Edwin Beery
August 25, 1939 – March 27, 2014
Edwin D Beery 74, of Vida, eldest son of Margaret and Newell Beery passed into Eternity on March 27th, 2014 at the Billings Clinic from complications of a worn out heart.
Eddy was born on Aug 25, 1939 in Wolf Point, Montana. He lived and breathed the family farm and ranch from birth to death. Eddy graduated from Richey High School in 1957 and was always proud of being a Richey Royal. He kept in touch with many of his high school buddies and would look for any excuse to have a reunion. They usually discussed how good they were at playing basketball and what a good manager Eddy was – such a vital part of the team. Eddy met the love of his life at the Richland County Fair in Sidney, and hired her to show cattle for him, thinking he might have a better chance of winning if he had a good lookin gal showing his herefords. He married Joanne Eggen in Plentywood on October 17th 1964. Rarely would you see one with out the other in life. Eddy and Joanne survived a life time of ups and downs which only made their union stronger. From their love and hard work, they raised 5 kids: Leanne, Lissa, Nita, Beth and Matt. Eddy became an enterpreneour at a young age. He and his siblings sold pop and hot dogs to interested spectators wanting to see the very first oil well in the area. He never really cared what others thought of him or what he was driving. He would rather struggle along, as materialistic things were not important. His wealth was based on his abundant friends and family and the strong relationships with each and every one of them. He was a neighbor to all and taught his kids the importance of always lending a hand. He spent his entire life raising cattle and was very passionate about the Hereford breed. Every year, he would say “next years calf crop will be better then this years if we’re doing anything right.” It wouldn’t bother him one bit to cut a bunch of bull calves out of new genetics saying “they gotta be a good steer before they can be a bull” . He was an early member of Total Performance Records and stood by breeding honest cattle. He was a true cowman with a strong passion for the beef industry. Eddy enjoyed work and valued people on their work ethic. He learned this from his parents and he passed this on to his own kids and grandkids. He always had work to do – no matter what the season was. Along with his family Eddy had a love for politics, Education, the cattle industry, and healthcare. He never met a stranger and would visit with anyone anywhere.
Eddy was named Hereford Man of the Year by the Montana Hereford Association and served as the Montana Hereford Association president. He was on the Vida School Board, was named Jaycee Farmer of the Year, was a member of the Lutheran Church of Richey and served on the church council for the Community Church in Vida. He was an advocate of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and The Shriners Hospital. He was proud to step up and donate every chance he could. He was a Mason for 50 years, belonged to Eastern Star and was a Shriner. The local masonic lodges were dear to his heart. He believed in 4-H and was a youth member and then leader for many years. At the time of his death he was a 4-H advisor to his grandkids. They valued grandpas opinion and learned quick, if you had Grandpas approval, well, you had it made – no matter what anyone else said. He loved to watch Rodeo and the PBR with Joanne but rarely left his favorite recliner to go to these events. They were the best in the comfort of his own home on the TV.
Joanne and Eddy worked hard to make Beerys Land and Livestock a success. This family operation was his life. If they weren’t hauling beef to Jordan or Miles City, they were promoting the cattle and always offering advice to Matt. During his later years he spent time chasing his grandkids to their numerous activities as he was one of their biggest fans. Eddy acquired a new passion towards the end of his life and founded the Redwater Manor Senior and Assisted living Complex board. His vision will become a reality, and he will be proud. Eddy loved his family, hereford cattle, his community and his friends. Neighbors in his community meant the world to Eddy. He always had time for coffee and a good visit. He especially loved a good heated discussion over politics. Right or Wrong – his intent was to keep all secure for the next generation.
Eddy will be dearly missed by his family and community.
Eddy was preceded in death by his parents Newell and Margaret, daughters Karlene at birth and Leanne at 37 years of age and his mother and father in law Joe and Kay Eggen of Plentywood. He is survived by his wife of 49 1/2 years, Joanne; Jerry Switzer, Shayna and Ryan of Wibaux; Lissa and Clint Volbrecht, Megan and Ellie of Richey; Nita and Ed Crockett, Courtney, Jim, Taylor, Mariah and his first great grandson Parker of Circle; Beth and Michael Conroy, Colton, McKinna, Calder, Kayanna and Maggie of Circle; Matt and Krista Beery, Leah and Ethan of the family farm of Vida. Two sisters: Elaine and Dale Rosaaen of Lambert; Vesta and Dave Verschoot of Lambert; Two brothers: Nick and Barb Beery of Seely Lake and Joe and Janet Beery of Richey; Brother in law,Arvid and Linda Eggen and sister in Law Linda and Ed Schackelford all of Plentywood, and many numerous nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be at the Clayton Stevenson Chapel in Circle on April 1st from 3-6 PM with Masonic Services at 6 PM. The funeral will be at the Richey school at 1 PM on April 2nd. with a private family burial later that evening at Prairie Lawn Cemetery near the Ranch. Memorials can be made to Redwater Manor Senior and Assisted Living Complex, Richie Community Park or to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch of Billings, Montana.
Source: Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes
Posted by Haylie Shipp
