ForeverMissed
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On Saturday, February 1, 2020, Byron Thady Dormire passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Windsor, CO. Byron was born on June 19, 1955 to David Henry Dormire and Patricia Jean (Thady) Dormire in Pueblo, CO.  He is survived by his daughter, Eleanor Jinju Brown-Dymkoski (Brian); his former spouse of 33 years and good friend, Yong-Ae Dormire; his siblings Dave Dormire and Markay Dormire; one granddaughter, Amelia Grace Brown-Dymkoski; and one grandson Ethan Howard Brown-Dymkoski

After graduating from California’s Chatsworth High School in 1973 and traveling the U.S. on his motorcycle, Byron enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in October of 1979. Trained as a Tactical Air Control Party (TACP), Byron’s 24 years of service took him all over the world to include East Asia, Europe, and Antarctica. His last assignment brought him home to Colorado Springs as a U.S. Air Force Academy Parachute Instructor where he got paid to do something he loved…jump from a perfectly good airplane! Assigned to the 98th Flying Training Squadron, Byron trained hundreds of cadets in basic freefall techniques, participated in several demonstration jumps, and competed at the U.S. Parachute Association’s National Championships. Byron was an expert parachutist, logging over 6,000 jumps throughout his lifetime and authored his first book, “Demo Details,” on the sport he loved so much.

Byron retired on November 1, 2003 and spent his “retirement” living life to the fullest.  He earned his Master of Arts degree in Creative Writing from Regis University in 2013, continued to travel the world authoring his second book “Dallying in Nepal” and learned to drive everything from a train to a semi-truck.  He was an avid motorcyclist who enjoyed cross country rides on his Harley or zipping though mountain passes on his Kawasaki and even recently tried his hand at kiteboarding. In addition to being a bit of an adrenaline junkie, he loved the simple things in life like a good book and a stack of Oreo cookies. Byron had the biggest heart and was always there to brighten the lives of others around him. We will forever remember him for his infectious smile, goofy jokes, and for his kind and compassionate spirit.

Benjamin Franklin once said “If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”  Always going above and beyond, Byron did both of these things.  His legacy is to live everyday to the fullest, cherish every moment we are given, and never put off to tomorrow what we can do today.

Blue Skies Daddy!

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default....

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In loving memory of Byron Thady Dormire (19 June 1955-31 January 2020) please join us for a memorial service on 14 Feb 2020 at 1100 in the morning.  Byron's burial will follow at 1300 at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery.

Shrine of Remembrance America the Beautiful Chapel
1730 E. Fountain Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80910

Pikes Peak National Cemetery 
10545 Drennan Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80925

Reception immediately to follow at the Airplane Restaurant
1665 Newport Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80916. 

