Byron Ray Cotter May 23, 1930 - July 3, 2012

Byron Ray "Barney" Cotter, 82, of Spray died Tuesday, July 3, 2012 in Redmond, Oregon. A celebration of life with Military Honors was held Monday, July 9, 2012 at the Assembly of God Church in Spray.

He was born May 23, 1930 at Priest River, Idaho, the son of Archie and Nina Arts Cotter. After graduating from high school he served with the United States Army in the Korean War for two years.

Mr. Cotter worked in the logging industry for a majority of his life all throughout the northwest until the 1980s when an injury ended his ability to continue. Barney used his skills in welding up until his death to create pieces of art, build trailers, deer safe bumpers, woodstoves, gates, and other custom welding.

On December 12, 1976 he married Diana Kay Hayes at Florence. Competitive in spirit he loved a good hand of poker and other family games. A great storyteller, Barney enjoyed teaching and sharing his knowledge. His hobbies included gun collecting, hunting, fishing, gardening, and meeting the locals for coffee.

He is survived by his wife Diana Cotter; a sister, Betty Farley; his children Marcia Atwood, Rodney Cotter, Randy Cotter, Darli Ozbun, and Kathleen Cole; six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one sister, Julia Morris.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Assembly of God Church, PO Box 127, Spray, OR 97874 or to the Spray Senior Center, PO Box 188, Spray, OR 97874.

Sweeney Mortuary of Heppner is in charge of arrangements.