Loading ...Larry Berryhill
I lost a great friend this week. Larry was my pole vault coach at BYU, but he was also much more. He was friend that I knew would be there for me under *any* circumstances… and was. I traveled all over with him, ate at the best steak house in every town, and listened to countless stories on the way. I will miss him deeply.
I am going to use this post to provide details as they become available about the circumstances of Larry’s death and the subsequent funeral.
I just spoke with Larry’s mother and found out the following:
They were contacted by the Embassy in Argentina on Monday (Aug 24th) and told that Larry had passed away. Apparently of a heart attack. He had gone out to dinner with some friends on Saturday (from what I can gather that was day) and they called him the next day and got no answer… he also missed an appointment that day, so a friend went to check on him. He was found in his bed.
Larry’s brother, Michael is down in Argentina working on getting Larry back home. As of right now it appears that they will be coming back on the same plane next Wednesday. There are things outside of their control here, so they are waiting until they are actually back before they make any additional plans. If things go according to plan, Larry’s funeral will most likely be the first of the following week – about Sept 7th. They are going to contact me as soon as the plans are finalized and I will post that information here.
To those who knew Larry:
We need to be there in full force. I ask that you do all you can to adjust your schedules to be there for Larry, as he was for us on so many occasions. I also ask that you take the time to write down some thoughts about Larry that can can be compiled and given to his family. This compilation should be ready for the reception after his funeral. Please take some time and get this together and email it (or add as comment to this post) to me (jhansen@hivalley.com) as soon as you can, and I will do the rest.
Please share this link with anyone you think would like to be involved.
on August 31st, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I’ll be there for certain. I live up in Sacramento, only about an hour or so from where the service will be held. Please contact me if you have logistical questions (hotels, flights, etc.) about the area. I look forward to seeing you all there…
Alan
on September 1st, 2009 at 11:26 am
Sorry to hear about this. Trent and I were just talking about Larry a couple of days ago. What city, state will the funeral be held? I am sure Trent would like to attend and could have some memories for the compilation. Thank you for the information.
Robin Powell
on September 3rd, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I have nothing but wonderful memories of the pole vaulting trips and practices with Larry. He usually had a memory to share (mostly about food) and a thought to motivate (mostly about pole vaulting), but he was always a true friend. Best wishes to his family, and thanks for sharing Larry’s unique life with us.
on September 3rd, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Coach Berryhill was a great coach to many in addition to his pole vaulters. He often spoke with me about running middle and long distance (and he had great, valid points), but more importantly he would speak with me about life in general. He was a great example of enjoying whatever he was doing, whether it was a challenge or a leisurely activity like fishing. My favorite memories of him were watching him interact and joke around with Coach James (who was always trying to set him up with someone)!
on November 7th, 2009 at 12:09 am
Regretfully I was not able to attend Larry’s funeral, but I wish his family to know he will be missed, and the world is a lesser place without him. Larry Berryhill was first a good friend, an excellent coach, and mentor to me for several years. Larry was full of life, stories, fun, and could motivate like no other coach I ever had – he was unique. It is troubling to read about the circumstances of his death and last few years of life, and I choose to remember the good. I can’t help but feel there was a huge miscarriage of justice – and I have a long list of friends who agree with me.