Randall J. Berry (Randy) passed away the morning of June 6th at the age of 65 at his home in Bates near Driggs, Idaho.
Randy was born in Hawthorne, California on September 13, 1945, to Daisy Stout Berry and Earl Kenneth Berry. Randy grew up in El Segundo, California, but spent many summers in southeastern Idaho where he found the two passions that would shape the rest of his life – a love for fly fishing and the woman with whom he would build a family.
In 1963, Randy joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War before returning to Idaho.
On September 28th, 1968, Randy married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Whitfield (Sandy). Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on September 14, 1970.
In 1973, Randy purchased Teton Valley Lodge (formerly Alma’s Lodge) with his friend and business partner John Pehrson. He continued to run the lodge until his two sons, Matt and Brian, took over for Randy and John in 2001. Randy remained as a guide at the lodge until his death.
Randy spent many days teaching people to enjoy a sport his loved so well – fly fishing. He also taught many people about his love of Jesus Christ the Savior and served the Lord through the compassionate way he lived his life. When he was not on the river, Randy could be found surrounded by his grandchildren.
Randy is survived by his five children: Matthew (Heather) Berry of Driggs, Marina (Todd) Harris of Idaho Falls, Brian (Adrienne) Berry of Driggs, Adam (Jessica) Berry of Rexburg and Liza (Buck) Leonard of Idaho Falls; his mother D.D. Berry of Fallbrook, CA and his brother, Jim Berry of Fallbrook, CA; and twelve grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sandy, his son, Jeff, and his father.
The family will visit with friends from 7 pm to 8:30 pm for a viewing on Monday, June 13, and again from 9:30 am to 10:45 am on Tuesday, June 14th at the Driggs LDS Chapel. Funeral services will be at 11 am on Tuesday, June 14th, at the Driggs LDS Chapel with Bishop Roy Moulton officiating. Burial will be in the Cedron Cemetery following funeral services.
As a tribute to his 50 plus years of service and in lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to the scouting program of the Driggs 1st Ward, PO Box 631, Driggs, ID 83422.
Related posts:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the Berrys for your loss. I, as well as all my gang that have traveled from time to time to fish at the Teton Valley Lodge send our deepest regrets and sympathy. Having fished with Randy for over 30 years in Idaho, plus Oregon and Argentina, I can say without doubt or hesitation, I never had a bad day and always looked forward to another day with Randy. When it came to fly fishing,he was the best
of the best and a man I enjoyed spending a day with even when fishing was slow. I am proud to have known him. He was a good man!
Matt and Brian,
Connie and I were so said to hear the news about you dad. He was a great man and a amazing fly fisherman…more knowledge and passion than anyone I have met. He will be dearly missed and always thought of when on a river. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I am so sorry. I will miss Randy’s humor, humanity, great competence in life, wonderful smile and laughter.
We are thinking of our friends- his children. Our prayers our with you.
Warm regards, Howard
So sorry to hear this news. We were always welcomed by Randy with a smile and encouraging words – especially about the fishing. What a lucky man to have such passion and love in his life.
“When hearts are high, the time will fly, so whistle while you work.”
Leslie
Hey you guys, I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. He was an incredible fisherman and tied the best flys in the world “flys for fishin, not wishin”. I grew up in SE Idaho and fished alot as a kid–I thought I really new how to flyfish and then I started guiding at TVL. Wow ! did I ever learn a ton more from Randy and John. I watched Randy cast on the North Umpqua once from a distance–it was like watching Picasso with a paint brush–true perfection. And to watch him tie flys was also truely amazing. We will miss you Randy.
To the entire Berry family-
What a tremendous loss this is. Randy was a great fisherman, guide and a great father. He was a man with a great passion for life and lived it to the fullest. The connection between the Berry family and the Weisberg family goes back 30 years and Randy’s friendship and dedication for providing the best possible fishing experience will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with the Berry family.
Warmest regards,
Matt
My deepest condolences for the loss of a true legend and all around great guy. Randy will be missed. It is truly a sad day for the Berry family and the entire fly-fishing community. Randy was a leader and an inspiration and will be sorely missed. If there is anything I can do please do not hesitate.Again So sorry for your loss
Truly sorry to hear about this and want you guys to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. RB was the one who got me started on what turned out to be a 22 year career, and more then likely I would still be working for you if we still lived in Driggs. At a loss for more words other then to say that if you need anything please let me know. Love you guys and give everyone a hug for me.
Randy was one of a kind ..appearances of a bear with a heart of a lamb.. stern but understanding .. a wonderful spectator of life ..a man who did it his way.. one who had knowledge but it was coupled with understanding.. all of us will miss him but we are the better for knowing him God bless
I was shocked and so, so saddened to learn this news of your loss.
