Services Set in Wrangell For Dennis R. Berkeley

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Category: Obituaries

Created on Tuesday, 07 February 2023 12:36

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Dennis Robert Berkeley

Dennis Robert Berkeley passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on December 7, 2022, in Sitka.

He was surrounded by family and friends, and had been visited by many close friends and family during his final stay in Sitka. He was 76.

Dennis was born February 18, 1946, in Petersburg, and grew up in nearby Kake, where he developed his love for commercial fishing and music. Dennis spent many of his summers purse seining and halibut fishing. He also developed his singing voice in the local church choir as a young boy and young man. He always talked fondly of playing with his brother J.R. Berkeley and close friend Ben Jackson.

Dennis had a strong connection with being on the water. Whether it was commercial fishing, sport fishing, or hunting, he loved being on the boat with family and friends. Countless weekends were spent out on the water, and he often planned boat rides and trips with many of his friends. He could often be found with family in tow in the boat with Miguel Jimenez, Ed Rilatos, and Morgan Joseph. 

After graduating from Kake High School in 1964 he attended Sheldon Jackson College. An avid musician, he could be found playing with the “Bumble Bees” around Sitka and at local events. Playing in a band and jamming with friends were some of his greatest memories and times. Music opened up much of his life to many friends throughout the state of Alaska. After retiring from the State of Alaska he enjoyed singing karaoke or playing with friends. It was a passion of his and he loved sharing it with good friends and family.

It was during his time playing music in Sitka that he met Darlene Ann Gilbert, who became his wife of 51 years. They were married May 31,1967, in Kake, and raised their two  children,  Denise and Jon, in Wrangell.

Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene Berkeley; his mother and father, Harold Berkeley Sr. and Gloria Paul; and by his younger siblings Winnie Williams (Wendell Williams), Les Berkeley (Sue Berkeley), and Harry Berkeley Jr.; and his nephews Clifford Adams Jr., and Matthew Adams.

He is survived by his children Denise Berkeley-Salter (David Salter) and Jon Berkeley (Karen Mehl); his sisters Marian Adams and Arne James; brother-in-law Clifford Adams Sr.; and his younger brother Thomas Berkeley (Deborah).

He also is survived by his grandchildren, Travis, Shelby, Rachel and Zach;  and many nieces and nephews, Rosita Madura (Tim), Suzette Carlson (Curtis), Beverly Anderson (Lonnie), Doreen Hopper, Donald James Jr., Dale James, and Delphine James; and grandnieces Jessica Andrews (Kelly), Leann Welch (Kyle), and Jeannette Akin (William).

A service will be held on his birthday, Saturday, February 18, at the Elks Lodge in Wrangell, Alaska. 

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