Austin Berry

Austin William Berry, 38, A legendary local guitarist, played his final chord on January 30, 2026, at his home in Lewiston, Idaho.

He was born to Melissa and Edmund William Berry on August 20, 1987, in Boise, Idaho. When Austin was 11 months old, he moved with his family from Middleton, ID, to Lapwai, ID.

Austin was an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe.

He attended Pre-School at Lapwai Elementary, where he was the first student to get kicked out for being too smart!  He attended Middle School at Lapwai Middle School.  He attended Lapwai and Lewiston High Schools, graduating from Lewiston High School with the Class of 2006. 

During his elementary years, Austin often shared his knowledge of marine animals and said that he was going to be a Marine Biologist when he grew up. He was a big cat lover.  He was a master Lego crafter, accumulating thousands of Legos over the years.

In Middle School, he discovered his passion for skateboarding, often sneaking out at night to go boarding.  He took plenty of tumbles along the way, skateboarding and life in general, but he always picked himself back up and kept going.

Austin worked at Smokes and Suds for over 14 years until his untimely death.  Known as the “Beer Guy”, he made every customer’s day with a smile, hello, and a witty comment or two.   

His Love for music peaked as he played in the Lapwai Middle School Band. A fixture in the Heavy Metal scene for most of his adult life, one of his key influences was Metallica.  Austin mastered the guitar and had quite a collection.  He could play a tune by ear.  He spent countless hours perfecting his craft, bringing joy to many.  Austin was also a composer, penning several original songs.  He was in his element, sitting in a jam session or playing with his bros at one of the local venues. Oz was known for his electrifying solos and his kind soul.  His music will continue to inspire and resonate with everyone who knew him and loved him. 

Left to cherish his memories, his Mother Melissa Berry of Lapwai, ID, Son Josiah Libby of Lewiston, ID, Grandmother Shirley Eneas of Lewiston, ID, a host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and all who knew and loved him.

Welcoming him to the big gig in the sky, his father, Edmund Berry; Maternal Grandparents, William J Eneas Sr, Betty Corbett, Charles Jeffery, and Betty Jeffery; Paternal Grandparents, Edmund Berry Sr, Elizabeth Thomas Berry and Norma Berry.

A viewing was held Tuesday, February 2nd, at Malcom, Brower-Wann in Lewiston, ID.  Funeral Procession From Malcom, Brower-Wann, Friday, February 6, 2026, 9 A.M.  Funeral Services Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10 A.M at the Pineewaus Community Center in Lapwai, ID.  Internment will take place in Spalding Cemetery, Spalding, ID. Dinner immediately following the burial at the Pineewaus. 

The Lone Guitarist

On broken avenues he played, 

under a starless night, he stayed. 

With aching fingers, notes of rue, 

a metal love song played for only you. 

His voice is still, the music passed, 

but echoes of his talent last.