The last time my father was there with me I came back to the cabin to see Randy and my Dad sitting on the porch. Both were engrossed in discussion of the “art and nuance” of fishing various waters. Dad was thrilled to be so engaged in conversation with your father, and he was so looking forward to another conversation in a few weeks when we are scheduled for our return trip.
All who celebrate a love of family and the outdoors are poorer for the loss of such a committed, caring and compassionate man.
My heart goes out to the entire Berry family for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Berry Family at this time. Not only was Randy a Great tier, fisherman, but business man as well. He is well known in THe Fly Fishing small World it is. My thoughts of working with him over 20 years on fly patterns, was that he was a rock, a Mountain of a man. I will truly miss working with him. As well as his advise.
Jim
Dear Matt, Marina, Brian, Adam and Liza –
Randy’s passing is a great loss to all of his friends, but especially to his children and grandchildren. He was a teacher, a mentor and most importantly – a great example to all. He shared his love of fly fishing and his love of Jesus Christ with all of us. He was a man of great principles and it showed in everything he did. He not only talked the talk, he walked the walk.
He had a big smile which made every experience with him, a fun time. Whenever we are on the river we will always think of Randy.
We are positive he is happy today in eternity with his wife, Sandy. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
Our prayers are with you and your entire family,
Deeann and Al Baldwin
I was saddened to hear of Randy’s passing. One of the TVL guides let me know as we were preparing to fish the Gulch. It was a privledge to learn from Randy and listen to his stories of the early days. I will be thinking of him as we float and fish the amazing waters in our area. My heart and thoughts are with you; please let me know if you need anything. Butter
Brian, Matt, and Liza–
I was stunned to learn this morning of your father’s death and it was harder still to tell my two sons Jake and Nolan, who have very strong and fond memories of learning to fish on the Snake with your father. My sons and I were pleased and lucky to have the chance to discover your lodge ten years ago when we bought our home in Teton Valley. Your father was a remarkable father, guide and friend. He was always kind, firm and helpful as he taught my boys to fly fish. He filled them with same joy of the outside and fishing that plainly permeated his entire life. Moreover, he was a patient, thoughtful teacher who never had a cross word despite the antics my children could show in a boat. And his dedication to the valley, it’s river and natural resources, was unparalleled in the area.
We share the pain of your loss. Know that your father touched many lives across the world including a bunch of sometimes fly fishermen and boys down in Houston. Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Trey, Jake and Nolan Peacock
Berry and TVL Families:
Was shocked to hear of Randy’s passing. Deepest condolences to all of you for your loss. I know that each of us appreciated Randy and enjoyed his company on the water.
God Bless,
Todd & Doug Fisk
Dear Matt, Brian, Adam, Marina and Liza,
The news of your Dad’s passing has really rocked three generations of the Stern family. We used to have so much fun arguing politics (I never felt like I won!), hearing his stories (like the day he took Vice President Cheney fishing), singing songs from 50 years ago, watching him cast to a trout he just knew would be in that exact spot… He was a very special person and someone we will never forget. I know he looked forward to the day he would be rejoined with Sandy. That helps me accept the fact that I won’t have the pleasure of his company again.
Your dad was so very proud of you all. This is a terribly difficult time and our thoughts are with you.
love, Sandy Stern
The service was such a tribute to Randy. We felt honored to have been there today. We’re thinking of you all and will be in touch! Susie & Perry
It is hard to put into words the joy and the incredible experiences your Dad brought to my life. Fishing with Randy was a privilage only a lucky few were able to experience. The hours spent on the water and the nights in the lodge “talking story” are a huge part of what has made life so much better for all of us who new him. It was always a joy to see how his eyes would light up when he spoke of his family, you guys have done him proud. He will be missed.
Alan Sharp
I am so sorry and shocked to hear of your loss. I will always cherish my memories of working at the lodge, and will never forget how kind your father was and how he always had a kind word and a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Greg
Randy and I have been fishing with your ” family” (blood or not) at the lodge for seven years. We fell in love with the lodge, the people, Randy and the entire experience. So much so that 3 years ago six of us joined together in a partnership and purchased a home in Victor. Everyone of us remains loyal to Teton Valley Lodge and each of us look forward to seeing all of you several times each year. Yes the fishing is excellent but the company, the camaraderie and the fellowship experience is the reason for the loyalty.
My first trip out fishing with the Teton crew yielded no fish my first day. I prided myself on being a solid sportswomen, having been raised pond fishing with my dad every weekend since I was 3 years old. I was devastated not to have caught a fish my first day. Randy found out and to my surprise he was my guide the next day. I caught a lot of fish that day, learned a lot about trout but most importantly developed a lasting friendship with Randy. After that, every time we came I made a point to seek him out to catch up on things. I guess you could say he reminded me of my dad, teaching me to fly fish and sharing his patience and love of the outdoors with me. Like my dad, he was a man of few words but when he talked everyone listened.