Thank you all for all of your contributions to Dad's memorial page, they have been so comforting in the past week. Please stop by the reception afterwards so we can thank you for coming, swap stories, and toast Dad!--Ellie (JJ) 
February 1
February 1
Jeff and I were just speaking of you. We were remembering your comparison of our jumps, Jeff as a dance in the sky and me as a bar brawl. You lived a lot in your time on this earth. 
January 31
Thinking of you today Dad and hope you have found peace. Hope you enjoy looking down and watching Mia and Ethan grow up…Ethan reminds me a lot of you, it’s uncanny sometimes. Love and miss you-JJ
June 19, 2023
June 19, 2023
Happy Father’s Day Dad…spent the weekend camping with the kids, fishing for reds, and jumping in glacial lakes. You would have loved it! Also…Ethan is obsessed with motorcycles… chip off the old block.love you-JJ
December 21, 2022
December 21, 2022
Miss you Dad, hope you are looking down on us and smiling this holiday season. Kids are growing up so fast, just a joy to watch them in each new stage of life. Wish you were here in person to play with them but I know you’re here in spirit.- Love you, JJ
June 10, 2021
June 10, 2021
Bryon went out the door for the first time at Ft. Benning. I saw him go so I went too.  21st TASS, Shaw AFB.
June 19, 2020
June 19, 2020
I had the pleasure of jumping with Byro in Canyon city Colorado when I jumped with the Bandit Canyon Skydivers. He was a great person a great skydiver and a great guy to be around when I was new to the jumping world. A true class act. Blue skies brother.
February 19, 2020
February 19, 2020
Thad you are that boy...the boy next door.... I was 10 years old when Thad and his family moved next door to us in Chatsworth, CA. The moment I met him, I had a crush. Those big brown eyes and those silly faces only he could make. And I can honestly say, I think I stayed grounded from ages 10 to 16 due to him and the Dormire garage gang. I could not resist being on the back of his mini bike, or motorcycles. And it never failed, as we would be coming down Blackhawk street, so would my Dad and yep, I was grounded...once again.  But Thad always cared or he felt guilty, lol. Every night he would come to my bedroom window and we would talk for hours upon hours while I was grounded - mainly he would talk, as I was so very shy back then. I knew someday he would be a great writer, because he could tell a story like no other. My Mom and Dad really loved Thad though. My Dad trusted him - just not with me on the back of his bikes. My father was a Mason, and I was a Rainbow Girl with the Masonic Lodge. Due to my Dad's career, he traveled a great bit. One of our money raising projects was to roll newspapers and take them to the flower mart in LA. When my Dad was away, he would trust Thad (at the age of 16) to take me to the mart with my Dad's car, pulling a trailer filled with rolls of paper, at 3AM in the morning to LA to unload. I would treasure these rides at 14 years old, because we would talk about anything and everything and we'd listen to rock and roll. When I was 16 we moved to Tehran, Iran and I did not see Thad again until he was in the Airforce. We saw each other during one of his visits back home, when I was 22. He never lost touch with me, throughout the years. He would always find me, because that is what Thad did. He stayed in touch with all of his friends. Me not so much.....so I am so glad he did. We always had so much to talk about, our lives, our relationships good and bad. We consoled each other when we were hurting and always found something to laugh about. He stayed in touch with my Dad until my Dad passed. 8 years ago I began writing a book - A Blonde in Iran. Thad so graciously took the task of editing it. I would send him my copy and man oh man what he could do with a red pen. Ouch! And I thought I was pretty decent at writing. He'd mark it up and send back and say...sweetie go on back to the drawing board and do it again! Even then he would be so kind and so positive. And now I dedicate my book to him. Thad.....my sweet boy next door....you took friendship to a whole new level. You are the ultimate friend that everyone just hopes and prays they will have in their life. I know you are in heaven, telling your stories, meeting up with all your buds that enter those gates before you. But have no doubt you will be the one telling all the stories and all others will be laughing till they are crying. I will love you forever.
February 15, 2020
February 15, 2020
I first met Byro back in 1996 as a young skydiver, I had always been interested in being a camera flyer and he helped guide me along the way with solid advice. In 1999 we were both camera flyers on teams at Nationals in FL. during a break we decided to try this wingsuit thing. Since we were experienced camera flyers we donned our camera equipment and gave it a try. Total crap show but so much fun, we laughed for years over those jumps. After I earned my Pro Rating and started demo jumping he gave me so much advice and guidance. I have been fortunate to be able to do demo jumps into some very memorable places like Folsom Field, CU Games & Bolder Bolder Memorial Day Event, Coors Field for Rockies games, Bronco games, Santa, Easter Bunny. and many more, but I had the opportunity as team captain to have Byron back on the Bolder Boulder Demo jump a few years back, surprisingly I was nervous not to screw up in front of the guy that wrote the book on Demo jumps. The jump was great and everyone performed perfectly. That day I finally received a signed copy of his book. I think he was just as proud of me as I was to receive the book from him.

Byron I will miss you, your great stories and your since of adventure. This year as I lead the team into the Bolder Boulder Memorial jump, we will carry your name on our jumpsuit as a tribute to your experience and guidance in the skydiving community.

Love you Bro and will never forget you - Gary
February 12, 2020
February 12, 2020
Byron my friend even though you had 100's to 1000's of friends I always felt like I was the only one, thank you for all the years since our days in Germany and including my family with yours. We had many memorable get together's  
February 8, 2020
February 8, 2020
Struggling to believe you are gone and to find adequate words. You were first my AFF instructor and as such taught me many lessons in safety, but after that, how to push myself and to pursue the things that I wanted to do but didn’t have the confidence that I could do it. 

I can never go to a restaurant and sit at a table without thinking about the tableware, salt & pepper shakers, condiments, napkins, silverware and such being visual aids as you told a story or explained a concept or safety tip for skydiving or riding a motorcycle or whatever else the conversation required.

