My Arizona Dad passed away on November 8, 2012. This is the obituary that I had the honor to write for the newspaper notice. Thank you, Mom, Rae, Bobbie, & David for your input and edits. -gmh
Bobby Lee Byars, Jr., was born on August 24, 1950 in Wickenburg Arizona. He lived 22,723 days full of adventure. There wasn't much he didn't do. He was a cowboy, paratrooper, lumberjack, construction worker, musician, truck driver, short order cook, warehouse worker, ferrier, pigeon wrangler, sawmill worker, exercise jockey/horse trainer, bull rider, forklift operator, pool shark, fisherman, taxi driver, actor, comedian, tour bus driver, landscaper, politician, community minister, humanitarian, artist, theologian, court clerk, coach, counselor, adventurer, encourager, real estate salesman, visionary, believer, chaplain, story teller, shuttle driver, student of everything that he found interesting, gardener, scholar of life, deputy registrar, poll worker, philosopher, singer-song writer, child of God, dad, husband, grandpa, brother, son, and friend.
He was generous and compassionate. Bobby loved people. He never met a stranger and he never forgot a friend. His heart was big enough to welcome anyone, and accept everyone. He didn't have much, because he didn't need much. When he was given anything, he would promptly find someone who needed it more. He was truly a public servant and genuinely wanted people to be happy. He inspired others to follow their passion and live life to the fullest. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
This amazing man will be missed by his Dad, Step-dad, Wife, 3 Brothers, 4 Children, 5 Grandchildren, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and 6 billion wonderful friends.
Memorial Services are as follows:
Viewing:
Saturday: 5-7pm. at Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary (4th St),
Sunday: 1-2pm. at Lamb of God Bible Church 2615 E7th. Ave
Funeral service:
Sunday 2pm. at Lamb of God Bible Church
Graveside service:
Monday 1pm. (with military honors) at Citizens' Cemetery.
*Donations to help cover costs incurred from his passing can be made to Arizona State Credit Union with "Bobby Byars" in the memo line.
Byars family,
ReplyDeleteIt is 2:45 in the morning. It took me a while to reach a point where I could read Bobby's obituary. It's beautiful! In between the tears I smile at the same time! I had the amazing gift of Bobby in my life. Our trip to the Grand Canyon, adventures to Phoenix & Prescott, Lots of casual dinners & great conversations. We spent many hours together fussing over pigeons. He is a rare bird, this one!! His memory lives in each of our hearts until we join him for all eternity. He was a trail blazer. Bobby has gone ahead of us to pave the road, learn some new jokes & welcome all of us home! He loved each and everyone of his children with the ferociousness of a Lion. He taught me a great deal about forgiveness. May I say to you, Bobby Byars, you were a blessing to everyone you met...even those that just couldn't quite get you. I bet they get it now! Angels come in many forms...Thank You for loving me in spite of myself. Much love, Vanessa
Thank you, Vanessa.
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