Barry O'Very

It is with great sorrow that his family announces that Barry Alan O’Very, age 70, of St. George, UT, died peacefully at home on February 21,2021 after a years-long and hard-fought battle against cancer.

Barry was born in Salt Lake City, UT in 1950 to his late parents Carol O’Very and Harold O’Very, the second child and oldest son of five children. He would tell you that he graduated with honors from the school of hard knocks and went straight to work. He would also say that he was “just ducky,” and get a little gleam in his eyes when it made you smile.

Barry enjoyed working with his hands and building things, but most importantly he loved the satisfaction of a job well done. Whether working to grow his own business ICON construction , serving as a detective and SWAT sniper in the Murray, South Jordan, and Midvale Police Forces, or as a Military Construction Superintendent, he strove for greatness, embodied integrity, and was an inspiration to those that worked with him.

His work as Military Construction Superintendent took him and his wife of 26 years, Elaina, on many adventures; living and working in Hawaii, Colorado, Guam, Georgia, California, and Nevada. Although it often meant being farther away from most of his loved ones, he took pleasure in exploring new places, especially if he could come home and be greeted by his beloved miniature Schnauzers, Ollie, and Maggie.

Barry was a strong and courageous husband, and a dedicated father who dearly loved and cared for his five children and stepson. He loved his family with intensity and would do anything for them. Often reluctant to give anyone the answer to their problems, he was always generous with his time and understanding. He was the type of man to bend over backwards if it meant easing your burden, and would offer the shirt off his back if it meant you were warm.

Barry always had a ready smile and easy acceptance for anyone. Although often a man of few words, he said enough to set people at their ease and let them enjoy themselves. With his big hugs, the thigh-slapping laughs that could be heard across the room, and jovial manner he could infect a whole room with joy. At the very least, all that came to be near him would leave feeling “just ducky” too.

Barry leaves behind his wife Elaina McLaughlin and her son Sean McLaughlin, his children Branden O’Very, Brigitte Christianson, Danielle O’Very Smania, their mother (former wife) Brenda Kelley, his children Dallas O’Very and Shanna Pearson-Buresh, their mother (former wife) Connie O’Very, his four siblings Paula O’Very Saylor, Hal O’Very, Laura O’Very, and Traci O’Very Covey, his nine grandchildren, as well as many friends and relatives, all of whom loved him dearly. He will be held forever in our hearts and his love and kindhearted affection will never be forgotten.

There will be a celebration of his life held later this year.