You continue to teach me about life and how beautiful it can be. You teach not only through words (a lot of words) but also your actions. You tried to tell me and show me to cease the day, to not put off today what you think you can do tomorrow…because tomorrow may never come. I always thought there would be tomorrow.

You knew life wasn’t perfect, but it is worth living to the fullest. We talked often about keeping in touch with family and friends...you are great at that. I wasn't.  You loved your family and friends with all of you, and always willing and wanting to invite more into your big heart. What a lucky world! Thank you for inviting me in. 
February 6, 2020
February 6, 2020
RIP Byron Dormire. Deeply saddened that you're gone.
Your confidence as my first jumpmaster tells everything
anyone would need to know about your courage under pressure.
On my very first jump ever, the jumper ahead of me had a streamer chute malfunction, and pulled reserve.  As we watched the dinky white reserve chute deploy toward the trees, you looked at me and said "GO!" .  And I went. If big adrenaline was on the menu, you were always up for it. You, were an amazing human. And the best kind of friend anyone could hope for.  Never a dull moment.  Regards to you and your loved ones.
February 6, 2020
February 6, 2020
I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you’re gone. It didn’t matter the time that passed between visits, you treated everyone as if we saw you once a week even though it was always longer.You were one of the most genuine, hospitable, giving people I have ever met. You always had a positive attitude with a smile that put people at ease. Your contagious zest for life will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace.
February 6, 2020
February 6, 2020
I knew him as Kramer when we served in Baghdad. During the 2006-2007 time period, we were going through attacks almost daily. Somehow he always had a smile on his face and kept our moral up. We will miss him...
February 6, 2020
February 6, 2020
Not sure why those with the zest for life, die way too damn early. I met Byro on The North shore as a static line student. He was one of those people that you got to know very quickly. He helped me to discover freefall, by taking me up and never taking his grin off, i knew everything would be alright. He taught be manage my fear. He taught me to have confidence. Confidence to pursue a career in skydiving that has lasted 35 years.
  When i moved to Colorado, Byro was my ready made friend. He would alway say hi and when we were on a plane together he would always gimme that Hawaiian "chaka" on jump run....
When i bought a new harley, i brought it to the DZ.....bryo walked up asked for the keys, and drove it away, like he owned it...
  Thank you for being my friend
    blues skies, black death
  
February 6, 2020
February 6, 2020
My friend for the last 37 years. You saved my life when you donated your
kidney to me in 2005. It is difficult to find the words. So many good memories, so many laughs, you always brought the fun to every situation. You left us way too early. I am sure where ever you are whatever you are doing, your spirit shines like a bright light, you have tons of friends, and you are loved.
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
Your smile was addictive. Even though we were not blood relatives, the times we were able to connect, we were family. Regardless of distance and situation, we were family. Thank you for accepting us and letting us be a part of your life.
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
My Brother
You aways had my back
You stood up for me, you fought for me. You made sure I was always included. You gave me money when I had none and never asked for it back. You let me drive your cars even after I wrecked them. You cheered me up when I was down. You gave me unconditional love that I will never forget.
AND
You pants me and threw my clothes up into a tree.
You held me down and let the dog lick my face.
You made me cover for you when you stole Dads sports car and went joy riding.
You got me in trouble for smoking cigarettes when We were 8 & 9.
You taught me how to blow up mailboxes. (I almost went to jail)
The list goes on and on
You were the only big brother I ever had and the only one I ever wanted.
I am going to miss you so much.
I love you Thad
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
To my dear friend that we knew as Kramer for those of us who worked in the warzone in Iraq. We spent many nights talking about life and what we wanted to do after leaving the warzone. Salute to my fellow friend and comrade.
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
Damn- I just found out about this and my heart is heavy. I knew Thad from several years ago when we worked as contractors together in Baghdad. All of us had call signs back then; Thad's call sign was "Kramer" and I immediately liked him when first I met him.

As a fellow skydiver, we often exchanged jump stories together and it was always a pleasure talking to him- regardless of the topic. Kramer had a very relaxed way about him that put everyone immediately at ease, and he never appeared to stress over anything that I was aware of.