We will miss him terribly. Our sympathy and thoughts are with all of you who knew him.
God bless,
Randy and Suzanne Meeks
We were very saddened to hear about Randy’s passing. He was one of my favorite cousins, always generous and patient. His Uncle Bill always talked about Randy, the lodge, and the time he and John were invited to the lodge. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Sandy and the boys.
Dear Matt, Marina, Brian, Adam and liza- we were so saddened to hear about the loss of your dad. He was a great and giving person and I will always have fond memories of my few summers working at TVL with he and your mom. He must have been comforted knowing he was surrounded by a loving family and sincere friends from across many rivers. He will be surely missed as your mom is still. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Bill, Juanita and Sandy Sears
Dear family and friends,
On behalf of the Engelman family, especially Barry, Sue and I, we want to express our sadness at the loss of our friend Randy. What fond memories we have of many great days on the river with him. We “murdered ‘em” every time! The first trip was in 1977, Riverside to Sheep Falls. We stopped for lunch in the canyon and Randy had to “Hollywood” for us… he spotted a small feeder on our side of the river and proceeded to backhand cast at least 30 yards upstream to nail the feeder on the first cast. There were many enjoyable times every year after. The last time Sue and I were out with Randy we spent a cold October day on the LLL enjoying all his favorite tunes including the Beach Boys and the Navy Hymn. The fishing highlight of the day was casting to the big browns on the redds as Randy waded us up stream and down, for about 2 hours, as we had our pick of fish to cast to.
Randy was a great husband, father, friend, sportsman, community servant and a living model of his faith. He lives in our memories and we thank God for his life.
David Engelman
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Randy’s death. He will be sorely missed not only by family and friends, but a long line of fly fishing friends who visited TVL for the Pine Ridge Eye Study Society over the past 30 plus years. This year’s meeting of PRESS will not be the same without him. He always had a kind word for everyone in his boat and was even able to laugh and gently correct a novice casting who hung up a fly on his hat near his ear. What more could anyone ask. Tom and Aaron
Matt, Brian and Liza,
Our Wichita Falls, Texas group just learned of your Dad’s passing and want to pass along our sincere condolences to each of you and the entire Berry family. Knowing his great faith, all I can do is smile as I KNOW that the fly fishing in Heaven got better organized and lines got a bit tighter with Randy’s arrival!
God Bless all of you.
Bob
Brian, Matt and the Berry family,
I was so saddened to hear from Dave Engelman that your Dad had passed away three weeks ago. Although I did not know Randy well he was obviously a quality individual who will be greatly missed by those of us who enjoy coming to TVL. My prayers and deepest sympathy are with your family as you deal with this great loss.
Skip
Dear Matt, Brian, Adam and Liza
We were so saddened to learn of Randy’s passing. He was a kind, caring person who was passionate about his Lord, his family and fly fishing.
When Bonnie was coming to the Lodge to fish for the first time, I arranged for Randy to be her personal guide. He was patient, gentle and very instructive—she has out fished me ever since.
Words fail us in trying to adequately describe this man. Suffice it to say that we are better
people for having known him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Berrys.
Bonnie and Froncie Gutman
The Berry Family,
We are so sorry for your loss, your Father was an inspiration to all that had the opportunity to know him.His reflection of his life is in each one of you, his spirit will be there forever watching over his love for family and love for fishing.
Our prayers are with you all,
Norma & Ken Aker
Matt & Brian,
I’m very sorry to hear about your Dad. I fished with him one day back in the 80′s with the Dibiten USA group. He was truly a great fly fisherman and a wonderful person! My thoughts are with you and your family.
Tom was my guide during most of our trips to Teton Valley Lodge….please forward this note to him if possible….I know he was very close to your Dad.
Warmest Regards,
Randy Davis
Napa, CA
Matt, Brian, Liza
The news of Randy’s passing away has come as a great shock to all of us, as to you and yours. He was an exceptional man, quiet, deep, and still. Yet he had great depth, humor, and feelings. He was accomplished in so many ways, but took most pride in his family and you all. He and I would sit and talk of our kids, and the pleasures they brought us, and I would often tell him stories of how fishing with both Matt and Brian was such a pleasure, and how you two would go out of your way to make the days there so grand and glorious.
He was always moved and warmed by hearing such tales of his clan.
He touched so many of us, and we share in your loss.
He will live on as a constant presence at TVL and on the river he loved so much.
Thoughts are with you all.
Barrett
I have not seen Randy since our graduation but what I remember growing p was his kindness for everyone. My thoughts are with his family.