Search by Name

Search by Name

Larry Wayne Barkdull

1950 - 2016

Larry Wayne Barkdull obituary, 1950-2016, Orem, UT

BORN

1950

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Larry Barkdull Obituary

1950 ~ 2016
Larry Wayne Barkdull, 65, of Orem, Utah, passed away unexpectedly at home on September 5, 2016 due to complications from a recent surgery.
Larry was born to the late John Barkdull and Doris Hughes in Boise, Idaho on December 22, 1950. He graduated from Borah High School in 1969 and went on to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northern Argentina from 1970-1971. Following his mission, Larry married Elizabeth (Buffie) Rytting in the Salt Lake Temple on March 29, 1972, and they shared forty-four years of a profoundly loving marriage. They were known to take walks around the neighborhood each day and always held hands. He hated being apart from her.
Larry attended Brigham Young University and majored in music composition and theory. He went on to become a longtime publisher and writer of books, music, art, and magazines. For many years, he owned Sonos Music Resources and published the Tabernacle Choir Performance Library. His published works have received a variety of awards: The American Family Literary Award; The Benjamin Franklin Book Award; and Foreword Magazine's GOLD Book of the Year Award for best fiction. His books sold in excess of 250,000 copies and have been translated into Japanese, Korean, Italian, and Hebrew. Additionally, Larry was the creator and producer of the popular Scripture Scouts musical series to teach children the scriptures. In recent years, he had a successful career in the health and wellness industry and dearly loved his Kyani family.
Larry dedicated the last two decades of his life in unwearying research that led to writing Pillars of Zion, a comprehensive seven-book series that expressed his life's passion: helping people come to Christ through the words of Christ. Larry was a gifted teacher of the gospel and a regular presenter at BYU Education Week. Many will remember him as their gospel doctrine teacher, home teacher and friend, as he tended to the needs of those he loved. Larry also served weekly in the temple as an ordinance worker, a calling he cherished.
Above all else, Larry's greatest joy was his family. The only title he wished to follow his name was D.A.D. He left his family a legacy of great faith and leaves a hole that can never be filled. Words cannot express the least of what we feel. We love you. Our hearts are broken, but we know we will be together again.
Larry is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Buffie), and their ten children: Gavon Barkdull (Tanya), Matthew Barkdull (Kristin), Kathryn Purdie (Jason), Lindsay Radebaugh (Ryan), Holly Hadley (Justin), Nathaniel Barkdull, Rebecca Dalsing (Matthew), Collin Barkdull, Emily Smith (Brian), and McKay Barkdull (Natalie). Larry is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and his siblings, Susan Mathews (Chris), Cheryl Crouch (Brian), and Brian Barkdull (Gaylyn).
A viewing will be held Friday, September 9th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 East 800 North, Orem, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 10th at 11:00 a.m., preceded by a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Orem Utah Orchard Stake, 880 East 600 North, Orem, Utah. Interment will follow at the Orem City Cemetery. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.walkersanderson.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the LDS Church's Missionary Fund, a cause dear to Larry's heart.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Sep. 8 to Sep. 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Larry Barkdull

Sponsored by Walker Sanderson Funeral Home & Crematory - Orem.

Not sure what to say?





Brayden

July 30, 2021

I'm five years late but wanted to share that I've become a big fan of Brother Barkdull's writing. He continues to live through his uplifting works. I wrote this recently about one of my new favorite books, The Mourning Dove:
https://nocoincidencesdotblog.wordpress.com/2021/07/29/the-mourning-dove/

Thijs Dorenbosch

October 29, 2016

I'm shocked to read that my favorit lds writer past suddenly away. I wish his family a lot of strength.
T. Dorenbosch (Holland).

Olin K Barkdull

October 20, 2016

Dear Sister Barkdull,

I was saddened to learn of Larry's passing as I was reading his article on Meridian Magazine. We met many years ago in Idaho Falls when he was promoting some of his books. We talked about getting together again and filling in some spots on family history.
Our family's condolences to you and your children. We were taught so many truths by Larry that will guide us as we complete our mortal journey.

Kathy Bray

October 6, 2016

I just learned of Larry's passing today as I was reading his article on Wayward children in the online version of LDS Living. I was astonished and so sad. The world has lost a great and faithful man. I treasure the memories of working with Larry at Family Media back in the 80s. He was so kind and so gifted. Buffie, my heartfelt prayers to out to you and your family. When I lost Ray, I knew it was coming for a long time, but to lose Larry so suddenly must have been so difficult for you, even though I know that you are a woman of great faith. God bless you and your family.
Kathy Bray

heidi flynn

September 14, 2016

Brother Barkdull took the time to respond to an email message I sent after reading his book, "Rescuing Wayward Children" in which I expressed my heartfelt concern for family members struggling with addiction and the deep hole of sorrow that seemed would remain forever. His words were literally an answer to prayer and his message a personal one of great hope. I will be forever grateful to this brother who reached out to a stranger as a friend.

Rita Wright

September 11, 2016

My condolences to the family at Larry's passing. We met when he was doing Charlie's Monument and I toured with the cast (taking along three small children). It was a defining opportunity. His enthusiasm was infectious. Sincerely,Rita R. Wright

Lynne Freed Cartwright

September 10, 2016

Buff and family,
Very sorry to read of your loss. Even knowing you have a new guardian angel on the other side, I know you will miss him terribly.