The world has lost a very good man. Blue Skies Always, Brother. 
Cornbread, D8971
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
Byro has always been in and out of my life over the past 21 years. He was my primary contact when I applied for the special duty assignment to the USAFA Wings of Blue and after we moved out to Colorado Springs he was the first person I contacted to get me woven into the Skydiving Community (which was ripe with drama). 

His daughter babysat our kids now and again. We’ve had dinner at his house and vice versa. And he was always the person that keep the ties of friendship together. The first five years I lived here I was a very active skydiver and we worked at the same Dropzones. After I graduated college and the DZ was slowly becoming a memory he stayed in touch whether that be a game of golf or just coming by for a beer. 

When I re-entered the sport years later he was there to greet me at the DZ...the same ol Byro. If he drove through town driving truck he would always call just because he was passing my exit. Just to have a quick 10 minute chat to break up the day. 

My most traumatic memory with him would be when we were both in the Cessna 411 that got into a flat spin and the thousands of feet attempting to bail from the aircraft (myself with the added weight of a tandem student).

But my funniest memory, and the story that I share the most is golfing on the USAFA. We were a little off the fairway after looking for my ball (again) and when I lined up to make the shot he stood right in front of me. I said, “What are you doing?” And his response was “I’m just standing in the safest place on the golf course!!” I still crack up every time I think about that.

You would never have guessed his age by his personality, always alive, always vibrant, putting friendship above all else. Even though I only talk to him now and again, I certainly feel a missing part of my life with his passing. Blue Skies my friend. 
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
As a young Demo jumper I was excited to find the only book published about parachute demo jumping.... I excitedly brought the book to our DZ the day it was delivered to share the treasure..... Little did I know then that Byro (an instructor at our DZ) was the author and expert of the book. He shared in our excitement and dreams of parachute demonstrations. although we figured it out, he never mentioned that he was the author..... I still have the book and will cherish it forever.
The lesson was that sometimes greatness is right next to you.... and it was.

RIP my brother and thank you ...

Randall Fortner
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
I met Byron at Wheeler AFB in Hawaii in 1988. I learned to scuba dive with Young-ae. Byron always made me feel safe while diving and he made it fun. He was always thinking about the kids and brought all sorts of sea creatures up for the kids to see and touch. You made life an adventure. You will be missed.
Melissa Silver (Atkins)
February 5, 2020
February 5, 2020
You took me on my first (and last) illegal AFF at Gelnhausen airfield in Germany. I was never so scared, never had so much fun and was never so proud after I landed. What a fun and crazy guy you were! I will never forget you. 
February 4, 2020
February 4, 2020
Steely-Eyed Missle Man,

I don't know what to say Brother. I don't know how I'm going to deal with not picking up the phone and hearing "Is this the International Man of Mystery?". Thanks for teaching me how to live every day to the fullest. I promise to go on all the adventures we had on the books.

I'll always be looking over my shoulder in freefall knowing you're still there videoing us. I know you'll be there watching over me on the bike. I know you'll be there when I'm doing something stupid, as always. I know you're gonna help me get a hole-in-one one these days! You are always in my heart my friend. I love you Brother.......Godspeed.
February 4, 2020
February 4, 2020
I knew him as Byro. I met him almost 3 years ago here in Colorado through a mutual friend at Mile High Skydiving. He was shooting video of teams as they performed in the sky. We rode together, sat by a fire together and laughed into the wee hours of the morning. He taught me many things and I am going to miss his wisdom (sometimes not asked for) :), silly refrigerator magnets, his never ending humor, talking about his piano lessons, the way he loved his daughter, reading his novels, watching him golf, listen to he and Dave banter back and forth, his giving nature and his big, big smile. You will never be forgotten Byro, my heart goes out to your family.
February 4, 2020
February 4, 2020
Byron,

You left us way too soon......
You will always and forever be missed.

