Byron ""Barney Oakley Foster

Byron Oakley ""Barney"" Foster, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2018 in Longmont, Colorado. He was born on October 10, 1930 in Cambridge, Nebraska to the late Harold Oakley and Edith Wilma (Moore) Foster.

Barney served in the Korean War in the Navy from 1951 to 1954. He was a torpedo man on the destroyer, USS Caperton DD650. Barney grew up on a farm but after marriage he became a heavy equipment operator, working road construction. In the early 60’s he began his career as a hard surface mechanic (laying formica, linoleum, and tile).

After getting out of the service, he married Marlene Faye Frank on August 9, 1956 in Bartley, Nebraska. After living in several places due to his jobs, they finally settled in Cheyenne, Wyoming. There, Barney learned the hard surface mechanic profession. His daughters, Gena and Tara were born in Cheyenne. In 1966 the family moved to Longmont, Colorado.

Barney enjoyed many hobbies such as woodworking, fishing, stained glass, and sandblasting. He was a very creative and innovative person.

Extended family and friends were extremely important to Barney but he devoted his life to Marlene, his girls and their families. If there was anything they ever needed, he was there to help. He would offer an opinion or solve the problem. While he was ornery in his work life he brought peace to his family. Truly amazing. Barney could change any situation by providing a positive solution.

Barney is survived by his loving daughters, Regena (Gena) Bertron and Tara Dinsmore; Tara’s husband Mike Dinsmore; precious grandchildren, Alyssa Bertron, Zac Dinsmore and his wife Brianne, Dylan Dinsmore and Lauren Bertron; and his first great-grandson, Barrett Dinsmore. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Marlene, his brother Donald Foster and son-in-law, Chris Bertron.

A memorial service is being held 10am Monday, March 12, 2018 at Howe Mortuary in Longmont, Colorado. Following the service there will be an open house at his home at 1626 Vivian Street, Longmont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057 or to www.semperfifund.org