Bruce H. Byrum

Wasilla resident Bruce H. Byrum, 59, died June 15, 2008 of cancer at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 23 at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 1015 S. Check Street in Wasilla.

Graveside services with full military honors are 1 p.m. Monday at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery. Those attending are asked to meet at the Arctic Valley Ft. Richardson gate by 12:40 p.m.

Byrum was born Nov. 10, 1948, in Spokane, Wash. He began his Alaska residency in 1981. He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, worked at Yukon Equipment in Anchorage for two years, and for Craig Taylor Equipment in Anchorage and Wasilla for 13 years.

He was a life member of VFW Post 9365 in Wasilla, and a member of the NRA. He enjoyed his family, hunting, fishing, gold panning, camping, John Deere toys and antique shows.

His family wrote: “He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, son-in-law and brother. Bruce started his journey of life by marrying his high school sweetheart shortly after graduating high school in 1966. They had a wonderful 42 years of marriage and two bratty daughters. Bruce started his military career in 1971, and had an amazing adventure until he retired in 1991.

“He was dedicated to protecting his country and family by serving in the Green Berets Special Forces,” they added. “He served in Vietnam, Desert Shield/Storm War, and other overseas tours. He served on the Inspector General’s Team. Bruce’s fellow soldiers nicknamed him the ‘Bad-Ass Green Beret.’ Stories of his legacy still continue to be talked about today. He is our country’s true hero and a devoted husband who made his wife laugh, and was every little girl’s dream daddy. He was everyone’s best friend and was admired by all. For all who knew him know that their lives have been enriched and empowered by the presence and sharing of his life. Bruce was his family’s true hero, pillar of strength and guiding light. We will miss him forever.”

He was preceded in death by his father Hayes C. Byrum, mother Verna D. Sutton and sister Sherrie A. Patterson.

His is survived by his wife Diana L. Byrum of Wasilla; daughters Shelley M. Eaton of Glendale, Ariz., and Christina D. Rhodes of Tolleson, Ariz.; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother Rick H. Byrum; sisters Terry Nash and Dianne Sams of Spokane, Wash.; mother-in-law Arlene E. Kinkade; father-in-law William H. Foster; sister-in-law Brenda J. Conner; and several nieces and nephews.