David Berryhill
March 9, 1944 ~ June 26, 2011
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Salina KansasGoodbye Dave,
You were on my interviewing committee and one of the people who first welcomed me to Fargo and ND
SU. Over the following years we had many interesting conversations and not a few laughs.
You made a difference.
Cavalier ND
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Berryhill’s passing. This is a great loss, and he will be deeply missed. I met Dr Berryhill during my freshman year at ND
SU in his intro to microbiology course. Dr. Berryhill is responsible for my love affair with the “tiny world” that persisted through my years in Fargo right through veterinary school and my practice today. I still have my class notes from those days, and many of his lectures are at the forefront of my memory. I will always carry a fond image of his wild Hawaiian shirts and flamingo bicycle horn that characterized his easygoing nature and keen sense of humour. He was a gifted teacher and a dear friend. ND
SU and this student will never be the same. Sincerest condolences to Martha and family.
With deepest sympathy,
Ben Stegman DVM
Fargo ND
I knew David for over 25 years as a fine colleague and a caring individual. He was a steadfast and conscientious advocate for appropriate care for animals used in research at ND
SU. I always enjoyed talking with him and sharing our mutual interests in Bison Athletics. I will miss seeing him cycling around campus.
Fargo ND
Dear Martha,
I was so stunned to learn of David’s recent death. I offer to you my sincerest sympathies.
Doc was such a positive and formative figure for so many of us who came to know both of you through volleyball. His steady, friendly demeanor, his kindness, and his subtle humor meant so much to me personally, and I’ll always hold both him and you in my charished thoughts. I last visited with Doc during the 5K walk/run in May as the route took us near your house, and I’m glad to have had that opportunity.
Jon Jellison
Dr. Berryhill provided an example to us all on how to manage difficult situations (with a sense of humor) and how to always maintain perspective. He never took himself or a situation so seriously that he lost sight of the greater good. He was never in too much of a hurry that he couldn’t take time to say hello…and give some grief with a twinkle in his eyes! I enjoyed the times at the RedHawks game, hosting the compliance committee members – Dave sat back and simply enjoyed the moment. And he was such a fixture at ND
SU volleyball…it seemed he was the 7th man! I so appreciated his wise counsel on many matters. His sense of humor and quick easy smile were definitely a trademark, as was his love of cars and music. ND
SU has lost a wise and compassionate friend.
Fargo ND
Martha – I’m so sorry about your loss. Doc will forever be remembered for the great man that he was. To me, he was a permanent fixture in the BBF but more importantly a fixture of support for the program – athletes and coaches! I am glad to be able to say that I was a fan of his too! He was also known for his love of sand volleyball, camp volleyball and USAVB volleyball (alumni teams) His passion for the game was pure and contagious! Not only did I appreciate his wit, but also his insight. Peace to you in this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. He was one of the very special professors in my life, someone that taught me a great deal about life and goodness and teaching…and of course, bacteriophage. Whenever I would think of graduate school times, it is my times with him and Mary Bromel that would bring a smile to my face. Special people like David will always be missed.
Fargo, ND
Dear Martha:
We are both saddened by news about Dave. I enjoyed many years of conversations on campus about this that and the other and will miss him very much. Our thoughts are with you.
Allan and Hazel
Moorhead Martha,
I’m so sorry to learn of David’s death. My thoughts are with you as you take it one day at a time.
Karen
Fargo Dear Martha and Family:
I was so saddened when I received the news of David’s passing. David hired me to work for ND
SU. He was a man of compassion and understanding. I found him a true professional and mentor.
Thank you for sharing David with us at ND
SU. He will be dearly missed.
Dr. Charlie
My sympathies for Martha and family! It was a privilege to know Dave Berryhill first as an undergrad advisor, grad committee member, and later as biosafety committee chair and IRB member. His calm, steady manner, wry sense of humor, breadth of knowledge, and willingness to serve ND
SU in many capacities will be greatly missed!
Fargo ND
Martha-
I am so sorry for your loss. I just waived at David as he rode his bike across campus. He was alway so kind to me. He will be missed by all. May God Bless You!
Tom Barnhart
Fargo ND
Our prayers and thoughts………
Ames IowaWe knew Dave from the ‘60s and’70s in Ames and Fargo, and for the last three decades only every few years when our paths crossed his and Martha’s. The many comments posted by colleagues and neighbors show how Dave really grew into Fargo, really found his strengths there. That must have been so rewarding for him. What I enjoyed most was when he opened the guitar case and made that Guild whine. He played with enviable authority, not necessarily expertly, and seemed to take more pleasure in those whiney parts than in actually finishing the song.
