Robert Berrett

F. ROBERT (BOB, COACH) BERRETT

Bob was born to Floyd Berrett and Lucille Orr Berrett on December 27, 1944 in Ogden, Utah - the oldest of 5 children. Bob passed away holding the hand of Maryanne, his wife of 56 years, surrounded by family, on October 4, 2024 in American Fork, Utah.

Bob is survived by his wife Maryanne; his sons-Russell (Kristine), Brent, Mark (Jennifer), and Bryan (Jessica); his siblings-Kathleen, Bruce, Carol, and Scott; his 14 grandchildren-Amanda, Ky (Skylar), Tyler (Mazie), Taylor, Ryan, Brielle, Berkeley, Heather, Rees, Eliana, Olivia, James, Hailey, and Maggie; and his 2 great-grandchildren-Logen and Finnley.

Growing up in what is now known as West Valley City (Utah), Bob was a loving son and brother. He was an athlete, lettering in multiple sports at Granger High School, graduating in 1963. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil from October 1964 until January 1967. Upon returning from his mission he finished his collegiate education at BYU in January of 1971. While at BYU, he met and dated Maryanne Kiser. They were married in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on June 22, 1968. Over the course of the next 8½ years they welcomed 4 boys into their family.

Bob doted on his sweetheart Maryanne beginning on their first date, October 28, 1967, where they played ping pong and went bowling. Bob has kept that ping pong ball from that first interaction to this day. He loved her with his whole heart. He could not have found a more faith-filled, patient, and loving companion and mother to their children. Flowers were a regular gift from Bob to Maryanne. It seemed that there was always a fresh bouquet in the house. Throughout Mayanne's many health struggles, he was there each day, serving her and caring for her. His thoughts to the very end were on his wife, and her needs.

Bob was an exceptional father. With Maryanne, they raised 4 hardworking, rambunctious, athletic, intelligent, and caring boys. Bob was actively involved, present, and engaged in the lives of each of his sons. He taught and coached them; set an example of hard work, fierce independence, as well as devotion to those that he loved. He worked hard to provide for their needs as growing boys. He loved them. He was there for their activities; for example, Bob served as the local Little League president in Holladay (Utah) for 10 years from 1979 until 1988. He provided insight into their sports individually; encouragement in their academic interests; but most of all a strong hand of support. As his sons met and married their spouses, he loved his daughters-in-law as his own. When the grandchildren began to arrive he loved them more than words can express, and just like with his sons, he was there for their events. He supported them, encouraged them, and coached them. He loved them unconditionally.

After graduating from BYU, Bob became a secondary school teacher and coach. He taught PE, Health, Biology, and other life sciences. He coached track, wrestling, football, basketball, but was passionate (obsessed) about coaching volleyball. At Churchill Junior High, his teams won 10 consecutive District Championships. He ran the Utah Juniors Volleyball club for 15 years to provide further opportunities for female volleyball players. After a highly successful coaching career at Churchill, he moved to Cottonwood High School to coach volleyball in 2002. He once again created an incredibly successful volleyball program culminating in the 2006 4A state championship. After 34½ years, he retired from teaching in 2007, and from coaching in 2009. In 2015 he was inducted into the Utah Coaches Hall of Fame for Volleyball.

Over the course of his teaching and coaching career, Bob shaped the lives of countless young men and women. Not only will his influence be felt in the lives of his sons and grandkids, but in the lives of his students and athletes.

Bob is a legend.