Michael Douglas Berry, 64, passed away on September 23, 2026, near St. George, Utah. He was born on June 3, 1962, in Provo, Utah, to Kathleen Wainwright Berry and Jack Richard Berry.

Michael had a pretty interesting way of going through life. He started out in Springville, Utah, and before long moved with his family to an 80-acre farm in Mapleton, Utah. It was the kind of place where a little boy could jump off the barn into haystacks, climb onto tractors big and small, run around with the animals, and generally wear himself out having fun. There were horses, pigs, cows, chickens, and a family dog, Spartan. He also spent a summer at the Homestead in Midway, when his father's company owned it.

Eventually the family moved to Salt Lake City, where Michael spent most of his childhood. When he was six, they even packed up and moved to Bad Vilbel, a small town near Frankfurt, Germany, for about six months. It seems fitting that someone who would grow up to love traveling and exploring got an early start.

As a young man, Michael followed that adventurous streak wherever it took him. He lived in Maui for a while, painting and working construction, and also spent time in Alaska, fishing. He liked seeing new places, trying things, and figuring things out along the way.

But for all of his adventures, one of the most important parts of Michael's life was being a dad. He was a deeply loving, proud, and attentive father to Olivia. He loved his family fiercely and had a remarkably tender heart.

Michael loved animals, too. There was Patrick, his dog when he was a boy, and later Shadow, his beloved companion as an adult. He loved being outside and could happily spend his time camping, playing tennis, exploring, or wandering around the Uinta Mountains, one of his favorite places.

He was personable, thoughtful and genuinely interested in people. He had a way of thinking about things, and probably overthinking some of them, too. And he could cook. Like his father, Michael became an excellent chef—not necessarily the kind who needed a recipe or a fully stocked kitchen. Give him a mostly empty refrigerator and somehow he could still make something delicious out of it.

Michael is survived by his daughter, Olivia Johnson-Berry; his siblings, Jack Berry (Gail), Debbie Webber (John), Phillip Berry (Michelle), Bobby Berry (Maggie), and Xax Berry (Shannon); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends he collected throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Richard Berry and Kathleen Wainwright Jensen, and his grandparents, John Harrison Wainwright, Venetta Beckstrom Wainwright, George Berry, and Inez Hodgkiss.

We like to think Michael has simply gone somewhere ahead of us—to the loving arms of his mother and father, with plenty of family waiting to see him again. Hopefully there's a dog there, something good to eat, and somewhere beautiful to explore.

Michael, Dad, you are loved on earth and in heaven. May God bless you and keep you. You will always be in our hearts.

A gathering in honor of Michael's life will be held on Sunday October 18, 2026 from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the home of Debbie & John Webber.

Professional services arranged by Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to share their condolences and sign Michael’s online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com