26, 2010 after a year in and out of the hospital. He came to us in 1978 at the 2nd Indiana Shelby Spring Fling and never left us through the 32nd Spring Fling. As we packed up the supplies after  the 2nd Spring Fling a couple of guys said, let us help you (at that time two couples were doing everything to make the Fling happen). One of those guys was Gene Berry. He became a member of the first Committee that helped plan and operate the Fling. He was on the first Board of Directors for Indiana SAAC and continued in that role to the present.

The Memorial Service for Gene was highlighted by a beautiful biography of her dad by Indiana Board Member Lisa Berry Alexander. From that eulogy—”Hazel, his wife, once told him he was going 80 mph while driving and he responded, ‘So are you.’” He loved White Castles and upon return to the church from his burial, a buffet luncheon included White Castles. He and Hazel were married for 54 years; Hazel will again be with us at the 33rd Shelby Spring fling, she says.

We can’t say enough about the contributions Gene has made to Indiana SAAC and the Shelby Spring Fling. He was the recipient of the first Steve Yates Memorial Award for enthusiasm for and participation in Indiana SAAC. We will miss his input and presence. Gene always had something positive to say about everyone. He was invaluable to us. We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends, and thank him belatedly for all he did for the hobby.