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15 Responses
I had the honor of knowing Barry while at Cornville Page Springs Fire and respected his abilities as a firefighter and Chief. Our my sympathies go out to your department as well as Barry’s family from myself and the Vernon Fire District. Our flags are at half staff to honor both Dave and Barry.
Berry was a huge supporter of our public education group, and one of my favorite pictures of “Coupler” probably had a lot of influence on my wanting to be a clown–he made you smile. I have kept that picture over the years–always smiling when I saw it. Regardless of his rank in the fire service, he was just a great guy, willing to lend a hand to get the job done. I was just getting ready to head to our Safe Sitter class this very morning, found the picture of him teaching CPR at a class way back in June of 01–and then find out this is the day we lost him. I know he is watching, and appreciate the smiles he left us with! To his family, thanks for sharing Berry with us, and my deepest sympathy to you all. Merry
Berry and I were friends and co-workers for many years. He was a dedicated volunteer and quickly earned the rank of Captain while I was chief of MRFD. We kept in touch and emailed back and forth often until he became too ill. I helped him renew his EMT Certification the last time and prayed for him often. Berry was an incredible person and will be missed by many. I am so very sorry for this loss to his family and friends. Berry, we miss you. My prayers will continue for your family.
TO Barry and the vanhooks. We are so sorry to hear the loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you all.We have know Barry 17 years. I can rember his smile.I can remeber you being a fire captain forMFRD and also doing fire safety . We are here for you all Love in christ JEFF AND CINDY UPSHAW
Our family has a different rememberance of Berry. He was one of the coaches of our daughter’s Clarkdale soccer team, they gave him the nickname “Captain Hook”. He was such an upbeat person and joy to be around. He was always a great addition to the Clarkdale 4th of July celebrations as the clown. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
The Boardmans
We are sorry to hear of Berry’s passing. He fought a long and courageous battle but now he is at rest in a better place.
Berry was an inspiration to everyone he worked with. I only knew Berry for a few years, but I found him to be a very dedicated public servant. His time with Montezuma/Rim Rock Fire District and Clarkdale Fire Department benefited both communities in many ways. He was a firefighter 24/7, but his family was always first in his book. What a tragedy to be taken so young. Our thoughts and prayers are with Berry’s family.
I had the pleasure of working with Berry at Montezuma-Rimrock Fire and working for him at Clarkdale Fire, he accomplished alot for both communities. I feel fortunate to have been visited by Berry not to long ago it was a pleasure seeing him again. My thoughts and prayers are with Berry and his family.
Berry was one of the first part time paid firefighters for Clarkdale. When I was Fire Chief (1991-1996) we needed 3 part time firefighters to cover during the day as many of our volunteers worked outside the area during the day. One of the finest firefighters I have had the pleasure to work with was Berry VanHook. He always had a positive attitude and a willingness to jump in and try anything for the good of the organization. Of my 29 years in the fire service, Berry was right at the top of the list. God bless him and the very best to his family.
Dan Williams
I knew berry during my time at MRFD, We went through emt class together he was a great friend that loved his family, Berry you difference you will be missed god keep you and bless your family.
Back in, I believe, 1999 Berry came by Verde Rural Fire District and spoke with my wife Debbie, who was, and stilll is part of the administration staff there. He asked her if I might be interested in coming on as a reserve @ Clarkdale FD (I was, @ that time a reserve @ Verde Rural). I tested, then got on as a reserve. I worked with Berry while he was a chief there. He had the quality of a great leader and good mentor, without being cockey or arrogant about his position. We also had time for good conversations about our lives in general. He was dedicated to the Fire Service and to his family (I remember the pictures he had of his daughters on the wall of the office @ Clarkdale FD). Debbie and I will miss his smile and friendship. May our Heavenly Father bless him and his family.
I had the great privilege of knowing Berry and Cindy as they worked with me at Heart Savers INc. Berry was the Best Instructor I had and the Greatest inspiration you could ask for. He gave me advice anytime I needed it and was always there to just give you the smile,a quick joke and hug to make things seem ok. He will be sorely missed. I’m thankful for the time God graced us with his presence. He certainly won’t be forgotten.
I had the honor of knowing Barry while at Cornville Page Springs Fire and respected his abilities as a firefighter and Chief. Our my sympathies go out to your department as well as Barry’s family from myself and the Vernon Fire District. Our flags are at half staff to honor both Dave and Barry.
