Bryce Howard Barron

Bryce Howard Barron, 68, died in the early evening of April 22, 2024 in Orem, Utah. He passed peacefully from metastatic melanoma with his children and close family members by his side. He was born on July 20, 1955 in Provo, Utah to his parents, LaVerda Ralphs Barron and Howard H. Barron. He was their third child and was a joyful addition to their family after the loss of baby Marlene. His seven year old sister Verdalee was thrilled with his arrival and always had a special bond with this long awaited sibling. When LaVerda and Howard’s next baby, Mark, passed away, Bryce became even more precious. He remained the family “baby” until the age of six when his brother Bryan was born and finally made their family complete.

He spent his growing up years in Orem, Utah and graduated with the Orem High School class of 1973. After graduating, he served in the Paris, France mission from 1974 to 1976 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed his time as a missionary and spoke often of his love of Paris, and returned many times over the course of his life. Upon his homecoming, Bryce headed four miles down the road to Brigham Young University, his second home. He loved it then and loved it until the day he died. His father Howard taught in the BYU Religion Department, and enjoyed Bryce’s “sneak attack” visits during the 6 years Bryce was at BYU. He always said he wished he could have been a “career student.” He graduated with a BA in Political Science and International Relations as well as two masters degrees, International Relations and Public Administration. 

Bryce began his professional career at (shhhh…) the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C. and was a trainer for their domestic and overseas support staff. After 15 years with the Agency, he moved back to Utah where he established a long career in national and international corporate training. During this time, he also taught classes at community colleges on the side. Everywhere he trained and taught he provided laughter and entertainment. He got rave reviews from students for his relaxed and easy teaching style. Bryce completed his career as a hospice chaplain for several different hospice agencies throughout Utah.

Bryce was married to Stephanie Gay Anderson from 1989-2011, and they are the parents of Kenna, Olivia, Isabelle, and Anders. He showed his love for his children by spending time with them and chatting on the phone whenever possible. He especially enjoyed taking them out to eat and loved rocking out to 80’s pop classics in the red 300ZX and golden Camry whenever they were out for a drive. Movie nights at home or the theater were his favorite form of quality time, and the kids grew up loving oldies but goodies like “What’s Up Doc?” and “Some Like it Hot.” He took them to BYU sporting and entertainment events and found great joy in sharing his love of the Cougars. He showed them the world in travels to France, Italy, Germany, and New York City. He supported his daughters’ educational goals and was so proud of their college degrees, even though two of his daughters betrayed the Cougars and graduated from UVU.

Bryce was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Marlene and Mark. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Kenna and Tyler Philipp, Olivia Barron, Isabelle and Ethan Orchard, Anders Barron, and his siblings and their spouses: Verdalee Barron and Bryan and Renee Barron. 

To say that Bryce will be inordinately missed is an understatement and the world will be a distinctly quieter place without his anecdotes and his unforgettable laughter. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Bryce’s medical team. To the Utah Valley Hospital physicians: Dr. Lindsey Davis, Dr. Nick Bishop, Dr. James Dane, and Dr. Steven Wallentine. To Dr. Parkinson's dermatology office; they caught his melanoma early the first two times and extended his life by nearly a decade. To Dr. David Pratt’s radiation oncology office; their palliative treatments gave Bryce six more precious months than expected. And finally to the Dignity Hospice team that helped his family care for him in his final months; specifically his experienced and patient nurse, Renee, and his loving aid Marisela. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 12 p.m. in the Hillcrest 4th Ward building located at 440 East 800 South Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday evening,  May 3, 2024,  from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary located at 495 South State Street in Orem, Utah and on Saturday, May 4, just prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Orem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make regular appointments to have your skin checked by a dermatologist and encourage your loved ones to do the same and please buy and use sun protection for yourself and your family.