Ririe Mervin Godfrey, a beloved family member to many, departed this life on January 19, 2021. As his last name suggests, he was a God-fearing man who spread the light and love of Christ wherever he could. His life began on April 16, 1932 in Magrath, Alberta, Canada, where he was born to Mervin "J" and Velma (Ririe) Godfrey. At the age of 16 he moved to Montana with his parents and two sisters. Another move took his family to Provo, Utah. After graduation from Provo High School he enlisted in the Air Force and served in the Korean War.

Upon the completion of his military service he enrolled at BYU where he met Diana Robinson, also from Magrath. They were married in the Cardston Alberta Temple on December 19, 1956. During their 64 years together he was a devoted husband and a remarkable provider for his family. Ririe was quick to bring humor and joy into any situation, a hard worker and believed in education. He graduated from Utah State University and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Oklahoma. He pursued a career in teaching, settling in Eastern Idaho where he taught at Bonneville High School then became a teacher at Ricks College. Because of his example all his children and many of his grandchildren are graduates of Ricks College/BYU-I.

Ririe always enjoyed the outdoors and has fostered that love in his entire family and many others. An avid bird watcher he could often be found in the early morning hours with binoculars counting and listening for birds. Ririe also spent a great deal of time serving the Lord including serving multiple missions and a variety of callings. Always, his focus was on showing Christlike love to those around him through his words and actions. He lived a fulfilling life and changed all who knew him for the better. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Diana; children, Terri Thomas (Terrell) of Green River, Wyoming; Lance Godfrey (Kendra) of Kimberly, Idaho; LaDawn Dalton (Russel) of Prescott Valley, Arizona; Renee Applegate of Pleasant Grove, Utah; Christian Godfrey (Kathy) of Rexburg, Idaho; Robbie McKay (Todd) of Mesa, Arizona; Lana Gonzales of Boise, Idaho; and Betsy Edwards (Jeff) of Kiowa, Colorado. He is also survived by his sister, Janice Godfrey Carter of Moyock, North Carolina and many cherished nieces and nephews. He has 29 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who affectionately know him as Papa. He was also preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sylvia Boren (Dee).

The family extends their appreciation to his many friends, the staff of Briarwood Assisted Living and Solace Hospice.

In lieu of flowers please enjoy an outdoor experience of watching birds or contribute to the Humanitarian or Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

A family service will take place on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Flamm Funeral Home at 61 North 1st East, Rexburg, Idaho. Interment will be in the Burton Cemetery following services under the direction of Flamm Funeral Home. Due to Covid restrictions, everyone attending is asked to take precautions by wearing a mask and social distancing.