Dr. J. Brent Berrey

Dr. J. Brent Berrey
POCATELLO - Dr. J. Brent Berrey, D.M.D., of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away peacefully in his home on January 27, 2012, at the age of 68, from the complications of acute myelogenous leukemia.
Brent was born in Pocatello on October 15, 1943, to John Henry Berrey and Velma Stevens Berrey. He met his wife, Eleanor Clark, while attending dental school in Portland Oregon. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on March 22, 1969.
Dr. Berrey excelled in sports and leadership throughout his school years. He lettered in football, basketball, and track, receiving the award for best all-around athlete during his senior year, and contributed to winning the State Basketball Championship in 1962 for Pocatello High School.
Brent was recruited to play basketball for Idaho State University by Coach John Evans, where he was awarded a full-ride athletic scholarship and played from 1962-1965.
After receiving a bachelor of science degree from Idaho State University, Brent attended the University of Oregon Dental School. Upon graduation, he served for two years as a captain in the Dental Corps of the U.S. Army at Valley Forge General Hospital in Pennsylvania.
Dr. Berrey opened his private dental practice upon returning to Pocatello in 1972, and was devoted to providing excellent dental care to his patients for 40 years. His service to his profession and the local community were numerous. He served on the finance committee of the Tendoy Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America - No 109.
He was an instructor in both the Dental Hygiene Clinic and the Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Idaho State University. Elected as president of the Upper Snake River District Dental Society, he also served for two years as a delegate for the Idaho State Dental Association. Dr. Berrey was recently released from the Idaho State University Alumni Board, where he served for four years. During the last two years he served as a dental examiner for the Western Regional Examining Board in dental schools.
Dr. Berrey was a graduate of the Schuster Center for Professional Excellence, a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Brent coached youth basketball and baseball for 18 years and enjoyed playing golf with family members and friends. He recently became interested in improving his photography skills and was taking classes. He loved to visit his children and grandchildren and to travel and experience different parts of the world.
Dr. Berrey was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions in both the Pocatello North and the Pocatello Idaho Stakes. From 1984 to 1991, he served in the Pocatello, Idaho Stake Presidency as second counselor with responsibilities to direct the various youth programs. Shortly after being released from his stake position, he joyfully served as the bishop of the then newly created City Creek Ward from 1992 to 1997.
Brent is survived by his eternal sweetheart and wife, Eleanor; and his five children, Brenda (Dave) Reber, Mike (Kiana) Berrey, Lance (Analiz) Berrey, David (Elizabeth) Berrey, and Katie (Ben) McKee; 11 grandchildren; his mother, Velma Berrey; his sister, Dawn (Tony) Mclaughlin; and his brother, Steve (Mary) Berrey. He was preceded in death by his father, John Henry Berrey.
The family would like to thank the Portneuf Cancer Center and Creekside Home Health and Hospice for their professional and compassionate care. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Rocky Mountain Chapter, 5353 W. Dartmouth, Lower Level, Denver, Colorado 80227 in Dr. Berrey's name.
Funeral services will be held Saturday February 4, 2012, at 12:30 p.m. at the Pocatello, Idaho Stake Center located at 655 South Grant Avenue with Bishop Rick Parker of the Johnny Creek Ward conducting.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, February 3, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Colonial Funeral Home at 2005 South Fourth Avenue, and from 11 a.m. to noon at the church prior to Saturday services. Burial will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard.
Friends can offer online condolences to the family by visiting www.colonial-funeralhome.com.