Fairchild (Don) O'Donnell Berry, 100

Fairchild (Don) O’Donnell Berry

Fairchild (Don) O’Donnell Berry was born Oct. 28, 1918 in Brooks, Minn. His parents and grandparents farmed the land in the late 1800s. Don struck out on his own at 17-18 years of age. He moved to Chicago and was a manager at a tire store and worked with his uncle for a few years in the restaurant business.

In 1940, he met Marie Parker. They married and had three children, Cathy, Peggy and Mike. He is survived by 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

In 1946, he and his wife and children moved to Los Angeles County, Calif., where he purchased a country market and resided with his family for almost 20 years. Don divorced Marie in 1948 and within a year married Jacquline Adams, who remained with Don until her death on Sept. 11, 2005.

He raised his children, worked several jobs after selling the store in the 1960s and retired early. They settled at Sharondale Mobile Home Park in Calimesa, Calif., and resided there for more than 30 years. He enjoyed golf for many years. He and Jackie traveled during their retirement years. Don developed dementia in his 90s and moved up to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in August 2015 after he sold his home.

He has lived with his daughter, Peggy, since July 2013, first in Calimesa, Calif., and then in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, first at Peggy’s home and finally in his last home, Pacifica Senior Living Facility.

He died on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018 at 10:20 p.m. He was 100 years old and had a full and wonderful life. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is going to his final home to join his family and friends who passed before him.