Martha,
I was so shocked to open the paper on Tuesday morning and read of Dave’s death. I think I probably first met him at a volleyball match. -) Through the years he always had a greeting when we crossed paths and took time to chat. I’ll miss him.
Dear Martha,
I am so very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. As you know, I have quite the past with both of you dating way back to the 1970’s, playing doubles tennis and frying hamburgers. Over the years Dave was a great mentor for me. I am forever indebted to him for employing me as an undergraduate, having faith in me that I could succeed in graduate school and for hiring me as a colleague. He was always upbeat, positive and encouraging. I truly believe that the world is a better place because Dave was here. He will be dearly missed by many. Take care. Janice
Martha,
Deland and I want you to know that you and your family are in our prayers.
We want you and the family to please accept our condolences.
When we arrived in Fargo from Ames, you and Dr. Berryhill welcomed us and always made us feel like we were a part of the ND
SU family.
We shared that Cyclone-Bison connection, it was so great to see you two in Ames and in Fargo cheering on the Bison!
Do know that you and your family are wrapped in prayer.
Trust God in your time of need, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Evie and Deland Myers
I was so SAD to hear of Dr. Berryhill’s passing away. I worked at ND
SU International Program’s as an International Student Advisor. He was part of the ND
SU Friendship Family Program. He welcomed and helped many international students on campus. He was the first one to e-mail when I needed any help related to international student activities. I always could count on him !! I am so sorry for your loss. You are not only lost to your family you are a great lost to the WORLD.
Samudra Kugel
Martha,
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed my encounters with Dave, and will miss seeing him at ball games and on his bicycle.
Denver CODr. Berryhill was a very special man: intelligent, kind, and caring an absolute joy to be around. I fondly recall our laughter-filled conversations and the afternoon he took me for a spin in that hotrod of a car. What fun! He will be sorely missed.
Fargo ND
Love both of you and have valued your friendship-we will miss Doc very much.
Fargo ND
Martha and the Extended Family of Doc:
Dave will be held dear to the many that knew him.
He was a true Gentleman, an enthusiast, a guy with a dry wit that was easy to befriend.
His passing was too soon but his memory will live on.
From the Porsche Club members that knew him, we wish him smooth and curvy roads with lots of wind in the hair, top down , sun on the brow and a growl from the exhausts kind of travel.
Godspeed Doc.
Pam and Don
Dr. Berryhill was a very special member of the ND
SU Community and will be missed by all. It was truly a pleasure to know and work with him. My deepest sympathy and prayers for your family.
Fargo ND
As a colleague, I will remember David for his care and dedication to student success. But mostly, I will remember him for his warm smile and quick quip as he passed on the corridor. My sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Fargo I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Berryhill’s passing. He was a remarkable person and will be missed by many colleagues and friends. There are some people who touch your lives because of their warmth and goodness. David was one of those people. My sympathies to his wife Martha.
Fargo ND
Martha:
I am so sorry to hear about David’s passing away. Sunday….Curt, Jill, Janis, & I were talking about last 4th of July and saying what a perfect day with GREAT people. David will be missed by all. He was a man to be admired. Take care …
West Fargo Very sorry to hear about Doc’s passing. Doc was very gracious to everyone he met – especially if it had something to do with volleyball.
We’ll miss him.
West Fargo ND
Martha,
Our thoughts and hearts are so heavy with you as we mourn the loss of Doc. We knew how pleasant, warm, kind and fun his demeanor was from the day we met him. He was a mentor and friend for me on campus and Kevin sure enjoyed seeing him at the Porsche Club meetings and other car events around town. For that matter, we both loved seeing the 2 of you at those fun events. We will miss him dearly.
Sincerely,
Alicia and Kevin Fitz
Butte MTDr. Berryhill was a patient and kind man. The university system will miss him.
Moorhead MN
My condolences to David’s family — what a great colleague!
Lincoln NEI’m sorry to hear of Dr. Berryhill’s early passing. I was one of his first grad students at ND
SU and enjoyed and admired him. May God strengthen you in your loss.
