Berry Swenson

BERRY ANDREW SWENSON

Berry Andrew Swenson, loving husband, son, brother, uncle, stepfather, stepgrandfather and
friend, passed away on Monday, January 28, 2019, at the age of 55.
Berry was born on November 16, 1963, in Gillette, Wyoming, to Dr. James Durward and Doris
Berry Swenson.
He graduated from Campbell County High School in 1982.
Berry received his Bachelor of Science Degrees from the University of Wyoming in Math,
Natural Science and Science Education in 1987/1988 followed by a Master of Arts in
Educational Leadership in 1996. While at the University of Wyoming, he was “Pistol Pete,”
Homecoming King, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and in ROTC.
Berry began his career in education by teaching in Texas. Thereafter, he held Athletic Director
and Principal positions in Wyoming, Utah, Alaska, and Colorado. Berry made a profound
difference during his career as a Principal turning challenged schools into successful performing
schools. He is fondly remembered as an educational leader to his colleagues. Berry was a
Principal who had a positive impact on his students and he truly cared about their well-being
and growth. Colleagues shared that it was an honor to work with Berry—a hardworking man,
problem solver, dedicated leader and friend. He stood up, backed and supported his students
and kept kids on track.
On March 16, 2007, he married his beloved wife, Amelia Swenson. Together they spent time
hunting, hiking, fishing, traveling, and enjoying their pets. Berry traveled abroad, the most
memorable of which was a hunting trip to Africa. Berry adored Amelia’s grandson, Charlie, and
he was very influential in Charlie’s life. Together they spent many hours fossil hunting and
enjoying the outdoors.
Berry is survived by his wife, Amelia, mother, Doris Berry Swenson, his sisters, Kelly (Brad) Sishc
and Jamie (Kyle) Cassel, his brother, Eric (Sandy) Swenson, stepdaughter Kelly Martin and her
son, Charles (“Charlie”) Martin, Aunt Dee (John) Hill, cousin Celeste Hill, nephews, Brock Sishc,
Taylor Sishc, Connor Cassel, Jay Cassel and Adam Cassel, and nieces, Sydney (Peter) Holmgren
and Erica Swenson. Berry was preceded in death by his father, Dr. James Durward Swenson,
and his nephews, Andrew James Swenson and Samuel Durward Cassel.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer in Gillette, Wyoming.
Memorials may be made in Berry’s name to:
Shriners Hospital for Children
c/o KALIF Shrine
Box K
Sheridan, WY 82801