Byron G. Stauffer's Obituary
Byron was born in St. John Kansas to Emmett and Cleo Stauffer where he spent his younger years before his family moved to Tacoma WA. He was the fifth of six children: Betty Funk Hilleren, Jean Funk Keller, Gary Stauffer, Sharon Stauffer Bowman and Michael Stauffer.
In Tacoma, he attended Wilson High School where he and his brother Mike were members of the swim team coached by Dick Hannula. Byron was awarded the first All American Swimmer for Washington State. He graduated in 1960.
After graduation he worked at Tacoma Boat for a numberof years and was married in 1962 to Janice Cimino Stauffer (divorced) and had three children.
He attended the University of Puget Sound, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and teachers certification. He became a teacher for the Tacoma School District and was a swim coach at Stadium and Mount Tahoma High Schools, now retired.
Byron also worked at Metropolitan Park District for 21 years where he managed many aquatic activities at multiple locations and had a positive effect on many lives.
He also spent some years managing and taking care of residents at his sister's family run convelescent home where he was fondly thought of.
An accomplished and talented carpenter, craftsman and artist, He built may detailed projects and enjoyed painting landscapes. His other hobbies were golfing, boating, beachcombing, cooking and reading.
Byron was especially close to his brother Michael, nephews Doug and Dan Hilleren and cousin Bill Young. He had a special friend, Carole who just recently passed away.
He is survived by his brothers Michael and Gary Stauffer, sister Sharon Bowman, his three children, daughter Carrie Stauffer, grandaughter Nina Stauffer; Son Matt Stauffer, grandchildren Alexis and Nicholas Stauffer; youngest daughter Lisa Stauffer and many neices, nephews and cousins.
His eccentricity, uniqueness, and talent will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
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