Brian Tate Berry was born October 10, 1981 in Ft. Worth, Texas. Brian attended Union Public Schools and graduated in 2001. In high school, he developed a love of flying. Brian made his first solo flight on July 7, 1999, and made his first solo cross country flight on October 22, 1999. Brian obtained his FAA Private Pilot license on January 17, 2000. He served with the Civil Air Patrol while attending OSU. He pursued a degree in Aviation Management at Oklahoma State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 2005.
Brian also had a great love for the sport of soccer. He played competitive soccer from the age of ten through high school. He played for the Tulsa Nationals and the Highlanders. The family traveled to many, many tournaments in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. It was in 2006 he decided to take up adult indoor recreational soccer, which was short-lived as a result of a major ankle injury during a game that suddenly ended his soccer playing days. But, Brian continued to follow professional soccer watching most of the World Cup matches and keeping his parents informed of the status and outcome of most games.
Brian spent nearly every summer as a camper at Shepherd's Fold Ranch and, once old enough, he served as a camp assistant for several years. He loved the experience and opportunity to learn about horses and work with horses.
While Brian's work career was multi-faceted, he was always working, even from the age of fifteen with a City work permit. Brian worked in maintenance at the Tulsa International Airport while in college. He worked in customer service with companies like Dish Network, Direct TV, Blue Cross, US Cellular and most recently at Fox Car Rental. His financial services experience included employment with New York Life and Pioneer Financial Group.
While in college, Brian developed an interest in billiards and actually participated in league play at various times. He really studied and learned the strategies and complexities of the game.
As a lasting legacy of his life, Brian donated, through Life Share, his liver and both kidneys to those in need as he passed on to eternity. He will continue to be a blessing to others he never met.
Brian is survived by his parents, Steve and Paula, his sister, Jennifer, his darling niece, Charlie, and several uncles, aunts, and cousins. Brian was a wonderful uncle to his niece, Charlie, and he loved to be involved in her life.
Memorial donations may be made in Brian's name to Shepherd's Fold Ranch, 185 River Avenue, Box 39, Avant, Oklahoma 74001.