In Memory of Aivars O. Berkis

Aivars O. "Ivy" Berkis, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2023, at his Sinking Spring residence. He joined his wife of 59 years, the late Anna G. (Robinson) Berkis, in the heavenly happily thereafter. He was a member of Advent Lutheran Church where they were married.

Born in Riga, Latvia, he was the son of the late Oscar and Mirdza (Praulins) Berkis. As a child, Ivy’s family escaped the Stalin regime and via Germany, with the kindness of a local church organization, they eventually made their way to Reading, Pennsylvania. Ivy learned English and was a stellar student, skipping a grade and graduating from Reading High School in 1958. He went on to Temple University and earned his Pharmacy degree in 1962. While attending Temple, Ivy was a member of the Kappa Psi fraternity where he also served as social chairman for several years. This additional “education” in the “social arts” would become a big part of Ivy’s life.

Ivy started his career at the West Reading Drug store out of college, splitting his time there with Wenrichs Pharmacy of Reading. He would later go on to own the iconic Penn Avenue Landmark - The West Reading Drug Store. He was known to many customers and those in the medical community as one of the best in the business. He always went out of his way to help any customer who needed an after-hours prescription taking phone calls at home at all hours of the night. He would make special deliveries when someone was unable to come to the store to pick up their medication. After an amazing career of 40 years, Ivy retired in 2000. He was often mentioned by many as being dearly missed in the industry.

Ivy was always the “social chairman”. He and Ann loved to throw parties for friends and family. He had annual picnics and Christmas parties for his employees for many years. Good times were had by all. He was known for his famous ‘punch’ which formerly experienced people knew not to have more than two. He continued to serve his social role with organizations like the American Business Men’s Association, The Leiderkrantz of Berks County, Fish Pond West, and The YR Club of Wyomissing.

Ivy had many passions in his life. One of those was his love for running. He was a member of the Reading Road Runners for many years. He ran thousands of miles that included many 10Ks and half marathons. His biggest accomplishments were the seven marathons he raced, and he qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon twice. As the miles took a toll on his body he continued to be an avid walker at the Wyomissing Creek enjoying nature and chats with fellow walkers.

He was a lover of fast cars starting with his Volvo P1800 in his younger days followed by Datsun Z’s, and finally ending with Corvettes. He treated himself to a special Corvette for his 75th birthday and named it ‘Silver Fun.’ Ivy and Ann were members of the Skyline Drive Corvette Club. They enjoyed club events like the mystery trips and the annual Corvette Week to Ocean City, Maryland with their son Todd and his wife Angie.

Ivy was an avid hunter. Not only locally, but also of big game internationally. He was a member of the North American Wild Sheep Foundation and Safari Club International. He was also a member of the Elk Foundation, Turkey Federation, and Ducks Unlimited. His hunting took him all over the world and provided him with unimaginable experiences and he made many lifetime friends along the way. His infectious love of international hunting was shared with his son-in-law Jay. Together they took many trips which included China, Russia, and British Columbia. His proudest harvest was his Boone and Crocket record book Grizzly Bear. His most memorable trip was to Australia and New Zealand which he shared with his wife.

He and Ann’s love of travel took them to many places. Trips to the Caribbean Islands, Spain, Germany, Austria, and Ireland. They traveled extensively in the United States enjoying trips to Wine Country in California and New York, Cape May, New Jersey, and the Rocky Mountanier train trip. They also made several trips to the West Coast of Florida with their daughter Jennifer and son-in-law, Jay. By far their most favorite trip was what they called the “trip of a lifetime” a 3-week first class train trip across southern Africa on the Rovos Rail Pride of Africa.
His most beloved place was his house on Blue Heron Lake in the Poconos. He and Ann enjoyed the family lake house for over 20 years together. He loved watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren learn to swim, fish, four-wheel, kayak, and enjoy nature. Many friends were made at the lake and in true Ivy style many parties and celebrations were hosted as well. He loved to sit quietly on his deck looking out over the lake with a Manhattan in hand. It was his HAPPY PLACE.

Ivy and Ann created a loving family. He cherished all of the hours spent together. During his decline, his family was always by his side to bring him peace and comfort. Ivy is survived by his children: Jennifer L. (Jay) Kemmerer; Todd A. (Angela) Berkis; and Denise A. (David) Boyer, all of Spring Twp, nine grandchildren: Rachel (Travis) Speelman and Jay Robert Kemmerer, Jr.; Amanda and Natalie Boyer; and Matthew, Lauren, Jared, Ryan, and Leah Berkis; and six great-grandchildren: Maximus, Paisley, Liam, Kayden, Jamesyn, and Lyla, as well as his sister, Dace Seaman (Randy) of Leesport, and sister-in-law's Patti Johnson (Dale), and Peggy Robinson (Ray).

The family would like to express gratitude for the exceptional caregivers and Hospice nurses who cared for our father in his end days. When asked by a Hospice nurse what would he want them to know about him, he simply responded, “I am a kind person.”

The funeral service will be held Friday, September 22, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. The visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Mentoring for Youth Hunting https://outdoormentors.org/blog/in-memory-of-aivars-o-berkis, or the Animal Rescue League at https://berksarl.org/berksdonates/. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.