Barry Russell Flamm

On June 7th, 2025, a beautiful morning dawned, painted with a deep blue sky and scattered white cumulus clouds. That vast, big blue Montana sky, adorned with those chunky clouds, was truly one of his most favorite sights. It was on this day that Mother Earth gently bid her son, Barry Russell Flamm, farewell, and he peacefully ascended to be reunited with his beloved parents and siblings in heaven. Barry deeply loved nature, and Montana was truly his last best place.

Barry was a truly happy, remarkably positive, absolutely loyal, and exceptionally well-educated man. After graduating from high school in Cincinnati, Ohio, his academic journey led him to earn a bachelor’s degree from Colorado A&M, a master’s degree from American University, and a Ph.D. from George Mason University.

His career was illuminated by numerous accolades, including the U.S. Government Medal for Civilian Service, the Arthur S. Fleming Award (as one of the top ten young men in Federal Service), and the 2006 Montana Organic Association “Lifetime Service Award.”

After dedicating 27 years to the federal government, Barry retired, yet he continued to passionately pursue his calling in international environmental consulting and domestic organic farming and policymaking. His mother, Elda, and his father, William, who served as assistant fire chief in Cincinnati, Ohio, instilled in him an unwavering commitment to hard work, strong ethics, and accountability. Beyond his successful professional career, Barry was a strong charitable and community-minded individual from his early life.

A testament to his dedication was his volunteering to work in Vietnam during the war, where he served as a Forestry Specialist and later as the Chief of the USAID Forestry Program. Barry was the one to propose the use of "Helibuckets" for forest firefighting in Vietnam.

Barry was one of the founding members of the Montana Organic Association (MOA) and strongly believed that organic farming has a crucial role in building a more sustainable agricultural future. He diligently worked to establish and operate the first Certified Organic Sweet Cherry Orchard in the State of Montana. He dedicated 5 years to the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), serving as its board chair in the last year. Moreover, his professional background and community contributions extend to dedicated service on the board of the Cornucopia Institute, advisory capacities with the Wild Farm Alliances, and impactful work with the Wilderness Society.

Barry absolutely loved traveling and exploring the world. He journeyed to over 70 countries across all seven continents, even venturing to Antarctica on a National Geographic Expedition ship, where he had the pleasure of meeting Peter Hillary, son of the legendary mountaineer Edmund Hillary. His heart held a special place for people, the beauty of nature, and the simple pleasure of good food.

He was an avid downhill skier and kayaker, enjoying these spirited activities until just 5 years before his passing. Except for the last 5 months of his life, which were undoubtedly challenging, he always worked out five days a week. Saturdays were reserved for his yoga and stretching, and Sundays for watching his favorite NFL games or classic John Wayne Westerns.

For more than a decade, Barry fought an incredibly brave battle against numerous health issues, facing each day with remarkable positivity, courage, and resilience. He always greeted the world with a big, beautiful smile and a wonderful sense of humor. Barry was deeply loved and extensively cared for by his devoted wife. I, Enkhtuya, his wife of 26 years, was by his side through everything, serving as his full-time caretaker, dedicated to supporting him through all the ups and downs of his life as his trusted companion. He truly savored every moment, especially our travels and outdoor adventures, and cherished each precious memory we created together. He even completed his life biography and travel diary, leaving behind a reflective legacy. He will be deeply and truly missed. But he will never be forgotten.

Barry loved and cherished all his kids: son Kevin, twin sons Bart and Bret, and daughter Sonia, all his sons- and daughters-in-law, his grandkids, and great-grandkids. He adored and neatly saved every card, picture, letter and note that he received from them over the years. He also loved sharing memories of the camping, fishing, and hiking trips, plus about the visits he had with his kids, nieces, and nephews.

Barry was very grateful to all of you who stood by him. He was profoundly touched by your calls, messages, visits, and the immense support you provided during his challenging times. Your thoughtfulness truly made a world of difference, offering him strength and comfort.

Barry wished for everything to be simple. His request was to be cremated, and his ashes will be scattered in his most favorite places. Therefore, no formal funeral or service will be held. In lieu of cards and flowers, please kindly consider making a donation to a National Forest or to a National Park of your choice on behalf of him; Barry would have appreciated that very much.