Bayrd Brant Berger

Evolving through his final breath, Bayrd died peacefully and unburdened in the early evening of November 2 surrounded by his children at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan. Having reached a stalemate over the last four years with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, suffering from significant cardiac compromises, and recently hospitalized with pneumonia, Bayrd left us smiling. Contrary to all medical evidence we agree our father died of a broken heart. Bayrd was a round-the-clock dementia caregiver for his beloved wife of 58 years, Carol (Purdon) Berger, who survives him. In addition to Carol, Bayrd is survived by his children: Leah (Roger) Hicks, Jay (Maureen) Berger, Daniel (Susan) Berger, and Matthew (Kelly Dolland) Berger; eleven grandchildren and two loving nephews, Colby (Alix) Berger and Dustin (Yolette) Berger. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lester and Lenore (Kitto) Berger, and his only sibling, Garth Allen Berger. A graduate of Lincoln High School in Ferndale, Michigan, Bayrd earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. Bayrd was introduced to his Henry Ford Hospital nursing sweetheart late in his senior year and they married following a whirlwind courtship in 1958. Leaving a successful career in metallurgical sales, Bayrd co-founded Integrity Steel Company of Warren, Michigan in 1981. Having just celebrated its 35th anniversary, Matt now heads the company. Proud as Bayrd was of his business success, the greatest joy in his humble life was sharing in the lives of his family. Bayrd’s generosity spanned his lifetime and stretched from northern Michigan to the Gulf Coast of Florida. Bayrd was happiest when his extended family would overstay their welcome at Torch Lake or St. Petersburg or both. A skilled piano player, Bayrd provided the soundtrack for countless family meal preparations. Introduced early in his life to the game of golf by his father, Bayrd was a life-long and ever-optimistic golfer. Bayrd relished the early morning and twilight hours on any golf course, especially Plum Hollow Golf Club in Southfield, Michigan. Years after the golf had finished it was the friendships Bayrd and Carol formed which sustained them. Whether one word or one thousand words this obituary fails to give the full measure of the man. Bayrd was thoughtful with his words and attentive in his conversations. Among the last words he spoke to us was both a reassurance and a charge: “I know it’s corny, but love does not die. Love goes on forever. “ A memorial celebration of Bayrd’s life will be held at a later date in metro Detroit. The family is being cared for by the Reynold Jonkhoff Funeral Home of Traverse City, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bayrd’s memory to the Alive Inside Foundation. Bayrd discovered this music-based therapy program for dementia patients late in his life. It created a wonderful connection with Carol through the glory of music. The Alive Inside Foundation (aliveinside.org) or The Alive Inside Foundation, 237 Eldridge St., New York, NY 10002.

Bayrd Brant Berger

October 27, 1935 - November 2, 2016