Richard Newel Ryberg

Richard Newel Ryberg

1/10/47-8/4/26

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Newel Ryberg, who passed away surrounded by love on August 4, 2026, at the age of 79 in Pocatello, Idaho.

Richard died enroute to his family's summer cabin on Hebgen Lake, Montana — his most favorite place on earth.

He would often tell people how he only missed one summer at the cabin his entire life, and that was because the U.S. Army wouldn't let him leave Vietnam.

His spirit will always be at the cabin, most likely on his chair on the screened-in front porch looking out over the lake with a Scotch or a cup of coffee in hand, greeting cousins as they pass by up and down the path.

When not at the cabin, Richard could be found at his home in Southern Oregon with his long-time-love, Anne, and their multitude of close friends and family. He was likely planning their next cruise or destination, or visiting and spoiling his grandchildren in Billings, Montana.

Richard married his high school sweetheart, Susan Lang, in 1970. Their daughter, Erica, was born in 1977, and a couple years later they decided they were better off as good friends and loving parents.

He lived life to the fullest. He spent countless days rafting the Rogue River and celebrating birthdays and adventures in Mexico. Working as a Construction Project Manager was a source of satisfaction and pride as he traveled the West building bridges and shopping malls.

Richard was a proud Veteran. He liked to joke that he had “too much fun” his first year of college at Utah State and it won him an “all-expense-paid round trip to the South Pacific”…in other words, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War. He was trained as a combat engineer in basic training, but his lifeguarding certification led to a last-minute assignment as a lifeguard and water ski instructor on the Rest and Relaxation beach in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. He also unloaded cargo from ships, including Agent Orange, which unfortunately led to multiple health conditions and cancers later in life.

Whether you knew him as Richard, Butch, RNR, or Uncle Buck, brother, dad, or grandpa, all would agree that he was a loyal, larger than life friend. He doted on his daughter, Erica, and was proud of her becoming a physician. He adored her husband, Kevin, and grandchildren, Johnny and Lannon.

Richard was the self-proclaimed best-looking of the Ryberg boys--and arguably the funniest. He loved to entertain and make people laugh. He was quick-witted, pun-full, and the best jokester and gave the best hugs. His gruff exterior was no match for his tender, loving and sentimental heart and he was sad to say goodbye and stop having FUN.

He is survived by his sweetheart of 23 years, Anne Marie Clarke, his daughter Erica (Kevin), grandchildren John Richard and Lannon Bruen; his brothers Edward and Stephen, and multiple cousins and friends who felt like family. He was preceded in death by his parents Eric C. and Maridean Munk Ryberg, and his older brother Eric M. Ryberg.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please pass along your favorite memories and pictures, make a toast in his honor, listen to some Jimmy Buffett or Harry Belafonte, thank a veteran for their service, or donate to a cause you support, and don't forget to tell someone you love them.

Happy Trails …. till we meet again.