Byron Ireland

Barney was born in Atlanta, Nebraska, the fifth of seven children. The family migrated to central Idaho in the early 30's as a result of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, his father said "he was going where the dirt went." They settled in Long Valley County in the town of Donnelly where he graduated from high school. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a Fireman First Class mostly in the South Pacific. After his discharge, he married his high school sweetheart, Cleo Spickelmire, a marriage that lasted 56 years. They moved to the Skagit Valley, settling in Sedro-Woolley in 1951. Sedro-Woolley has been home since. They started their family with Bob in 1946, Bill in 1947, Ron in 1950, and Jean in 1953.

He was first employed by Columbia Valley Lumber in Burlington then by Skagit Steel and Iron Works where he served a five year pattern makers apprenticeship through the pattern makers union which he completed in May of 1956. He remained at Skagit until the early 80's when he bought a 32 ft boat and converted it to a salmon troller which they fished out of at La Push, WA for several years. Throughout his life, he helped build and remodel homes for many local people. When he traveled his hammer went with him. He was always ready with a helping hand and was considered a master craftsman by all who worked with him. He began building the family home on Polte Rd in the late 50's, a home with "good bones" that stands strong still today.

Barney was the ultimate family man and had strong civic values. He was a volunteer fireman for many years and was constantly alert for the sound of the plectron. He was a member of the American Legion, the Eagles, and the Knights of Pythias where he held office and administered their scholarship until his passing. He was one the founders of Sedro-Woolley Little League and coached the "Sluggers" for many years. He and Cleo were strong supporters of Sedro-Woolley athletics, especially wrestling and seldom missed a match or tournament wherever they were, this continued through the last season. Because of these things he was acquainted with generations of Sedro-Woolley children, many who are now adults. He was still going to great grandkids football and baseball games even last month. The ideal role model, family came first and this was always most important for Barney. He and Cleo made countless trips to Idaho for family reasons, sometimes several times a year. Because of this the family remains strong and connected both paternal and maternal, a rarity in these times.

Barney was an outdoors man by nature, a trait acquired from his parents and passed onto his children and their children. Camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, etc. were a normal part of life for him. He always knew where North was, how high the river was, what weather was coming and usually where the road went. He knew how to tie and set a hook, shoot straight, and could field dress fast. He always did his own butchering and wasn't bad a cooking and canning. He was also good with the fermentation process.

Travel was a big part of his life. He and Cleo, later Mary, were often off on a road trip to somewhere. While on these trips he took the time to stop and visit his many friends and relatives thus keeping those relationships alive. "If you want to have old friends you have to keep the ones you've got". He maintained a winter home in Yuma for over 20 years and for many years did a summer trip to Zabellos, Northern Vancouver Island with friends for fishing. As his friend Tom Moody said just yesterday, "the man knew how to have fun" and his grin attests to that. From the Riggins Rodeo to the Twisp Rodeo, from the Montana hunting camp to the Zabellos fishing camp, from winter in Yuma to family in Idaho-------------HE WILL BE MISSED.

Barney was preceded in death by his wife Cleo of 56 years in 2001 leaving him sad and lonely. He tried Yuma that winter, but came home early. Not too much later he became reacquainted with Mary Allen a longtime family friend who had lost her husband Bob (McClintock's Drug Store) and they were soon discussing and then planning marriage. The basically eloped, marrying on a trip to Idaho. They enjoyed several years together before her passing in early 2009. He also was preceded in death by his father, Guy Ireland Sr. of Donnelly, Idaho in 1964, mother, Dollie Ireland of Sedro-Woolley in 1990, sister, Mildred Muriel of Nebraska as a child, brother, Guy Jr. of McCall, Idaho in 1987, brother, Don of Bremerton, WA in 1998, brother, Dean of CleElum, WA in 2008, and a son, Francis (Bill) of Seattle, WA in 1997.

Barney is survived by his son, Bob & Penny Ireland of Sedro-Woolley, his son, Ron and Vic Ireland of Emmett, Idaho, his daughter, Jean & Paul Ballenger of Everett, WA, Dennelle Ireland of Des Moines, WA, and grandchildren, Gina Inskeep, Nicholas Ireland, Annie Ireland, Nicole & Jason Newell, Tobi Cook, Molly Thiel, Heidi Ireland, Holly & Josh Johnson, Dann Ireland & Trina, Clarice & Mark Lien, Jason & Gretta Ireland, Derek Ireland, Havalah Ireland, Hannah McDonald, Cory & Sarah McDonald, Paul Ballenger 3rd, Jonathon Ballenger, Jessie Martinez and 23 great-grandchildren. His sister, Dorothy & Bob Hanson of Yuma, AZ a brother, Floyd Ireland of Napa, ID and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley with Rosalie Robles of the Federation of Christian Ministries officiating with a fellowship potluck to follow at Riverfront Park. To view a live webcast of the funeral service, go to www.lemleychapel.com, click onto Barney's obituary, click on view webcast at end of obituary. Please share your memories of Barney and sign the online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com

Barney fought a ten year battle with cancer and won. He holds three diplomas from North Puget Oncology. For this we would like to thank Dr. Shetabi and his staff. He was also doing a ten year battle with Parkinson's Disease and holding his own. For this, we would like to thank Dr. Mary Ann Hink. At the end he was comfortable and at peace, for this we thank Skagit Hospice. These things didn't get him, he went in his sleep after a good day with his daughter.

Memorials are suggested to North Puget Oncology 2021 Highway 20 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, Shriner's Children Hospital 911 West 5th Spokane, WA 99204, or Skagit Hospice 819 S. 13th Mount Vernon, WA 98273.