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Committee backs resolve to name Forks-area bridge for longtime store owner and volunteer Gordon Berry Sr.
Summary
The transportation committee unanimously moved LD 2028 (Gordon Clifton Berry Sr. Bridge) into work session and voted 'ought to pass' after extensive, emotional public testimony from family and community members about Berry's four decades of volunteer fire service and local contributions.
Representative Elizabeth Caruso presented LD 2028, a resolve to rename the bridge on Route 201 between West Forks Plantation and The Forks the Gordon Clifton Berry Sr. Bridge. Caruso described the bridge's geographic context and summarized Gordon Berry Sr.'s life (born in Jackman 1954; died 07/29/2025, age 70), his decades-long ownership of Barry's General Store, 40+ years on the volunteer fire department, founding the local deer feed program, and broad community service.
Family members and more than half a dozen community witnesses gave testimony in support. Witnesses included Garnett Robinson, Brandon Berry (son), Gordon Barry (son), Cecil Gray, Heather Sylvester (West Forks Fire & Rescue paramedic), Darren Bassett, and Thomas Sileser; they described Berry as the social and logistical center of the Forks area and recounted his volunteer response to accidents, fundraising support, and daily generosity.
Senator Farrin moved LD 2028 into work session and later moved 'ought to pass'; the committee voice-voted unanimously in favor. Committee members praised the nominee's lifetime of service and the strong local support. The resolve will proceed to the committee work session for drafting and any technical edits, and the record notes family presence and submitted obituary and municipal letters of support.
