Col. Robert Belmont Byard (US Army, Ret.)

September 18, 1933 - April 9, 2016

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Graveside service at a later date in Spring Valley, New York

cemetery

Robert B. Byard
Colonel Robert Belmont Byard (Army-retired), 82, of Spring Arbor, Winchester, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, April 9.
Colonel Byard was born on September 18, 1933, in Suffern, New York, the son of the late Belmont Byard and Velma H. Slavin Byard. He married Beverly Jean Darling on December 8, 1956, in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
Surviving with his wife of 59 years are two sons, Wayde B. Byard (Brenda) of Winchester and Kyle F. Byard (Elena) of Rocklin, California; a daughter, Dale Virginia Byard of Winchester; and seven grandchildren, Justin R. and Brenden G. Byard of San Francisco; Kathrin A. Byard of Roseville, California; Brittany D. Tusing (Daniel) of Mathias, West Virginia; Sgt. Jared S. Kreiger of Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana; Alicia D. Sentoff (Stephen) of Arlington, Virginia; and Kelsey L. Whitacre (Aaron) of Spotsylvania, Virginia. He also leaves behind his loving dog, Henry, who saw him through his final illness.
Colonel Byard was a graduate of Suffern High School, Rutgers University and held a master’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University. He served as principal of Millbrook, New York, Central School; as the Director of Admissions for Reserves at the United States Military Academy at West Point; and for 16 years as the superintendent of Belchertown, Massachusetts, Public Schools.
Burial will be at a later date at Old Brick Church Cemetery in Spring Valley, New York.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601. The family wishes to thank the staff at Spring Arbor, especially Sheila, Wanda, Matthew, Jennifer, Geri, Richard, Destiny and Breanna, for their care and consideration.
Arrangements are being handled by Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com

Colleen Cochran Hunt

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Graveside service at a later date in Spring Valley, New York

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I just learned if Bob's passing. He was a great man. We kept in touch at Christmas only even after my mom, Ethel, passed away. When the card was returned as undeliverable, I decided to google him. Condolences to his wife, Barb, and his family.

Condolences to Wayde (MHS classmate, '75) and Kyle (MHS friend), and family. I remember Mr. Byard as a wonderful principal at Millbrook High School while I was a student there.

I have wonderful memories of a man who inspired me to be better and to do good with my life. Very sorry for your loss.

Bob and Bev were our next door neighbors for many years in Belchertown. They became our very close friends through the years. We were so fortunate to have had them as such a large part of our family's daily life. Our memories are numerous and will live in our hearts forever. We grieve his passing but celebrate his life. Our heartfelt condolences to Bev, Wayde, Kyle, Dale, and their families.

I was a teacher at Belchertown High School. I served under his supervision for over 15 years. He was always a fair and considerate leader who lead by example. His decisions were always based on what was best for the students. Our prayers are with Bev and his family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Colonel Robert Byard. I wish to offer my deepest condolences to his family. I first meet him when I volunteered to serve on the High School Building Study Committee. I was impressed with his warmth, intelligence and dedication to the children of our town. I later started teaching in Belchertown while he was Superintendent of Schools. He was one of the finest Superintendents that I had the priviledge to teach under and one of the most inspiring people I have known. May he rest in peace. He will live always in the hearts of those of us who knew him.

It is with a very heavy heart that I send my condolences to the family. I was a teacher in the Belchertown School System for all of the years that he was our Superintendent. I was also the president of the local teacher's union when he came to our town. I worked closely with him on many projects and issues and knew him as one of the finest and most committed men to ever serve in Belchertown. He always made decisions based on what was best for the school system and the students in it. He was my boss, friend and neighbor, and I enjoyed the time I shared with him at each of those levels. I will always think back fondly of him. May he forever rest in peace.

My dad Will Eschen was a colleague of Bob's in the SHS math dept. our deepest sympathy.

Our deepest sympathy to Bob's family. My dad Will Eschen was a member of the SHS math department with Bob, I believe.

I'm sorry to hear that he passed. He was my math teacher at Suffern High School. I was terrible in math, but he made it fun! His smile and humor were infectious. Prayers to the family. He was a terrific man.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.