With love,
Janie Mills





































February 4, 2020
February 4, 2020
I met Byron on our first night of basic training in the Air Force. We were both getting yelled at by drill instructors and I was less than happy with the way things were going. I was a young 18-year old kid from MT far from home in a pretty stressful situation. He provided me with encouragement and Byron and I quickly became friends. We both enlisted into the same career field and he helped guide me through the next eight months of our lives. After graduating from basic we were shipped to Keesler AFB in Mississippi where he talked me into becoming a rope (student leader) with him. Following Keesler we headed to Fairchild AFB in Washington state for survival school, then down to Ft. Walton Beach, Florida for the Joint Firepower Control Course. We finally graduated in May of 1980 and went to separate assignments. We were reunited at Camp Red Cloud in Korea in 1981. I only crossed paths with him a couple times after that. Byron was a huge influence to me in my early Air Force days. He was such a kind and caring human being. He was so positive and always encouraged me at every turn. His passing makes me sad and I will miss him even though we haven't seen each other in years. You were a good man my friend.
February 4, 2020
February 4, 2020
Most knew him as Byron. I knew him as Thad and that's how I'll refer to my old friend. We went to High School together and hung out as young men. We lost touch after he went into the military and I moved out of state. We saw each other occasionally over the years but really re-connected about 15 years ago. In fact he pretty much got the whole old gang together for some epic rides. We took turns hosting the rides in our home states.
   I used to tell Thad that like the commercial about the "most interesting man in the world" he was actually that guy. I have so many great stories of adventures I had with Thad that it is hard to choose one. Probably the most memorable was when he talked me into jumping out of a plane. I'll never forget Thad standing on the wing strut urging me on with that goofy smile. It gave me the courage to jump.
  Thad was one of a kind and if there was ever anyone who lived life to the fullest and took advantage of every minute he was granted, it was Thad. RIP brother.
February 4, 2020
February 4, 2020
I like to think of Byron as a friend. In West Germany through the 3rd Armored Division Sport Parachute Club we met back in 1983. He was always a fun guy to be around. Going on skydiving trips and demo jumps he never failed to entertain. It probably wasn't even on purpose. We didn't keep in touch, because I'm terrible at that, but we have seen each other in small reunions twice since then, the most recent being last August. I always enjoyed being around him and that reunion was no exception. I was saddened to hear the news of his passing. I'm glad I got to see him again before his untimely departure. Rest in peace, Byron.
February 4, 2020
February 4, 2020
My heart aches with this news :( :( :(. Thad (Byron), Dave and Markay were some of our very best friends from our childhood days growing up in Chatsworth. I'll never forget when it was time to go to bed, we'd retreat to our bedrooms, shut the doors, turn on our lights, and "flash" our blinds to one another like in Morse Code! Granted, we never knew the words, but we understood we were there for one another, every single night. We bonded through earthquakes, fires, Santa Ana winds, motorcycles, Thad's 240Z, horses, swimming... you name it. I will miss him dearly but he will live forever in my memories of a blessed childhood. Love to you, Ellie, and to Markay and Dave. Robyn (Leppo) Rajkovich

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Recent Tributes
February 1
February 1
Jeff and I were just speaking of you. We were remembering your comparison of our jumps, Jeff as a dance in the sky and me as a bar brawl. You lived a lot in your time on this earth. 
January 31
Thinking of you today Dad and hope you have found peace. Hope you enjoy looking down and watching Mia and Ethan grow up…Ethan reminds me a lot of you, it’s uncanny sometimes. Love and miss you-JJ
His Life

Heavenly Anniversary

January 31, 2022
Hi Dad,
We finally were able to make it back to CO to visit, sorry it took so long but we made it! We brought Ethan along too…I know you two would be the best buddies if you were still here. Mia and Ethan may not have chance to know you but I know you’re watching over both of them every day. Mia still tells me you visit her in her dreams and share rainbow ice cream with her. We talk of you often and miss you dearly.  You are in my heart and prayers always. I miss you.

Baby Brother

May 4, 2021
3 more weeks and we welcome little boy to the family! Wish you were here to meet him in person but I know you’ve probably already been checking in on him. miss you Dad!
-JJ

1 Year ago...

January 31, 2021
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Today as I got ready for Mass with Brian and Mia I put on a sweater that I have not worn for almost one year now.  The last time I wore it was on 14 Feb 2020 when we all said our final goodbyes to you. I think of you daily, but especially today and hope that you are looking down and smiling at all of us. 
Love and miss you always,
JJ
Recent stories
December 24, 2021
Merry Christmas Thad xoxo
2022 is Here, wish you were too. xoxo
1/31/22 You left us way too soon Missing you so much.xoxo



June 19, 2021
Have a heavenly birthday.  You've got a friend always. You were called home way too soon and missed so much, and by so many xoxo. 

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