RIP: Gary Edwin Berry

The Australian Dental Industry lost one of its most endearing personalities on March 23 when Gary Berry passed away after a brief battle with cancer, aged 62. The larger than life character, renowned as a salesman's salesman, knew the value of forming lifelong relationships with his customers and always calling a spade a spade whether it was good for business or not.

Gary joined the dental industry as a messenger boy at the tender age of 14, working with Flavelles Glanfield Pty Ltd. At age 18, he 'graduated' to become the CBD sales rep for the company.

He then became a country representative for 14 years, returning to the city after his first marriage and the birth of his two sons to cover the suburbs for a further 13 years. When the business was sold to New Zealand firm Medics and then Herda & Greenaway, he stayed on throughout the process.

Seeking a change, Gary was then appointed by German dental materials manufacturer, VOCO, to head up their sales both in Australia and NZ. This would prove to be his defining role in the dental industry where he made tremendous inroads for the company thanks to his wide network of loyal customers and through supporting their extensive dealer network.

In 2003, Gary set-up his own retail dental business, aptly named Dental Consumables, which he operated until his untimely death. And with his passing, Dental Consumables will also close its doors.

Gary is a great loss to the industry and he knew better than most the 'ins and outs' of all dental consumables, whether he sold them or they were distributed by a competitor. He trained many, many dental nurses on the handling of products over the years in his spare time. Likewise, there are dozens of sales reps who 'cut their teeth' learning about products privately under Gary's tutorage.

His funeral said it all... besides his immediate family, relations and friends, the Church service had many dentists, dental nurses, practice managers, dental technicians and dental industry personnel in attendance.

He was loyal to our industry, he had sound judgment, dignity, love and passion for his work.

He will be missed by all who knew him and most of all by his loving wife and best friend, Cheryl, who nursed him through his final weeks.