Berton L. Stafford
Mar 07, 1938 – Jun 12, 2019
Berton LeRoy Stafford,81, of Spotsylvania, County passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 12, 2019. He is survived by his wife; daughters Vicki Lynn Clark and Mary Beth Coulthard; and four grandchildren.
Mr. Stafford was born March 7, 1938 in Beloit, Wisconsin. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis LeRoy Stafford and Cloie Barto Stafford; his brother, John E. Stafford; sisters Carol Jean Bryden and Barbara L. King; and his son, Ricky Jay Stafford.
He had a variety of occupations starting as a gas station manager at age 15. Mr. Stafford worked in the aerospace industries as a scheduler, production control manager, estimator, and chief negotiator. While in the mobile home business he was the purchasing agent and spent time in Hawaii managing the construction of mobile homes.
He was very proud of his Pari-mutuel license from the California Horse Racing Board and worked at the Santa Anita Race Track, while also working for Leo Fender as the Purchasing Agent. Mr. Stafford loved to talk about his time working as a groundskeeper at a pet cemetery.
During the late 1960’s he moved to Pomona, CA where he married and adopted
his two step-children, Vicki and Ricky. In the early 1980’s while working in Santa Ana, CA he met and married his wife, Barbara. They semi-retired at Lake Anna in 2003. He worked as a carpenter, assisted in the building of boat houses and boat docks. Mr. Stafford loved fast cars, trains, planes, boats and playing cards. He will be loved and missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 21 at Woodward Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In keeping with one of Bert’s final requests the family will be hosting a Celebration of his Wonderful Life. A time to share your happy memories of the times spent with Bert. He also requests that his friends empty his liquor cabinet. He never lost his sense of humor throughout his journey. (Please bring happy stories and wear bright happy clothes, no suits or ties.)
In lieu of Flowers please make a donations in Bert’s honor to Vets Helping Vets www.vetshelpingvetshq.com . The Local address is Vets Helping Vets. (DAV In Virginia). Brad Larget Sr. Vice Commander 2701 Princess Anne St. Fredericksburg, VA. 22401 email [email protected]
He is already missed. Rest In Peace my friend.
Sorry to see you go Bert. You will always be remembered and now immortalized with the “Bert Sweep” or also called the “BS”.
To the family of Mr. Stafford, I extend my condolences to you all. What a full life he had. He clearly gave so much love to many and made amazing memories. I know those memories are very precious to you all right now. He is safe in God’s memory, and the words of John 5:28,29 where it says, “the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out,” will soon be a reality. I hope you all will continue to receive comfort and encouragement in the days ahead.