Judy Lutgen
Fargo ND
Dear Family,
I was so shocked to hear of David’s passing. I just saw him last week leaving Loftsgard Hall and I deeply regret now not taking the time to say “Hi”. I got to know him as we crossed paths in the “B” Lot on the ND
SU campus on our way to work in the morning on our bicycles. He was on his way to Robinson Hall and the beagles and I on my way to work in Walster. He always gave his handwave and “Good Morning” and occasionally beeped at me with his bike horn, probably in an effort to tell me that I should be wearing a helmut! In the winter I often saw him walking to Robinson and he would take pitstops through Sheppard Arena, undoubtedly to warm up. When I ran into him outside, he would say “Pretty soon we should be able to ride our bikes!” Always the optimist! What a wonderful man and I am so privileged that I got to know him. May God keep you in His care through this very difficult time.
Cotati CAOh Martha, I am so sad to hear about Doc. I know he will be missed by many. You two have such a special place in Bison history and in our hearts. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking of you.
Hines OregonI am very saddened to learn of Doc’s passing. He always stopped to ask me how I was doing and truly cared to listen. He had a wonderful sense of humor. I will never forget the first time he told me about racing Porches. I was floored! I would never have expected it from him. It still makes me smile. He had a deep commitment and he will be very much missed.
Fargo Martha,
Dave was a BacT instructor for me one summer. I enjoyed him as a teacher and I learned a lot from him. Then years later, somehow a group of us got together for Park District co-ed volleyball and I met the 2 of you through that team. We had a great time playing!
I send my deepest sympathy to you. May our memories keep him alive in our hearts.
God bless,
Wanda Peterson
fargo North Dakota
Martha, our thoughts are with you at this time. If there is anything Susan and I can do let us know.
Ron Degges
Fargo ND
Martha:
Please accept my condolences o Dave’s untimely passing. Dave – rest easy.
deaths as David’s always leave questions without answers. He was always pleasant, had a great smile, and a calm demeanor. He was so strongly student-oriented, and agreat supporter of athletics, escpecially the volleyball team. I will miss seeing him walking to ND
SU in the morning crossing University Drive.
Godspeed, David.
Martha,
Dr. Berryhill (I still can’t get my head around calling him ‘Dave’) was the head of the VMS Department when I was a graduate student, and he was the first person I called when I was thinking of coming back as a faculty member. I truly valued his honesty and unique insights, and I am sure that the things that I learned from him will continue to serve me well into the future. My sincere condolences.
West Fargo ND
I was very saddened to hear of Dr. Berryhill’s passing. When I worked over in Hultz I remember him always having a positive attitude. I worked with him on some committees. We joked about how I could use a picture of Jack Nicholson on his web page because he was told that he used to look like him. I even surprised him with a fake page with Nicholson’s picture. He was good at letting you know you were doing a good job. He enjoyed his job and was very approachable. He will definitely be missed.
Fargo ND
My deepest sympathy to the Berryhill family. Dave was a valued colleague and generous mentor. I enjoyed each of the opportunities I had to work with him on campus committees and wish there had been many years more of them.
Fargo ND
Dear Martha,
Paul Nelson and I knew David in a number of contexts. He was an eager learner and we attended many pedagogical luncheons and other events together. He, like we, had been at Iowa State University and we shared stories about the Cybird, the mascot at ISU. He was also an active Democrat and we saw him at several events. Just a month ago or so, Paul asked David if he would like to serve as the faculty advisor for the College Democrats. You see, the city bought our home and we are moving tomorrow to our lake home. I have a feeling that David is smiling down at us and saying, “Well, I got out of that obligation! We will miss seeing him riding his bike and entertaining us with humorous remarks and stories. He was a wonderful colleague and ND
SU will not be the same without his presence.
On behalf of the School of Natural Resource Sciences, we are saddened by the news of Dave passing. He was housed with us in Hultz Hall and we all will miss his encouragement and humor as he passed through our main office multiple times a day. He was a respected faculty member and mentor in Animal Science and in the College. His wisdom will be missed by all.
Fargo ND
We will all miss David’s smile and dry sense of humor. He was always willing to do a small favor for those of us in the main office and always treated us with respect. He was invaluable to me as a source of correct data and grammar and punctuation. I enjoyed that he was excited about having his picture done in the same clothes each year with Santa and that he had the flamingo with the different outfits. It was neat that he chose to bike all over, but still kept his hotrod! What a character!
My thoughts are with the family at this sad, sad time.
