Ron Berry, president and founding partner of Merit Insurance Brokers, passed away on September 13. The announcement was made by the Ontario-based brokerage this week.
Berry’s insurance career spanned over 42 years. He helped lay the foundation of Merit Insurance Brokers in 1981, along with Jack Hunter, Tom Kipping, Maria Berry, Edward Brash, and Conrad Kipping.
In its tribute, Merit Insurance called Berry the “heart and soul” of its operations and praised him for his “infectious” zest for life.
Aside from dedicating time to his insurance career, Berry had been passionate about sports, gardening, and community involvement. He was a long-standing member of the Strabane Optimist Club and maintained a garden in his home in Safari that included a diverse set of flowers and plants. He also kept a community vegetable garden.
“What truly defined Ron was his incredible warmth. He made everyone feel like an instant friend, regardless of age,” Merit Insurance noted in its LinkedIn post about Berry. “His kindness and gentleness endeared him to all. Under his roof, everyone was considered family. Ron’s gardens at Safari were a testament to his passion and peace.”
Colleagues and peers in the insurance industry also expressed their sadness over the news of Berry’s passing.
“Ronnie was one of the kindest and most giving people we knew,” wrote InsureIt Group president and CEO David Palermo. “He always made us feel like we were part of his family. He put a smile on anyone’s face that spent time with him. He will be sorrowfully missed.”
Berry passed at The Hamilton General Hospital – ICU W due to “life altering complications,” his obituary noted. He was 75 years old and is survived by his wife Maria, whom he met through his insurance journey, as well as his former spouse Linda, their children, and their grandchildren.
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