Harry Allan Byron, 69, after a long courageous battle with cancer, peacefully passed away at his home with his wife of 43 years at his side.
He was born May 19, 1938, in Walhalla, N.D.
Harry was a loving husband, father, Afi (grandfather), brother, uncle and friend. Anyone could count on Harry for a helping hand and if a certain tool or thingamabob was needed they knew Harry would have it and would be there to help.
After graduating from Mountain High School in North Dakota he served in the Navy and Army for eight years. He was honorably discharge shortly after he and his wife Judy were married in 1964.
Harry was a member of the Ironworkers Local No. 86 for over 40 years. He loved being an Ironworker and the brotherhood that went with it; he missed it dearly when he was forced to retire due to an injury in 1991. However, after his retirement he found out how much fun it was to be a grandpa (Afi). Spending time with his grandchildren and spoiling them became a favorite pastime. He enjoyed the home where he and his wife raised their daughters and was very fond of the community of Granite Falls where theyve enjoyed living for the past 30 years.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Halldor Asgeir and Josephine Byron; and his brother, Darrell Byron.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, of Granite Falls, Wash.; three daughters, Jody (Jamie) Hillery, of Granite Falls, Christy Byron, of Granite Falls, Jenny (John) Gillett, of Seattle, Wash.; honorary daughter, Diana (Jody) Reeves, of Maltby, Wash.; grandchildren, Ryan and Kacie Hillery, and Soup; honorary grandchildren, Leyna and Eli Reeves. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert Byron, of Fargo, N.D., Bev Bradshaw, of Marysville, Wash., Flora Punky Fanning, of Marysville, Keith Byron, of Huntington Beach, Calif., Jon Byron, of Roy, Wash., Vicki Nelson, of Boulder, Colo.; as well as his special cousin, Jerry and his wife, Mary Lou Byron, of Cheney; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.
He was loved for his generosity, humor and his genuine loyalty and will be missed by everyone who knew him including his lawn mowing partner and loyal friend; his dog, Bear.
The family would like to thank the Oncology Department at The Everett Clinic, especially Dr. Batson and all the caring nurses and staff; The Internal Medicine department of Group Health; Dan Labriola, N.D. and staff of Northwest Natural Health Specialty Care Clinic for the wonderful care given.
A memorial service was held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 8, at Weller Funeral Home, Arlington, Wash.; a reception followed at the Magnolia Hall, Arlington. A private interment was held at the American Legion Cemetery in Granite Falls.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, Lake Stevens Special Olympics or Granite Falls Fire Department.