Byron Harry Rider

Texas. Byron and Katherine lived out their lives is Prescott, Arizona where they were joined by their

daughter, Alice Rider who preceded her brother Harry in death. Harry is survived by his brother, Billy

“Bill” Rider of California.

Harry is survived by his loving wife, Glenda Marie Rider, four children and their spouses, seven

grandchildren, and one great-grandchild: (son) Michael “Mike” James Rider, Deborah “Debbie”

Rider and their children Camden MacLean, Cooper Kincaid, Emersen “Emme” Elizabeth Rider;

(son) Steven “Steve” James Rider, Beth Locicero and their son, Alexander “Alex” Michael Rider; (son)

David Rhome, Rita McCain, and David’s son Derek Jason Rider and daughter-in-law Michelle ‘Kat”

along with their daughter Kassandra Marie Rider; (daughter) Ti􀆯any Michelle, Gregory Joseph, and

their children, Barbara Joan Marie, and David Joseph Drejza.

Harry and Glenda devoted their lives in Phoenix, Arizona to building thriving real estate businesses.

Following their example, Steve and Beth Rider, David Rider, and Ti􀆯any Drejza established

themselves as successful real estate agents, brokers, and executives. Steve and Beth lead the

Rider Elite Team with Keller Williams, Ti􀆯any is an award-winning agent with RE/MAX specializing in

residential real estate. David spearheads thousands of loan o􀆯icers throughout the United States

as a senior executive at NEXA Mortgage. Son-in-law, Greg Drejza enjoys a career as an Information

Security Analyst. Moving to California for graduate school, Mike and Debbie Rider raised their three

children where Mike is Global General Counsel for ResMed and Debbie is Assistant Dean of

Development and Alumni Relations for the University of San Diego School of Law.

Byron Harold Rider, born on August 26, 1933, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024,

leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to his family and friends.

In his early days, Harry enlisted in the United States Navy at 16 and served during the Korean War.

Following his Honorable Discharge from the Navy, he returned to Phoenix, where he met Barbara

Lou Simpson, married, and flourished as dance instructors with the Fred Astaire dance studios.

The family moved to Texas, where Harry and Barbara opened numerous dance studios—as the

master franchisee for Fred Astaire, in three states. He opened studios in Fort Worth, Wichita Falls,

and San Antonio—as well as Arkansas and Mississippi, just to name a few. In 1972 Harry and

Barbara returned to their roots in Phoenix. Harry and Barbara cherished their time together raising

their family of four until Barbara succumbed to a long illness and passed away in 1978. Harry was

fortunate to meet Glenda Walker; following the loss of his wife, Harry married his partner in life and

love on December 22, 1978; the couple relished forty-seven years together. Harry and Glenda

made a dynamic real estate team for four decades, opening two successful real estate companies,

Rider Realty and Desert State Realty, and worked with dozens of builders throughout the valley.

With over forty years as successful Realtors, Harry and Glenda helped train and mentored

hundreds of Realtors in Phoenix, each receiving numerous local and national awards.

In his personal life, Harry was an avid reader, an accomplished and innovative professional, a man

who loved his wife and children with all his heart. He was never happier than when he was regaling

his family with stories of his glory days, adventures in the Navy, his surprise at the number of dogs

his kids secretly adopted, and his thoughts and ideas about the real estate business. He took pride

in the achievements of his family, friends and he appreciated the loving care he received in his final

days from his entire family with the addition of his caregiver, Marie St. Juste. Harry’s memory will

live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. A memorial service will be held to honor

Harry’s life and legacy on December 23, 2024 at 1:00 at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery:

719 N. 27 Ave, Phoenix. Reception to follow at 4 at the home of Steve and Beth Rider

12911 E. Corrine Dr. Scottsdale, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Harry’s

memory. His family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during

this di􀆯icult time. Byron Harold Rider will be deeply missed but never forgotten.