Leroy Berry, 91, passed away peacefully at Life Care Center on Jan. 27, 2011, due to health complications. Leroy was born Nov. 22, 1919, in Kansas, to Roy M. and Oda May Berry.

Leroy was 17 when he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. This not only enabled him to help provide for his family back home in Everett, Wash., but helped him pursue his love of woodworking in the CCC Carpentry Program. For 2 1/2 years he sent home $25 of his $30 per month pay to help out. After his stint as a "CCC Boy," he married his first wife Irene and was soon drafted into the Army. He served in World War II from Oct. 20, 1944, to June 30, 1945, with the 96th Infantry Division, 382nd, Company G. While serving his country, he was shot in the shoulder during the battle of Okinawa in 1944, with the bullet missing his spine by an inch and a half. This near fatal injury prevented him from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional carpenter.

After his discharge, he went to work in a local sawmill back home and rejoined his wife Irene. He later began working for the company he would someday retire from, the Scott Paper Company. The Berrys were married for 40 years and had three children together: Roy, Denney and Jeanette. While married, the family stayed in the Marysville, Wash., area where numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren followed. Berry's wife Irene passed away 28 years ago.

After her passing, Leroy later married his former neighbor from years past, Arlene, whose husband John Stone had also passed away previously. Leroy and Arlene lived in Marysville for 15 years. The couple decided to move to the Coeur d'Alene area in 2000, after two of Arlene's three daughters passed away: Myra Moran and "Cookie" Roberts Moran. After this tremendous loss, Leroy felt it was time for Arlene to spend as much time as she could with her one surviving daughter, Marlene Blish and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren that were added to his life when he married Arlene 26 years ago. Leroy and Arlene most recently were residents at Bestland Senior Living Center in Coeur d'Alene, calling it home for the last several years.

Leroy, a Purple Heart, recipient, was also awarded the U.S. Presidential Unit Citation for his unit's achievements on Okinawa, one of only four divisions in the U.S. Military history to have received the honor. In 2011, due to painstaking efforts of his grandson: Jeff Berry (who has currently served in the Air Force for 18 some years) Leroy received the Bronze Medal for his actions during World War II. He was honored at a ceremony in June 2009 at Bestland Senior Living Center for his actions from 64-plus years ago. The event was attended by numerous friends, family and by the Coeur d'Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem.

Leroy was an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. His fondest memories are from his time as a "CCC Boy" - helping lift our country out of the Great Depression. His favorite hobby, crafting woodworking projects, produced many eclectic pieces from bird houses with hinged doors, to more elaborate work.

He volunteered many years when he lived in Marysville for the local senior center, to the Senior Patrol Unit and was honored from his volunteerism with a handsome plaque. In Idaho, he continued to volunteer when he could, even dressing as Santa for the Spirit Lake Fire Dept. Christmas parties for several years.

In his later years, one of his greatest joys was to simply spend time with his wife, family and friends who were frequently at his side. He loved playing pool, penny-poker, picnics and watching wild game and soaking his feet when he visited family at their North Fork river camp. His laughter and kindness drew many to him, evidenced by the multitude of his friends, both past and present.

Leroy is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren from his first marriage. Also, by his second wife, Arlene Berry of Coeur d'Alene; brother-in-law Erling and wife Elaine Hoxie; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Marlene and Doug Blish; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren from his second marriage which include: John and Debbie Beyer - children, Josie and Steven; Andy and Kim Hill - children, Megan and Drew; Todd and Tammy Moran; "Chip" Lloyd Moran - children, Thomas, Jonathon and Samantha; Don Moran - children, Joseph and John; Jody Roberts - children, Kole, Kord, Kenny Jr. and Kristian; and great-great-grandchildren include: Sara Summer, Justine and Terrance Moran.

Leroy is preceded in death by his parents; first wife Irene Berry; stepdaughters, Myra Roberts and "Cookie" Myrna Roberts; and two grandsons.

Leroy will be laid to rest in Everett.

In lieu of a memorial donation or flowers, thank a veteran in Leroy's memory, he will be greatly missed and always loved.