October 7, 2014

Byron Byerly

Byron D. Byerly of Livingston, Mont., passed away on Sept., 28 after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Williston, N.D., in September of 1946 to Sterling and Joyce Byerly of Watford City, N.D.
He attended Watford City schools and was active in just about everything. He was an Eagle Scout, varsity football player, honor student, Boys State participant, Senior Class President and was involved in many other local programs. You name it, he did it. After graduation in 1964, he attended the University of North Dakota and graduated in 1968. The next fall, he enrolled in law school at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich.
The lure of ski slopes caused him to quit law school and become a ski instructor in Utah. In 1971, looking for a change, he enlisted in the US Army and attended language school where he found his calling. He became fluent in Russian but discovered he had a knack for languages of any type. This came in handy when he was stationed in Europe at a listening station on the East German border and visiting other countries. He often joked he could surrender or party in 50 languages. After his enlistment came to an end, he and his family remained in Europe where he worked for various intelligence contractors. When the Berlin Wall fell, his career in intelligence ended. They moved to Livingston, Mont., at that time and opened an appliance store that he operated until his death.
Byron met the love of his life, Shirley, while in the Army and they were married in California in 1972. Shirley passed away in 2001. They had one daughter, Heather, of Billings, Mont., and were the grandparents of two granddaughters.
To say Byron was unique is an understatement. It is safe to say that to know Byron was to be a friend. He enjoyed life to the fullest and will be missed by his many friends and family.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER