LaMar C. Berrett

LaMar C. Berrett 1926 ~ 2007 LaMar C. Berrett passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, August 25, 2007. He was a man of integrity, determination, order, and love, in undeviating pursuit of righteousness. LaMar was born March 28, 1926, in Riverton, Utah, to his loving parents, John Harold Berrett and Stella Wright. He was one of seven children. At the tender age of 18, during World War II, he was sent to Belgium, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, seeing 110 combat days for the US Army. After his military service, he served a mission for the LDS Church, in the Southern States Mission, and in later years served a mission with his wife in Kirtland, Ohio. LaMar married his sweetheart, Darlene Hamilton, on Aug 3, 1950 in the Salt Lake Temple. They recently celebrated 57 years of sweet companionship, and exciting adventure. LaMar and Darlene are the parents of nine children: Marla (Vincent) Fuerer, Kim (Ellyn), Michael (Karen), Susan (Mark) Wilcox, LeAnn (Kevin) Brock, Nathan (Tricia), Evan (Heidi), Ellen (Steven) Robison and Jared (Spring). He is also survived by his brother, Vere, and sister, Yvonne Bishop; 49 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and several other foreign born students who became part of the Berrett family. LaMar's number one priority was his family. He had a special relationship with his grandchildren, and they adored him. The family cherishes special times they have spent together on vacations and at family reunions. LaMar valued education and became a teacher. He taught LDS seminary in Heber and Copperton. He received his BS degree from the U of U, and Masters and Docotorate degrees from BYU. As a professor at BYU for 29 years, he served as Chairman of the Department of Church History and Doctrine for nine of those years. BYU honored him with the Religious Education Service Award for teaching, research and publication. He was a beloved teacher and mentor and has been a great influence in the lives of thousands of his students and colleagues. His passion for teaching led to directing Semester Abroad programs in Jerusalem, and 51 tours to Israel. Church History sites, Book of Mormon lands and other parts of the world have come alive to many who have gained an understanding of their scriptural and religious heritage under his tutelage. LaMar researched and mapped the Mormon trail, documenting the history of the restored LDS church from the eastern seaboard to the great Salt Lake Valley. He was the editor for the six volume Church History series, "Sacred Places". These books bring Church History to light and life. He was recently honored by the Oregon California Trails and America's History Trails Associations for discovery and preservation of the trails. LaMar was given the gift of drawing people to him. They respected and adored him. His life was rich with the fruits of influencing, leading, guiding and brightening the lives of others. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 30th at 11:30 a.m. at the Sharon Stake Center, 545 South 800 East, Orem. A viewing will be held Thursday from 10-11:30 a.m. and Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the same location. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.