Obituary of Stephen Carl Berds

Stephen Carl Berds, age 38 of Youngstown NY, passed away Wednesday October 8, 2014. Stephen was born the son of Robert L. and Margaret M. Berds on March 22, 1976 in Lewiston, NY. After attending school in Melbourne, Australia in 1993 as a Rotary Exchange student, he graduated from Lewiston-Porter High School in 1994. He studied at SUNY Geneseo, Monroe Community College where he earned dual Associate degrees in Biotechnology and Chemistry, Harvard University, and was studying Biological Sciences at Cornell University. He most recently attended NCCC to finish his degree for Cornell. Stephen worked for the UNISYS Corporation for five years and as Publicity Director for the Rochester Gay Men's Chorus for three years. In 2007, he served as a summer intern for the U.S. Department of Energy. He always enjoyed his volunteer work with Hospice and Meals on Wheels. Stephen always had a strong curiosity for all things scientific: chemistry, biology, astronomy, and mathematical; and he also had a deep appreciation for the arts, especially music. He developed a love of travel after Australia, traveling to South America, the Dominican Republic, France, England, Scotland, and even Sweden for the Nobel Prize Awards. Trips in the USA included California, Las Vegas, Florida and even a 13,000 mile road trip across the United States. Stephen was a member of the Mayflower Society, the Nature Conservacy, and the American Chemical Society. He had a deep love for family and friends from past to present. He spent as much time as possible at his beloved Wilcox Homestead family farm in Smyrna, NY where he enjoyed holidays and special times with family and friends. Stephen was a sweet and gentle soul with a zest for life and an extraordinary way of making others feel special. He always remembered his Christian background and most recently, he discovered the benefits and peace of meditation and Shambhala, the Quaker faith, and the teachings of the Dalai Lama (and took part in drum circles as much as possible.) Besides his parents, Stephen is survived by his sister, Patina C. Berds of Rochester; his cousin, John C.(Ingrid Reymers) Munch of Colden, NY; his uncle, Robert W. Munch of Ithaca, NY; his Godmother, Mary Messer, and several cousins. He was predeceased by his loving maternal grandparents, Jack O. and Ella W. Munch; paternal grandmother, Hilda Berds; aunt, Elizabeth Munch-Galas; and his devoted Burmese cat, Eribast. A Graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at the family burial plot in Sherburne, NY. There will be no prior visitation. A Memorial Service to celebrate Stephen's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mental Health Association of Erie County or the Aids Plus Fund of WNY, Inc. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston.