Byron Lee Amburgy

Byron Lee Amburgy, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully at his family home in Lacey, Washington after a short battle with liver cancer. He was 91 years old.

Born in Sassafras, Knott County, Kentucky, Byron was the son of Silas and Ollie Davidson Amburgy. He was preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings: Cecil, Guy, Christine Amburgy Benson, Foister, and Gene.

A graduate of Morton High School in 1952, Byron's life was marked by service, work, recreation, and dedication to his family. He served in the US Army during the Korean War and then began a career in logging before becoming the water superintendent for the city of Morton in 1961. In the mid-1960s, he joined Sparkman Niesen Shell oil distributors, eventually owning the company as Amburgy Oil until his retirement at age 55.

Byron married the love of his life, Claudette May Muir, on March 18, 1954 - a remarkable partnership that lasted nearly 70 years. They were childhood sweethearts who shared a life filled with love and adventure. After retirement, they enjoyed being "snowbirds" in Mesa, Arizona, before returning to Lacey, Washington in 2000.

A passionate athlete, Byron was a three-sport high school athlete who went on to play shortstop for an army baseball team and in semi-pro leagues until he was 40. Later in life, he became an avid golfer, achieving an impressive 4 handicap before retiring from the sport at 89, though he continued to enjoy watching golf on TV.

Byron's autumns were dedicated to deer and elk hunting, family salmon fishing trips to Sekiu, and clam digging were a cherished tradition. He was proud to have lived what he considered the American dream: maintaining gainful employment, owning a home, putting his twin children through college, and enjoying a long marriage and retirement.

He is survived by his wife Claudette, his children Brian and Brenda Amburgy, grandchildren Drew Amburgy of Bozeman, Montana, Bailey Amburgy and Maddy Amburgy Cox of Chehalis, Washington, and great-grandson Nero Amburgy.

At Byron's request, there will be no formal service. Cremation services are being handled by Brown Mortuary.

Byron's life was a testament to hard work, family devotion, and enjoying life's simple pleasures. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.