Martha and David’s Family,
I remember my first conversation with David when I interviewed. He told me a bit about the political landscape of ND
and ND
SU – he was correct. And through last week we continued to share our views and humor on many fronts.
David was a good friend and colleague, an engaged and caring teacher/advisor, and a great supporter of ND
SU. ND
SU is a better place because of David.
May peace be with you.
Fargo ND
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
Gardner ND
Martha and family,
I am so very sad to hear about Dave’s sudden death. He would visit me every year to get an update on new faculty and we always joked with each other. He had such an infections laugh! Outside of ND
SU he would always stop to chat.
He was a true gentleman and I will miss him.
Eileen Buringrud
Department of Plant Sciences
NDSU
Martha,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Such a shocking loss, my heart goes out to you. Please let me know if there is anything – anything at all that I can help with.
Teresa
Fargo Much sympathy from the College of Human Development and Education faculty and staff.
Fargo ND
I have had the good fortune of knowing David Berryhill since 1973 when he was teaching the lab for the introductory microbiology class and I was a student. I thought that he was an excellent teacher and was able to make the class entertaining and interesting even though I did not have great interest in the subject. During the last 4 years I have gotten to know him again as a colleague. He retained his ability to be entertaining and interesting. He has been a true Renaissance man and has been a treasure for ND
SU and its students. He will be greatly missed.
Fargo ND
Martha, my heart is with you. What a great twosome you were. The warmth and care you shared gave you both the ability to reach out to others, quietly making a difference. I will always hold Dave’s twinkling eye in memory.
Fargo North Dakota
I am Lawrence (from South Africa) at Animal Sciences at ND
SU. I only got to know Dr. Berryhill better early this year when I asked him to sign forms for my exams. I still am struggling to believe this happened. Its one of the few times in my life where I wished the news were just a mistake or a ‘sick joke’ and probably the first time Im writing a personal note for this. As for Doc. he embodied the very culture that draws so many from outside (like me) to this place, and thats kindness, humility, and peacefulness. By watching him walk you would just feel the peace the world misses. He walked with so much peace, and I guess he took that a little too far. The world lost a great man. You are not alone. May you have strength. We all need it.
Fargo ND
When I ran for the legislature in the 70s and 80s David was a great advisor and supporter. His quiet but insightful manner made him far more than a friend. He was giant of human being and an intellectual and personal inspiration.
Martha,
I’m shocked and saddened to hear that Dave died so suddenly! I can still hear him singing in the coffeehouse and remember him fondly…A big hug,
Erica
I always enjoyed my daily visits with David. His friendship will be missed.
Fargo ND
Martha,
Again, let me say how sorry I am for your loss. Doc was a wonderful individual who will be missed by all of us.
His generosity and enthusiasm–in our little group he was the only person who’s ever fearlessly followed me down a gravel road and I’ll always remember his comment when I asked him why he carried insurance on the car year-around…He said “my rule is if I can reach dry pavement in two blocks or less…”
Nevada IowaMartha, Fred G passed on the shocking news. We’re so sorry.
Jan and Dario
Hawley MnDear Martha,
Becky and I want you to know we are sorry for your lose and are thinking about you.
Horace ND
Dave was a great faculty member, administrator, and friend of the students. He wanted the everyone to be the best they could be and encouraged everyone to excel. He was always willing to help and his friendly disposition was always welcome. Besides, he drove a Porsche!!
Richmond TexasWe don’t know each other, but we all have experienced losing a loved one in death. I just like to express my deepest sympathy to the family for a life that ended so soon. May your hearts be comforted to know that Jehovah God cares for you. He recommends his own love to us, while we were yet sinners, his son Jesus Christ died for us -Romans 5:8. Jesus’ death paved a way for all of us. Jesus promised in the near future,a resurrection of ones that have falling a sleep in death -John 5:28, 29. We will actually be reunited with our dear loved ones again here on earth -Psalms 37:11, 29.
Moorhead MN
Dear Martha-
Like most people I was very sad to hear of Dave’s death. ND
SU won’t be the same without him here. I can’t imagine a volleyball game in the BBF without seeing him there to cheer on the team. I do believe that he will be there in some way and with you too as you go through this most difficult time. You two always seemed like good friends and partners in addition to being husband and wife. Know that you have many friends who are here and want to help in any way possible. You have our sincerest sympathy! I know you will miss him but keep the faith that this time on earth is short compared to eternity in the life after and you will be with him again.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Berryhill’s family and friends. Thanks to Dr. Berryhill for all of us he mentored.
