PHI PHI ZETA HOUSE CORPORATION

Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity

Michigan Technological University

Houghton, Michigan

In Memory of Myron G. "Doc" Berry, Ph.D.

May 24, 1919 to August 29, 2006

Doc was born on May 24, 1919 in Franklin, New Hampshire and graduated as valedictorian from Tilton Boys School in 1936.  He then attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine.  On March 10, 1937, Doc was initiated into Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity as Alpha Rho 268; this connection with Lambda Chi Alpha was, according to Doc, a turning point in his life and one which greatly affected his development and growth as a man.

Doc received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College in 1940, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and then proceeded with further studies at Harvard University, receiving a Master of Science in physical chemistry in 1942.  After military service (about which he seldom spoke), Doc resumed his studies and received a Ph.D. in chemistry from Syracuse University in 1951.

After graduating from Syracuse, Doc began his teaching career at Urbana College in Urbana, Ohio.  He later accepted a position at Ohio Wesleyan College in Delaware, Ohio.  In 1955, Doc accepted a position as a tenured chemistry professor at what was then known as the Michigan College of Mining and Technology.  Doc was placed in charge of the freshman chemistry program in 1960, a position he held until 1980.  In 1971, Doc was recognized by Michigan Tech with the Distinguished Teaching Award for his outstanding achievements in teaching.  In 1964, Doc was the first recipient of the Clair M. Donovan Award from the Blue Key Society in recognition of his service to the university.  Doc was also inducted in 1996 into the MTU Academy of Science and Arts, in recognition of the distinction he brought to the university through his commitment, outstanding leadership, and service.  In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Doc was active with the Michigan Tech Little Theatre, and for many years was an advisor to Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. 

Doc married the former Betty Marie Dye on June 26, 1948 in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Doc and Mrs. Berry  had three sons, and ten grandchildren.  In 1973, Doc and Mrs. Berry purchased the Keweenaw Agate Shop in Copper Harbor, Michigan, and ran it with their family each summer until 1988.  They were active members of the Copper Harbor Improvement Association for many years.  Closer to their home on Isle Royale Street in Houghton, Doc and Mrs. Berry were charter members of the Houghton County Historical Society, where they received the George Graham Memorial Award in 1996. 

Doc's life saw a devotion to Masonry and its related fraternities.  In 1961, Doc joined the Houghton Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, and served that Lodge as Worshipful Master several times over the years.  He was also a member of the Royal Arch Chapter of York Rite Masons, the Scottish Rite Masons, and the Ahmed Temple of the Shriners of North America.  Doc helped organize the Friendship Chapter of the Order of DeMolay, served as a Dad Advisor, and received that organization's Legion of Honor award in 1972.  He was a Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, and in 1991 received the 33rd Degree and title of Inspector General Honorary of Scottish Rite Masons for his contributions to the craft.

It was his life-long commitment to Lambda Chi Alpha, however, that tied Doc to all of us.  Doc played a major role in the establishment and growth of what became Phi Phi Zeta at Michigan Tech.  While still an active teacher, he took brothers under his wing, giving those who were experiencing difficulties in chemistry extra tutoring to help them succeed.  He also served as a continual source of new brothers, encouraging young men of character with whom he became acquainted through his teaching duties to rush Lambda Chi.  After his retirement from Michigan Tech in 1984, Doc remained active with the Lambda Chi brotherhood, regularly attending initiation rituals and other ceremonies, and lending his wisdom about life, manhood and the fraternity to all who would listen.  A visit with Doc became the highlight of Initiation Week for every member of Phi Phi Zeta.

Rest in peace, Doc.  And thank you for everything.

Copyright © 2006, 2007 Phi Phi Zeta House Corporation.  All Rights Reserved.
Last modified: 07/29/08