Byron L. Stafford

Byron Lee Stafford, much loved by his family and many friends, went peacefully to eternal rest on May 24, 2013, at the age of 58. He was born on March 23, 1955, in Grants Pass, OR, to Darrell and Margaret Stafford and was the middle child with an older brother, Duane Stafford, and younger sister, Carla Blackard. He married the love of his life, Vivian, and was a proud father to Patrice Coffman, Jeremy Irwin, Audra Prewett, and grandfather of Nathan Irwin, Hailee and Makayla Prewett.

After graduating from Richwoods High School in Peoria, IL, Byron went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Physics and Math from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN, and his master’s degree in Physics and Math from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL. His passion for science led to him to a career with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for the last 29 years. Byron’s experience ranged from research on thin-film PV (photovoltaic) modules to designing, commissioning and trouble-shooting PV systems in Borneo (Indonesia), Ecuador (included a wind turbine), Zambia, Saudi Arabia, the Caribbean and the mainland United States from New York to California. In addition to PV he had broad experience in applications ranging from water pumping, water treatment, emergency preparedness, remote power, batteries, plug-in hybrid cars, solar carports, rooftop PV systems, and grid connected systems. He managed the cross-country solar car races, known as Sunrayce, in 1995, 1997 and 1999, and was the Site Operations Manager for the Solar Decathlon event since 2002.

Byron was also very involved with his church community. In addition to running the sound board and other roles within the church, he engaged in missionary work both local and worldwide. He was a camp counselor for Royal Family Kids Camp for several years, volunteered at the Denver Rescue Mission, built a multi-purpose center for a Quechua community in the Andes of Ecuador, installed solar panels on a Habitat for Humanity home, supported orphanages in Kampala, Uganda and ministered to the needs of their other surrounding villages, took mission trips to Honduras and Mexico City, and was a dedicated youth and young adult mentor.

Byron also enjoyed playing in volleyball leagues, participating in runs to raise money for charity, hiking, camping, reading books and watching movies, and cooking and enjoying dishes from all around the world. These are a few of his interests but his true passion was people.

In the words of those who knew him: not only was he kind and thoughtful, but acted on that kindness in his daily life and in his volunteer activities; he was a determined leader, and most importantly a wise and caring mentor, a guide, a steady hand and head, and a true friend; he left this world a better place through his work, his compassion, and his lively spirit for all things good; he was known for his empathetic style and sense of humor that was uniquely his; his wry, knowing smile, his unflappable nature, and his to-the-core goodness; he was honest, caring, thoughtful, intelligent, steadfast, patient, and a humble human being; a kind and loving husband, an understanding and patient father; he gave his all to every endeavor, and the world is a better place because of his lifetime of giving.

Byron’s life, and the way he lived it, was a true reflection of his steadfast faith and commitment to the Lord. He passionately followed God’s greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” It is certain that he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord."

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 1st, 3:00pm at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, 7777 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge (29th & Wadsworth). A reception will follow. Inurnment will take place in the near future at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery's Garden of Reflection.

Flowers will be accepted, or you may send memorial donations to ChristAidInc.org.