Photo of Bill challenging a new class of graduating Cadets.

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Below is a message Bill sent to park staff.

Date: Fri, 09 Jan 2004 09:22:56 -0800
From: "William Berry" <bberry@parks.ca.gov>
Subject: Retirement

Well gang,

I wanted you to know that I have decided to pull the big retirement pin.
After 35 years of service, camaraderie, untold stories of park
experiences and hard work, I feel I have done my part for a cause to
which one can dedicate a lifetime.

It is not without some sense of sadness that my family and I choose a
new path. Parks are all I have known since the age of 17, but now it is
time to take on new challenges and we face them with excitement and
enthusiasm.

There are two important lessons I have learned during my journey through
this career in parks. The first is that the people who dedicate
themselves to the Protection, Preservation, Interpretation and
Recreational Opportunities of our park lands are a special breed. They
are fun to be around, work hard, take their mission seriously and MAKE
THINGS HAPPEN! Without today's park employees, the efforts of past park
employees and the future work of new generations of park employees,
there would be no State Park System. I take my tattered old Stetson off
to you all, thank those who guided me on my journey to this faithful day
and envy the new generations embarking on a new career with California
State Parks.

The second is that there is Power in Parks. No matter how hard the
times, how small the budget, how hot the fires, the foundation of a
strong State Park System is firmly in place for future generations.
California State Parks have touched the heart and soul of the citizenry
and because of a commitment to stewardship by yesterday's and today's
park professionals, parks will survive. With that knowledge and belief,
it is easy to stand up and defend the many benefits our park lands and
resources bring to California.

So as I transfer the mantle of leadership to a new regime, I ask each of
you to remember these lessons. You are the reason for what you protect
and defend and the Park System depends on our collective team. One is
completely dependent upon the other. Our park lands will protect you,
so long as you protect them. My last request to you is that you stay
true to the cause. It served me well.

Thanks for all you have done to make my time with the State Park System
so rewarding.

Bill Berry
Deputy Director
Park Operations
California Department of Parks and Recreation