Col Richard “Dick” Berday, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Colonel Richard “Dick” Berday (Ret’d) of London ON at University Hospital in London on 24 January 2012 in his 84^th year.

Dick served in the Royal Canadian Engineers Reserve for many years reaching the rank of colonel and commanding London Militia District before his retirement. Dick spent most of his life in Geraldton ON where he operated several retail businesses until he switched to real estate and insurance until he retired in 1997. Dick  was elected President of the Ontario Insurance Brokers Association.

Dick was a leader in his community as a lay preacher in the Anglican Church, President of the Rotary Club, President of the Greenstone Economic Development Association, a director for the Thunder Bay Housing Corporation and a life member of the Masonic Order.  He also played in the Shiners Band.  Dick was Chief of the Volunteer Fire Brigade for which he was awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal by the Governor General in 1998.

A celebration of life, beginning with a Masonic Service, will be held on 29 January at 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel.  Visitation will be one hour prior to service from 1:00 until 2:00 PM.  As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.