Edward Berke was always up for an adventure. Whether it was hiking a 12,000-foot snowy peak, searching for the most remote spot to watch an eclipse or exploring a new country without a plan or even a return ticket, he embraced every challenge with enthusiasm.

Whenever Hunter Berke shared his older brother’s daring exploits, it always left his friends in awe.

“They’re always like, ‘Gosh, what’s he doing? That’s incredible. How did he get himself into these situations? How did he end up there?” Hunter said. “It was always a story.”

To Hunter, Eddie was more than just a thrill-seeker: He was “the best brother” he could have asked for throughout their childhood in Bow and beyond. Even as their lives took different paths, Eddie remained a beacon of support for Hunter.

The Berke family clung to memories and the wisdom Eddie imparted this week while coping with their profound loss following a boating accident in Casco Bay on July 4. He was 31.

“There was no cookie cutter in Eddie’s kitchen,” said his father Bruce. “It was always going to be different, his relationships, his adventures and his efforts. They were always positive.”

Ever since Eddie was a little boy, he loved the outdoors. He would go on rock hunting expeditions with his mother, from exploring their backyard, attending rock and mineral shows, and even visiting quartz mines.

This early passion inspired him to pursue a master’s degree in economic geology at Iowa State University and build a career as a hydrogeologist at Fuss & O’Neill in New Haven, Conn.

Nancy still keeps all the rocks they collected over the years.

“I always enjoyed Eddie’s company,” she said. “There was always an adventure to go on or enjoy, even if it was just in the backyard.”

He was an athlete who excelled in soccer, baseball and hockey. He was passionate about music and a great dancer, too. He was a handsome young man with an outgoing and engaging personality, his family said.

“It’s just so hard to encapsulate him in a few remarks. It seems impossible,” said Nancy.

No matter the situation, Eddie never let a challenge bring him down or affect those around him, which helped him build many deep relationships over the years.

“He didn’t let life slow him down; he grabbed it by the horns,” Bruce said.

To Maddy Pigott, Eddie’s partner for the past 7 years, he was the love of her life.

“He was always going out of his way to make me happy, just so loving,” she said. “He was so special and unique to me.”

Their story began in Jackson, Wyoming, when Pigott was searching for a summer rental. Eddie and his roommate had an extra room available, and from the moment they met, she found him irresistibly witty and charismatic.

“He was spontaneous in a way that I was not, and always present and in the moment,” said Pigott. “I’m very grateful for that in my life, to see life in a whole different way.”

When news of Eddie’s accident spread, Bruce got an email from the CEO of a gold mining company where Eddie had worked in Colorado four years earlier.

He shared a story about Eddie’s remarkable actions. He recounted how Eddie had gone to great lengths to help a team member who had been bitten by a rattlesnake in a remote area with no cell service. Eddie scrambled to find a spot to call 911 and get the necessary help, which was lifesaving.

Eddie had a remarkable talent for connecting with people.

“He liked people and people liked him,” Bruce said.

He effortlessly adapted to each conversation, showing genuine interest in what others cared about. With his father, he embraced their shared passion for golf. With his mother, he delved into their mutual love for rocks and minerals. With his younger brother, he immersed himself in the world of sports.

“He was very friendly and outgoing,” said Nancy, wiping away tears. “He was charming.”

The Bow parents were in Hampton, New Hampshire, visiting friends for the Fourth of July holiday when they found out about the search and rescue operation for their son. They quickly set out for Portland, Maine.

The family remained in the Portland area, holding onto hope as the Maine Marine Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard searched for their missing son. After a week, they returned home to Bow on Wednesday, their hearts heavy with grief.

Eddie’s indelible impact on so many lives remained clear from the interactions the family has had with those he knew.

Hunter mentioned that Eddie’s love for writing handwritten letters was one reason he formed such enduring relationships.

“He paved the way for me,” Hunter said. “He always looked after me. I was following him, learning from him, just trying to be as close as I possibly could to him.”

Sruthi Gopalakrishnan can be reached at sgopalakrishnan@cmonitor.com