George Emory Barry II

Our beloved husband, dad, and grandpa passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his earthly and heavenly family. He was born in Ogden, Utah, to George Emory Barry and Ruth Dawson Barry. He graduated from Bountiful High School in 1967 and married his high school sweetheart Laurel June Haycock in January 1969. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in December 1972. Dad never forgot either anniversary.

He had many fond memories from his time in the Navy and shared his experiences with us often. It was in the Navy that he received experience working on electronics in submarines and radar detection systems on ships. He continued in electronics at TV Specialists, where he worked for 35 years. He was highly respected by everyone there and loved his work. It was a family-owned business, and even though he was not a member of the family he was treated as though he was. He used his amazing talent and knowledge to help family, friends, and neighbors fix and repair anything. We were always so well provided for by Emory.

Riding his bike became a passion, and he owned one of the first carbon fiber road bikes. Cycling turned into a passion for running. He ran every race and marathon he could, and always coerced his family into running with him. We were the original participants of the Cold Turkey Run on cold/snowy/icy/rainy Thanksgiving mornings up City Creek Canyon in Salt Lake. He never drove to work but ran every day on the most indirect path he could think of. His path often took him through golf courses and sports fields where he picked up all balls he could find, and our family is the proud owner of many five-gallon buckets of golf balls, tennis balls, and baseballs. He enjoyed boating at Lake Powell with family, and even took on the challenge of trying to ski barefoot (which was hilariously not successful).

He was devoted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings, but his absolute favorite was being a home teacher and minister to many. He never missed an opportunity to visit and sometimes the visits could be hours long (to the dismay of his teenage sons that were his companions). It was not a duty but something he did out of genuine love for his neighbors. He got to know every aspect of their lives and who they were. People still say that he was the best home teacher they ever had. As a member of the high council, he spoke often in sacrament meetings and always told the most interesting stories. He would start off by telling a story and just as it would get to the pinnacle of the story, he would leave you with a cliff hanger and switch to teaching about the gospel principle. He then explained how the story and the principle related, and then would tell the end of the cliff hanger. He always ended his talks by saying how much he loved his beautiful wife, Laurel. He had a gift for giving powerful prayers and blessings in a calm, quiet, and simple manner that invited the Spirit.

Emory adored his wife Laurel and filled her life with carnations. Just when she thought she could finally throw away the last ones, another bouquet would appear. They have five wonderful children, whom they love dearly. There was never a question in our minds how much Dad loved us. He was always there to support us in everything we did from every single elementary school program, dance recital, musical recital, soccer game, and baseball game, to professional achievements. He worked long hours at work and then came home and spent all his precious free time playing with his kids and spent time with his wife instead of doing other interests. Dad was a huge tease, but nobody thought Dad was funnier than Dad himself. Birthdays were highly anticipated with each kid and grandkid getting an overflowing bag of full-sized candy bars from 7-11. He always put us first and made sure we were well taken care of. It was easy to love Dad because of how much he loved us, and his example has shaped the way we love our own families. He will be dearly missed at our Sunday dinners each week. Although he will not be there in person, we know that he is there watching over, loving, and taking care of us still.

Emory is survived by his wife Laurel, son and daughter-in-law Geoffery and Stephanie Barry, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Jason Broome, daughter and son-in-law Kylee and Chad Sadler, son and daughter-in-law Conor and Kristin Barry, and daughter-in-law Kaylynn. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren: Joshua and Hanna, Samuel, Caden, Isabelle, Eleanor, Cole, Max, Clara, Lily, Ewan, Oliver, Owen, Simon, James, and Lucy. Preceded in death by his parents George and Ruth, sisters Letty and Diane, beloved son Gregory, and precious granddaughter Isabelle. We can only imagine what a beautiful reunion it was in Heaven!

A viewing will be held for family and friends on January 2, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the East Millcreek Seventh Ward building (3408 Celeste Way, Salt Lake City UT 84109). In lieu of sending funeral flowers, please buy a bouquet of carnations for your loved one.