Andy Nilles
Fargo ND
Iam saddened to hear of Dave’s death. He was a great advisor for my MS degree and fun to be around in the Animal Science Department. He will be missed by all of us. Recently, he moved to an office just down the hall from me and he posted his office as General Agriculture. He was a “general” in our agriculture at ND
SU.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Dr. Berryhill was my first advisor at ND
SU. He was an excellent advisor and an even better teacher. I know he will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Martha,
On behalf of the Departments of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, please accept our condolences. Dave was the one who hired me into the VDL, the beginning of a relationship that I thoroughly enjoyed. He was always upbeat, encouraging, and supportive. Working with him was always a positive experience for me. I will miss his friendship and advice a great deal.
Silver Spring MDMartha,
We’re so sorry for your loss. Dave was an exceptional person. He was always supportive and honest, stood for principles, and had a keen sense of humor. We would not have come to Fargo were it not for Dave, and our Fargo friends, including you and Dave, have come to mean so much to both of us.
-Lynn Rust and Eric Garber
Moorhead MnMartha, our thoughts and prayers are with you. As a member of our local Porsche Club, “Doc” took many pictures at our events and was truly a nice guy. His interest/knowledge of Porsche’s was extensive. He enjoyed his work at ND
SU and I’m sure grew tired of me asking “what is it again that you do?” His dry humor and wit will be missed. Truly a great man.
Fargo I worked with David for many years as a USDA representative on the Recombinant DNA and IBC Committees. His wry sense of humor always made the meetings pleasant. I regret that I never heard him play the guitar. I will miss him.
Grand Forks ND
Dr. Berryhill was an amazing man. He was Matt’s advisor many years ago at ND
SU. We have thought about him and laughed about his quirky ways so many times over the years. I know that Matt has sat and thought about “how would Dr. Berryhill approach this” when he was working through a tough situation. He is going to be greatly missed!
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends!
Matt and Dawnita Nilles
Fargo ND
Always enjoyed your company Doc, you will be missed. Drive on….
Davenport ND
This makes me very sad. I am sorry for your loss Martha. What a wonderful and fun man he was. Oh for the great memories… we will hold on to them. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lee and Tish Skarloken
Sadie and Ty Skarloken
He will be missed here at the VDL.
Doc was a good, kind, and generous man. he was my advisor at ND
SU, and always had time to help me with my questions. I am glad to have had the opportunity to know him, and very sorry that he is gone. My most heartfelt condolences to his family.
Moorhead MN
Martha,
Sorry for your loss. If there is anything that we can do, please let us know.
Milo & Anne
Ames IADear Martha
I was so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing, please accept my condolences.
Dr Berryhill was the one who hired me to ND
SU and I have always had good memories of my time working with him. He will be sadly missed.
Dr. Berryhill always provided expertise and advisement on any area presented to him. He was outstanding in his field and a credit to his position and the college. He had a heart for people and especially students. He will be greatly missed.
Fargo ND
Thank you for all that you did for me during my employment at ND
SU. You will be remembered.
Ada Mn
To a teacher, a supervisor, and a friend,
Hawiian shirts and sandals forever!
Going to miss your smile and wave as you greeted everyone in the halls of Van Es or as you rode your bike around campus.
Fargo ND
I’m so very sorry. You are all in my heart and prayers.
Moorhead MN
Dear Martha and Family:
We were saddened to hear the loss of our dear friend, David late yesterday. May your memories give you strength in the coming days. We, at ND
SU will surely miss him as we saw him a few times a day in Morrill Hall as he made his rounds from Hultz to check his mail box or whatever was needed at the time. Dave was very pleasant and always willing to help others in any way. Take care!
Fargo ND
Martha, on behalf of the Animal Sciences Department at ND
SU, we express our deepest condolences on David’s death. For me, David was a trusted advisor and mentor. He was a great source of information and a resource for the department. He provided leadership and counsel on a variety of topics, but especially in the area of undergraduate education. He always had the best interests of students in mind and I will always be indebted to him for his input and advice.
Sincerely,
Greg Lardy
NDSU Animal Sciences
Martha,
I am so sorry to hear of Doc’s death. He touch the lives of so many people in so many circles from the arts to sports. I have had calls from volleyball around the country this morning wanting to know what they could do. Just know there are more people with the utmost in sincere wishes for you than you may ever know. Phi Alpha Doc!