David Lamar Berrey was born August 4, 1919 on the family farm in Wardboro Idaho to J.A. and Mary Berrey. The 7th of 10 children, he left the farm to attend Utah State University where the farm boy from Idaho met his future bride Roberta Roberts, the young socialite from Salt Lake City. Their marriage lasted 60 years, and produced 4 daughters, 1 son, 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
After his marriage in 1940, David joined the US Navy as an aviation cadet and became a much decorated pilot. He saw action in World War II and Korean War as an aircraft carrier pilot, combat fighter pilot, and squadron commander. During his 22 years as a Naval Officer he served as flight instructor, test pilot, and flight officer of the USS Aircraft Carrier Hornet. He also served as the head of Security for the Alameda Naval Air Station, and worked in the Pentagon doing strategic planning for the Navy. He and Roberta and their 5 children were stationed in many places from Virginia to California during his military career.
He retired as Commander in 1962 and settled with Roberta and his 5 children in Salt Lake City. In the years after his retirement, he and Roberta created a successful property and real estate venture. He taught himself the building trade, and with Roberta has the designer, he built their home in Salt Lake City, a beautiful home on Bear Lake and a 12 unit apartment building, among other projects.
He also ran the family cattle ranch which he had purchased from his father while still in the Navy.His ancestors are well known to be among the first settlers of the Bear Lake valley.He was a hands-on cowboy, an excellent horseman, and rarely missed round-ups, cattle drives, branding, or calving.
His membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the guiding force in his life. He held many church callings and served one part time mission and one full time mission. He served over 40 years as a Temple Square Usher. He loved to share the gospel and always strove to live as an example of his beliefs to others.
His love for his family was also an important factor in his life and he always enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He spent many years faithfully caring for his ailing wife Roberta who died in 2002. Following Roberta's death, he married Donna Jordan. He and Donnacompleted a full time LDS mission in Georgia.Donnadied in March 2018.
He had a "put your shoulder to the wheel" attitude about work and no job was ever too menial or too difficult. He used to wake his children everyday by saying "Rise and shine. The race is to the strong." He never asked others to do what he wasn't willing to do himself. He always displayed a positive attitude and had a keen sense of humor. He lived life with enthusiasm and heart.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his 9 siblings, his first wife Roberta, second wife Donna and his eldest daughter Carol. He is survived by his children Joan Rands, Holly Dedman, David Berrey, Phoebe Berrey, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Family only graveside service will be heldMay 29 at 10:00 amat the Mt Olivet Cemetery SLC, UT. An open house for friends and family will be heldMay 28at2to 4:00 pmat 1480 Penrose Dr. SLC UT. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Primary Children's Hospital.
