Berry Levon Nishkian

Berry Nishkian passed away on September 21, 2007 at home in the company of his family and friends.

Berry was born in San Francisco, CA on October 22, 1945. Berry grew up with his parents and siblings Levon and Bonnie in a house built by their grandfather. Berry was proud to have emerged from the kitchens of the CCSF Culinary Program to become an accomplished pastry chef, spending some years stoking the fires at the Bohemian Grove.

Berry's friends say that he made and jarred some of the best damn mustard they've ever tasted. But Berry was an endlessly creative artist, not only in the kitchen, but also as a sculptor working in his favorite mediums of wood and ice. Berry's work as a photographer and as a member of a team of sculptors participating at Ice Alaska's World Ice Art Championships can be seen at The Silicon Valley Art Museums' online exhibition gallery. Berry's love of all things automotive led him to experiment with, build and become an enthusiastic advocate for the electric car. Berry was honored with a 2007 Way of Peace Award by the Fresno Center for Nonviolence for his long-term peace activism. Berry's most beloved accomplishment, however, was the love he shared with the many good friends he made along the way.

Berry is survived by his wife Fran, his daughter Emily and son Miles, his stepdaughters Jennifer and Johanna, his stepsons Barton, Laurence and Nathan, and his grandson Hayden.

Friends and family will be welcome to gather for a potluck, beverages and live music at The Wolk Garden, 6661 North Forkner Ave., Fresno, CA 93711 on Saturday, October 20th, 2007 at 1PM to celebrate Berry’s life. Please e-mail fmuggins [at] yahoo.com to RSVP and for additional information. Donations to KFCF 88.1 FM, or The Fresno Center for Nonviolence are suggested in lieu of flowers.