Bryan A. Groom

On December 5, 2011, Bryan A Groom was called home to his Father in Heaven. Bryan’s focus was always on family and his last week of life was no different. On November 28th he left home early in the morning to go hunting, a pastime his family knew he loved more for the scenery then the sport. Around 10:00 am he was in an accident that resulted in his being pinned under his four-wheeler. Because of his willpower and love for his family, as well as the divine help of our Father in Heaven, Bryan defied the odds and survived 31 hours before being rescued. This miracle allowed him to see and once again express his love for his family. Bryan was born on April 17, 1959, to Max and Ruth Groom. The fourth of five children, he grew up in Rigby, Idaho with his siblings Marcia (Bruce) Johnson, Rhonda (Roger) Terry, Richard (Linda) Groom, and Diane Covington. Bryan loved to work side by side with his father and would rise early in the morning just to spend some extra time with him. He also talked fondly of learning to make rolls and homemade applesauce from his mother, skills his family always enjoyed. His senior year he served as Seminary President at Rigby High School and started on the varsity basketball team. That season he showed his determination to overcome challenges as he came back from a serious head trauma injury to help his team win Rigby’s first state basketball championship. However, the excitement he felt from his own state title paled in comparison to the joy he had in cheering for his son, Taylor, as his own team won the state championship in 2011. After graduating in 1977 Bryan attended a year of school at Ricks College before serving a mission from 1978-1980 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nagoya, Japan. After his mission he resumed his schooling at Ricks College. It was there, in a dance class, that he met his sweetheart and eternal companion, Karla Kay Vail. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on September 11, 1981. If there was one thing Bryan and Karla desired, it was a family, and they made sure their children knew they were wanted and loved every day. They were blessed with four children: Brittany (Dustin) Richins, Michelle (J.D.) Mower, Taylor and Brianne. The family loved to spend time together and support one another. If a member of the family had an event going on, the entire family was there, with Bryan arriving an hour early to save seats. There was never a doubt in his family’s mind that Bryan loved them and would be proud of them, no matter how well they did. He would always say, “do your best, and that’s good enough.” Bryan earned his masters in Accounting from the Utah State University. He was employed at BYU-Idaho where he worked as the Director of Student Services. He appreciated and loved the people he worked with. Bryan loved the Lord and always magnified his callings. He served as executive secretary, financial clerk, counselor in a bishopric, Stake Young Men’s secretary, and in the primary. At the time of his passing he was serving as a primary teacher. He dearly loved all the children he taught. Bryan had a passion for life in all its forms. He enjoyed going up in the mountains and would always return with stories of the beauty and majesty he saw. He was known for his immaculate lawn and flowerbeds. He could often be seen in the spring using his snow blower to remove snow from his yard, just to get a head start. Of all the wonderful characteristics Bryan possessed, perhaps the ones he was best known for was his desire to serve. He had a gift for being in the right place at the right time, often helping those he didn’t even know. Through every challenge he faced, Bryan remained faithful. His love for the Lord and his family characterized all he did. He has left a legacy of love, service, and enduring to the end, for which his family is grateful and proud. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Rexburg East Stake Center, 387 S. 4th E. Rexburg. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, both at the stake center. Burial will be in the Rexburg Cemetery under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.