Albert James Oyler, 93, passed away Wednesday April 9, 2014 at Eben-Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush with family at his side. Albert was born March 25, 1921 in White River, South Dakota to Henry and Millie (Petr) Oyler, the sixth of ten children. Life for his family required hard work just to survive with few material goods. He graduated from White River High School in 1939 and attended college for one year. He worked several different jobs to help the family, including construction with his brothers in Rapid City, South Dakota. In 1944 he moved to Denver, going to work for Gates Rubber Company as a tire builder. One June 18, 1947, Albert and Betty Parsons were married in Rapid City, then moved to Colorado. With the help of a friend, Albert built the family home in Englewood where he and Betty lived for forty years, raising six children. After several factory jobs Albert bought some used farm equipment and went into his own custom farming business. Albert and often his two oldest sons farmed for many people. He also leased land to grow crops and raise calves to provide milk and meat for the family. Betty referred to the family as "suitcase farmers" living in the city and commuting to the farm. Albert began going to farm auctions where he collected flat irons, old tools, cream cans, wagon wheels and primitives until the city lot was full. In 1987 he and Betty traded their family home for a farm house and ten acres in Merino, Colorado. They lived here for the next 25 years. In Merino, Albert was able to expand his cottage business, dealing in antiques, old farm tools, salvage and metal recycling. The whole auction scene, the people, the deals and unusual finds were Albert's passion. He especially enjoyed his antique wrench collection which contained some very rare pieces. He set up displays at fairs and shows to tell about them. Wearing bib overalls and a ball cap, he was a walking "book of knowledge" about old items of the past. If you opened that book you were going to learn something. Over the years, Albert drove thousands of miles in his old pick-up trucks and loaded and unloaded tons of goods, often by himself. Albert is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty, of Eben-Ezer Care Center, six children; Cindy Wendt (Jim) of Montrose, Greg Oyler (Kim) of Evergreen, Steve Oyler (Lisa) of Cedar Creek, Nebraska, Meri Oyler of Durango, Gwen Hettich (Kelly) of Onaka, South Dakota, and Roger Oyler of Merino. Also surviving Albert are eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, brother Louis, sisters Millie and Grace, numerous nieces and nephews and in-laws. Preceding Albert in death were brothers Charlie, John, Walt, Lem and Joe, and sister Lydia. By his own words Albert claimed to be one of the richest men on earth. He loved his wife and family. He also liked going to family and class reunions. Some of Albert's special tools were kept under his bed to be taken out and held to bring enjoyment over and over. Albert liked to garden and had an obsession for weeding. He spent many hours working on his salvage and gathering and splitting wood. He belonged to "The Old Farts Club", a group of men who met daily in a garage in Merino. He was also a fixture at the Trading Post (antiques store) sharing stories and identifying items of curiosity. Albert taught his family to take care of each other and those who needed help, always willing to help somewhere. He stood for principle-even if it meant standing alone. Albert was a character and a man of character. The family wishes to express our deepest thanks to the staff at Eben-Ezer Care Center for their loving and patient care of Albert. We are especially grateful to all the caregivers on Nazareth Hall. Memorial services to honor Albert's life will be announced at a later date. Friends and family may sign the guest book at www.heermortuary.com