Obituary

Press, 29 September 1988, Page 9

Obituary

Mr Richard Berry

A network of Christian radio stations will be the memorial for Mr Richard Berry, the founder of Radio Rhema, who died at his home in Christchurch yesterday. He was 47. Mr Berry was born in Christchurch and educated at Nelson College. He became a Christian when he was 16. Four years later, in 1961, he began working towards his dream of spreading the Gospel through radio. It was not until 1978 that Radio Rhema went on air in Christchurch, but from modest beginnings the organisation has. gone from strength to strength. Stations were added in Wellington in 1982, Nelson in 1983, and Hamilton this year. Staffed entirely by volunteers, Radio Rhema is funded by membership subscriptions and donations. In 1985, a successful

public appeal . financed Rhenia’s move to new headquarters in Birmingham Drive. Mr Berry remained at his post as president of Radio Rhema in spite of deteriorating health over the last three years. He was largely confined to his home in recent months.

But during that time his vision was further fulfilled with the. granting of broadcasting warrants to Rhema for Tauranga, Taupo, Timaru, and Invercargill. Rhema has also begun broadcasting in Australia, Britain, and Tonga, where the network’s first shortwave station is now being established. Mr Berry’s colleagues yesterday paid tribute to his spiritual strength as “a great witness and encouragement to all who came into contact with him.” “In spite of much pain and suffering, he approached his passing on with quiet and unfailing confidence in his Lord and Saviour.” A service of remembrance will be held for Mr Berry at , Majestic House on Saturday at 10 a.m. Mr Berry is survived by his wife and three daughters.