‘Gentle’ man remembered by family, friends

A love of music, nature and friends and family were big parts of slain Christchurch man Martin Orme Berry’s life.

Berry, 55, was farewelled at a memorial service in his hometown of Whanganui yesterday, where more than 60 people attended.

Berry’s body was found buried at a property he owned in Christchurch last week. Kitchen hand Rena Maloney, 55, has been charged with murder. Court documents allege she murdered Berry on December 29.

Berry’s brother David and sister Joanna paid tribute to him at the memorial service. Joanna said Berry taught her three important lessons in life.

The first was to love music as she received her musical education through her bedroom wall from Berry’s room, hearing his favourite bands The Cure, Pink Floyd, New Order and

Joy Division. He also taught her to love nature. She said Berry loved all creatures and was proud of his garden. The third lesson was an important one. ‘‘He taught me that love really is so different to everyone.’’ He showed his love by doing little things for people.

The family had a collection of small trees and a set of Berry’s vinyl records at the ceremony and asked people to take one away in memory.

David’s first memories of Berry were going to football games as children in England.

Berry was born in New Zealand, but the family moved to England for about three years when he was 4. ‘‘We were fanatical about football, especially Martin.’’

The family returned to Whanganui where Martin went to Tawhero, St George’s and Whanganui Collegiate schools.

After Berry finished school he worked at National Bank and loved to party. He later worked as a postie and then in a shoe factory, but he had a problem with alcohol and in 2000 he moved to Christchurch to a ‘‘dry-out centre’’. David said his brother was kind, thoughtful, loved growing stuff and had an encyclopaedic mind for sport. ‘‘You could see how gentle he was.’’