Berry was a huge supporter of our public education group, and one of my favorite pictures of “Coupler” probably had a lot of influence on my wanting to be a clown–he made you smile. I have kept that picture over the years–always smiling when I saw it. Regardless of his rank in the fire service, he was just a great guy, willing to lend a hand to get the job done. I was just getting ready to head to our Safe Sitter class this very morning, found the picture of him teaching CPR at a class way back in June of 01–and then find out this is the day we lost him. I know he is watching, and appreciate the smiles he left us with! To his family, thanks for sharing Berry with us, and my deepest sympathy to you all. Merry
Berry and I were friends and co-workers for many years. He was a dedicated volunteer and quickly earned the rank of Captain while I was chief of MRFD. We kept in touch and emailed back and forth often until he became too ill. I helped him renew his EMT Certification the last time and prayed for him often. Berry was an incredible person and will be missed by many. I am so very sorry for this loss to his family and friends. Berry, we miss you. My prayers will continue for your family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members and fire department.
Armando Valadez
Ryan Aspa
Gordon Dibble
TO Barry and the vanhooks. We are so sorry to hear the loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you all.We have know Barry 17 years. I can rember his smile.I can remeber you being a fire captain forMFRD and also doing fire safety . We are here for you all Love in christ JEFF AND CINDY UPSHAW
On behalf of the Glendale Fire Department: Please except our deepest sympathy, our hearts go out to Barry’s family and to the Clarkdale Organization.
Lynette Jelinek
Glendale Fire Department
Crisis Response 158
Our family has a different rememberance of Berry. He was one of the coaches of our daughter’s Clarkdale soccer team, they gave him the nickname “Captain Hook”. He was such an upbeat person and joy to be around. He was always a great addition to the Clarkdale 4th of July celebrations as the clown. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
The Boardmans
We are sorry to hear of Berry’s passing. He fought a long and courageous battle but now he is at rest in a better place.
Berry was an inspiration to everyone he worked with. I only knew Berry for a few years, but I found him to be a very dedicated public servant. His time with Montezuma/Rim Rock Fire District and Clarkdale Fire Department benefited both communities in many ways. He was a firefighter 24/7, but his family was always first in his book. What a tragedy to be taken so young. Our thoughts and prayers are with Berry’s family.
Chief Casson
Cottonwood Fire Department
My deepest sympathies to the VanHook family for the loss of Berry. I have many fond memories of him when he worked for the Town of Clarkdale.
Chris Keller
I had the pleasure of working with Berry at Montezuma-Rimrock Fire and working for him at Clarkdale Fire, he accomplished alot for both communities. I feel fortunate to have been visited by Berry not to long ago it was a pleasure seeing him again. My thoughts and prayers are with Berry and his family.
Ken Krebbs
Berry was one of the first part time paid firefighters for Clarkdale. When I was Fire Chief (1991-1996) we needed 3 part time firefighters to cover during the day as many of our volunteers worked outside the area during the day. One of the finest firefighters I have had the pleasure to work with was Berry VanHook. He always had a positive attitude and a willingness to jump in and try anything for the good of the organization. Of my 29 years in the fire service, Berry was right at the top of the list. God bless him and the very best to his family.
Dan Williams
I knew berry during my time at MRFD, We went through emt class together he was a great friend that loved his family, Berry you difference you will be missed god keep you and bless your family.
Back in, I believe, 1999 Berry came by Verde Rural Fire District and spoke with my wife Debbie, who was, and stilll is part of the administration staff there. He asked her if I might be interested in coming on as a reserve @ Clarkdale FD (I was, @ that time a reserve @ Verde Rural). I tested, then got on as a reserve. I worked with Berry while he was a chief there. He had the quality of a great leader and good mentor, without being cockey or arrogant about his position. We also had time for good conversations about our lives in general. He was dedicated to the Fire Service and to his family (I remember the pictures he had of his daughters on the wall of the office @ Clarkdale FD). Debbie and I will miss his smile and friendship. May our Heavenly Father bless him and his family.
Michael and Deborah Clonts
Please extend my condolences to Berry’s family and to the Clarkdale Fire Department.
May God Bless You.
Ron Larrieu
I had the great privilege of knowing Berry and Cindy as they worked with me at Heart Savers INc. Berry was the Best Instructor I had and the Greatest inspiration you could ask for. He gave me advice anytime I needed it and was always there to just give you the smile,a quick joke and hug to make things seem ok. He will be sorely missed. I’m thankful for the time God graced us with his presence. He certainly won’t be forgotten.