Laurie Everett

September 9, 2016

Larry Barkdull

Loving and committed
Anxiously engaged
Ready to face his Maker
Real, sincere, and passionate
Youthful, energetic

Beautiful Spirit, without guile
Aligned with God
Righteous example
Knowledgeable and inspiring
Dedicated and determined
Unrelenting and consistent
Leader, mentor
Loyal with integrity

With warmest regard for that giant of a man, my friend, business partner and leaderLarry Barkdull. Heaven just opened its door to one of the best! I am so grateful I had the privilege of knowing him. I appreciate having had the opportunity of listening as Larry taught Ron Zeller the gospel and bore testimony to him. I imagine that Larry will seek other occasions to teach Ron now that they're both on the other side since he had a vested interest in him when he was here. I dearly love both Larry and Buffie. What a precious gift to have both of them in my life! What a difference they've both made in my life! Larry is leaving a hole I don't know can be filled. I cannot wrap myself around his passing. May the Lord bless and strengthen Buffie (here's a BIG hug to you!), and Larry's whole family. May the Lord bless and strengthen ALL of us in our Kyani family, and everyone else who knows Larry.

Christy Zavaleta

September 9, 2016

Dear Sister Barkdull and family, I was shocked when I read about his passing at Meridian Magazine, however not as shocked as you and your family.
My sympathy and love go out to all of you. Even though you are all missing his physical presence, I'm thankful for and comforted by the knowledge that this is just a temporary parting and that you will be together again.
I purchased his book Three Pillars of Zion years ago. I'm thankful for his wisdom and knowledge from years of study and prayers; I have benefitted greatly from his insights. I have printed most of his submissions on Meridian Magazine and treasure each one. His spirit touched my spirit, he answered my questions. He will be sorely missed by all his readers.

September 9, 2016

Thoughts of sincere sympathy are with Larry's family today.
Numbers 6: 24-26

September 9, 2016

I am sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray constantly."

September 8, 2016

Buffie, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Memories come to us as we remember moving to the Rosenhan/Tanner clan's apartment in Murray so many years ago. We were newly married and enjoyed your little family. May the Lord's choicest blessings be with you, knowing that He will grant unto peace and love. Larry was a wonderful man and I thoroughly enjoyed reading his books and articles. Bill & Karen Evans

Elaine Lee

September 8, 2016

Brother Barkdull was such an amazing individual! I enjoyed and learned a great deal from him through his writing and at BYU Education Week. In fact I just attended his classes in August and was inspired, comforted and uplifted. He was always ready to assist others and share his knowledge and spirit. His book, "Rescuing Wayward Children" is one of the best I've read on this subject. May God bless his wife and children.

Kathy and Floyd BIrd

September 8, 2016

Our hearts were saddened when our daughter-in-law, Heather (Dennis Bird) told us of your loss. Our sincere prayers and thoughts are with you. We loved living in the same ward with you for a time even though neither of us have moved.
Sincerely,
Floyd and Kathy Bird

September 8, 2016

My heart reaches out to your family at this time of sorrow. I don't know Larry at all except through the gifted words he was inspired to write. He is one of my most favorite authors. His words and insights have given me many reasons to reflect and ponder upon the great and marvelous mercies of God. May your family be filled with the Spirit of peace and sweet assurance that families are forever.

Cindy Mizer

September 8, 2016

I was blessed to work with Larry at Education Week as a hostess for his class on Pearl of Great Price. He did a wonderful job, as usual and it is stunning to think he is no longer here. I appreciate all he gave to so many by teaching and be willing to share what he had experienced.

Brenda Floyd

September 8, 2016

Amazing man! Inspired me, comforted me and helped me have hope and trust the Lord where my children are concerned. Loved his books. What a great mentor he will continue to be. Have never met him but he was my friend!

Patricia Cheeseman

September 8, 2016

Larry was an amazing person! I loved reading his books and articles in the Meridian Magazine long before I moved to Utah. It was wonderful to meet him in person. What a pleasure it has been to work with him and his wife, Buffie, in the Provo Temple. Because of him my life has been enriched. He truly made a difference in this world; he effected the lives of many people. I thank God for this wonderful man who so willingly shared his gifts, insights, and love for the savior with the rest of us. He will be truly missed!

Peggy Mitchell

September 8, 2016

Larry and Buffie have been dear friends for over 40 years. I will miss his silly jokes and his genuine concern for others. My love to you, Buffie, and to all your children, each of whom I consider to be a niece or nephew. He leaves a great legacy, along with his darling Buffie, of a great family. So sorry that I am out of state this week and will be unable to attend the funeral. I love you all.

Lloya Hall

September 7, 2016

I did not know Larry personally but he impacted my life greatly through his Pillars of Zion series and his wonderful education week classes. He was the presenter I most wanted to hear at Ed Week and I made the effort to attend all of his classes. I will dearly miss him next year. I count his Zion books as among the most impactful works I have read. I raised my children on the Scripture Scouts series produced by Larry. I am sure Heavenly Father has a great work for him to perform beyond the veil. His great spirit will be missed here by many. My condolences to his loved ones.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Larry Barkdull's name

Memorial Events
for Larry Barkdull

Sep

9

Viewing

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Walker Sanderson Funeral Home & Crematory - Orem

646 East 800 North, Orem, UT 84097

Sep

10

Viewing

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Orem Utah Orchard Stake

880 East 600 North, Orem, UT

Sep

10

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Orem Utah Orchard Stake

880 East 600 North, Orem, UT

Funeral services provided by:

Walker Sanderson Funeral Home & Crematory - Orem

646 East 800 North, Orem, UT 84097

How to support Larry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Larry Barkdull's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more