Kenneth Byron
September 10, 1920 – July 2, 2014
On the evening of July 2, 2014, Ken passed away at his home on Salt Spring Island. He was 93 years old.
Ken was born the eldest of 5 boys to parents Jesse and Elizabeth Byron in Stockholm, Saskatchewan. In 1934, at the age of 14, Ken and his family left their farm in the Qu’Appelle Valley and moved to Salt Spring Island, purchasing the farm on Epron Road. Ken attended North Vesuvius School and later Ganges High School. After graduation he became part of a firefighting contingent stationed in Campbell River until September of 1939 when he quit his job to rejoin the 13th Platoon of the Canadian Scottish Regiment. A poignant highlight of Ken’s military career was his part in the D-Day operation, landing in Normandy on June 6, 1944. He was wounded twice during the war but both times he was able to rejoin his regiment and participate in the Liberation of Europe. Ken went on to complete a 40-year career in the army including service in the Korean War. His career took him to Europe, the USA and numerous postings across Canada including Gagetown, N.B. and Wainwright, Alberta.
On his retirement in 1976, Ken started a second career…farming. He was well known for his vegetables, fruit, hay and beef.
Ken was an avid hunter, marksman and fisherman. He was a story teller and a walking history book; his memory of personal and historical facts never ceased to amaze. He was fond of music and it was a treat to hear him break out in song.
Ken was a member of the Canadian Scottish (Princess Mary’s) Regimental Association, a member of the Black Watch (RHR) Royal Highland Regiment of Canada Association, a member of the Worthington Branch Legion #29 and a Royal Arch Mason affiliated with Buffalo Park Lodge in Wainwright, Alberta and Kentville Lodge in Nova Scotia.
Ken was preceded in death by his brother Colin, Howard and Mike. He is survived by his brother, Terry, his sister-in-law Bev, and countless family members.
We would especially like to thank the many members of his support group who made it possible for Ken to remain in his own home until the end, as he wished. We are grateful to Art Dennis, Alyson, Marianne, Debbie and Don, his former doctor, Dr. David Woodley and his present doctor, Dr. Magda Leon and all the Beacon Community Home Support workers.
Funeral arrangement to follow.