Bertram Walter Collyer

Bertram W. Collyer, beloved patriarch of his family, peacefully transitioned from this world on March 8th, 2024 at the age of 90. He leaves behind a legacy of faith and love with many touched by his unassuming measure of service to all. Born on October 12, 1933 to Cyril James Collyer and Elnora Ardel Ashcroft in their home in Fruitland, New Mexico. Growing up he played football and basketball and loved being active in sports for much of his life. He was taught how to work hard, something he carried with him throughout his life. He was brought up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and developed a deep sense of faith and love for those around him.
After graduating from Kirtland High School he attended Fort Lewis College for one year and started on their basketball team, until he was drafted into the military shortly after World War II. He served primarily in Germany and was the secretary to the Army General. After being released from the Army, he returned home and worked at El Paso Natural Gas. A short time later, at a square dance, he met Adeltha Wheeler, his wife of nearly 67 years; and married on June 11, 1957 in Mesa, Arizona.
Shortly after marriage they settled in Waterflow, New Mexico. Throughout their lives they welcomed six children into their family. He worked at El Paso for almost 30 years followed by Foutz & Bursham for close to 10 years. The Collyer Family garden flourished because Bertram worked just as much in the garden as he did at his job. He arose early and worked an hour before going to his job and until dark upon returning home. This instilled a hard work ethic in each of his children that lives on within each of them.
Most important to Bertram was his family. He was a proud father and grandfather. He loved watching sports, especially KCHS and BYU football and basketball. He also enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as they took part in sports, drama, musical or other activities. He also loved playing games with his family and friends.
Bertram spent endless hours serving others. He was active in BSA and earned the Silver Beaver award, the highest volunteer award in scouting. He was active in church serving many. He served as a bishop and was stalwart in quietly serving where he was needed. He and Adeltha served a mission in Oakland, CA and Dennehotso, AZ. He served in the community on the school board and filmed the KCHS football games for years.
He is preceded in death by his parents Cyril and Ardel Collyer, his brothers James, Edwin, Percy, Cyril, and Joseph, his sisters Matilda, Audrey, Ruth, Barbara and Carol, along with his granddaughter Annette Byers. He is survived by his wife Adeltha, and his children Glen(Lori), Craig, Curtis(Micheal), Eileen(Darick) Lewis, Percy(Kamela) and Cyril(Jessica), 29 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held 6:00-8:00 on Friday, March 22nd, 2024 at Brewer Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street, Farmington, NM. His memorial service will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am, March 23rd, 2024 at Kirtland LDS Stake Center 10 Road 6523, Kirtland NM and buried in the Kirtland Cemetery. Pallbearers: Grandsons Andrew Collyer, Daniel Collyer, Eric Collyer, Jason Collyer, Mitchell Lewis, Wesley Collyer. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Bertram, please visit our Tree Store.