Clinton “Clint” Howard Berry was born to Dwight Clinton Berry and Justina Fay Berry on November 28, 1951 in Seattle, WA. He died suddenly from heart failure on September 8, 2022. He is survived by his daughter, Madison Berry, of New Haven, VT; his step-daughter, Jessica Newman, of Denver, CO; his sisters, Rene Berry, of Dexter, OR; and Linda Berry, of Eugene, OR; niece Zajj Berry Daugherty, of Portland, OR, and his cousins, Karen Pope, of Riverside, CA; Steven Pope of Tucson, AZ; and Alan Marcelius of Hallandale Beach, FL.
Clint spent his childhood in California, then moved to Columbia to attend the University of Missouri. He married Holly Smith (now Smith-Berry) on February 24, 1991. The couple was later divorced but cultivated a close, 36-year partnership, sharing their daughters, beloved pets, and a home in the country.
Clint was a gifted mechanic (some referred to him as a savant), rebuilding VW, Porsche and Audi motors for Walt's VW in Columbia. He worked there from 1981 until his passing. He was a big help to Walter Shoupe, who, with his wife, Norma, established the business. Walt preceded him in death. He was happy to be helpful to Norma and her son, Brandon.
In the seventies and eighties, Clint studied ballet and modern jazz at Stephens College in exchange for managing sound and lights for dance productions. Dance became a passion that took him to Perry Mansfield in Steamboat Springs, CO, and was the foundation of many friendships. He was honored to have Harriet Anne Gray as a teacher and close friend, and would later become a guardian to her daughter, Portia, following Gray's death. Clint credited the movement therapy he enjoyed while dancing with helping him heal from the trauma of losing both parents and brother, Glenn, early in life. He could be found dancing in the living room well into his life.
A contradiction: While at times stoic, he was an avid storyteller, and could turn a dark and sensational anecdote into a stand-up routine. Clint enjoyed perfecting dishes in the kitchen, including tamales, barbecue, pies, quiche, biscuits and gravy, and hearty Sunday breakfasts. He loved music, curating an impressive vinyl record collection and loved tinkering with his stereo setup.
Clint’s love language was service to others. He could always be relied on to fix whatever was broken, often bringing old cars and appliances back to life, which appealed to his pragmatic, spendthrift nature.
He maintained cross-country friendships throughout his adult life and enjoyed reminiscing. He filled his cup dutifully feeding and watching wild birds and taking moments each morning and evening to take in the view of our pond, grateful for the wide open spaces, starry skies and changes of season. He had a passion for keeping his ten-acre domain in tip-top shape – you were sure to be asked, “Doesn’t the lawn look nice?” on a Sunday afternoon once he put his feet up.
Most of all, he cherished his daughter Madison and step-daughter Jesse. His relationship with “Maddy” was second to none, and he would often be found doing anything she asked of him, from sitting on the sidelines of countless horseback riding lessons and horse shows, rain or shine; to schlepping to dance and art classes; to leading outings for peaches and Christmas trees; and to everyday drives to school and work. It wasn’t uncommon to find him arriving two hours early to pick her up from the airport when returning home from trips or visiting from college. In 2016, he insisted on driving from home to Burlington, Vermont as she moved East. He instilled in her humor, joy, a soft heart, and love of home.
In Madison’s own words:
All you have to know is that my dad loved me. He loved me so much it filled his whole heart. I never once in my life had room to doubt that, and I know now that it's a true blessing and gift that I can say that. I knew he was in my corner no matter what; I knew I could rely on him for anything, any time. I knew if I called him, he would be there.
The things I'm doing now -- the life I'm building -- are because of him. Without his support, and his love, and his devotion to my joy, I wouldn't be surrounded by horses and dogs and a home I cherish. I wouldn't know it was all possible. I know he hated how far away I was, and that I wasn't coming back. But he never let it stop me, and never got in my way.
I'm going to miss him forever. But I lived 31 years in a world knowing that every step of the way, my dad was there for me, watching out for me, waiting for me to come home. And I don't think I can imagine a world where that's not the case. So: I don't know what I believe, but I know he's out there. Loving, watching, waiting.
Clint’s life will be celebrated from 2-5 pm on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at his beloved home at 6071 State Rd J. in Fulton, Missouri. All family, friends, and customers and are welcome to join in a spirit of shared love, joy, laughter and remembrance.
Donations can be made in Clint’s name to Madison’s non-profit organization, Rising Action Mustangs (RAM), which is devoted to the rescue, training and adoption of wild mustangs: www.risingactionmustangs.com/donate
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com for the Berry family.
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