We Remember
BYATT, John
—
1952 – 2021
Born in Stockport, UK, John Byatt passed away on February 9, 2021 in Kelowna, BC. He was an adventurer, photographer, and computer wiz. Adventures included climbing, cycling, skiing, hill walking, sailing to New Zealand, going about in his favourite trailer, and travels with his wife and son (Tuktoyaktuk, the northern States, and Tofino).
He will be sorely missed by everyone. He leaves to mourn his wife Anne and their son Tomos.
A Funeral Service will be held to honour John with Father Gabriel, due to the current pandemic restrictions it will be by invitation only. However, the family would like to invite all who want to pay their respects to join by Livestream on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 4:00 pm PST (see below). A recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Hello Anne,
Please accept my deepest condolences. It was a pleasure to get to know you and John. I pray that God gives you strength to cope with this difficult time.
Best wishes, Oleg
Dear Anne and family, we are thinking of you at this sad time. May your many fond memories of John bring you happy thoughts. And may it help you to know that you are loved and have friends that care. Our sincere condolences, Brenda & Herb
Anne and Tomos. We are so sorry for your loss. John was a man with a big presence and personality. Love form both of us.
John will be sorely missed by the new in-laws- Jenny, Ken, Tarryn, Neville and Sara. We are greatful for the decision to sail to NZ so that we could become part of the Byatt family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anne, Tomos and Lisa as you mourn the passing of a dear husband and father. Much love to you all x
This photo is a memory of John being competitive in the popular pastime of board games at Christmas
My Dearest Anne and Tomas,
You will be in our thoughts and prayers as we think of you at this time. John was always such a pleasure to talk to and we so enjoyed many fun evenings with both of you.
John will be sorely missed and we know how lucky you two were to have had each other in your lives.
May God watch over you.
Our Love, Kathryn and Henri Fontaine
oh Anne,
We are so sorry. You were all such a big part of the sailing adventure. John’s generosity with movies and books still line Tillicum’s shelves almost 20 years on. Please know we are here and let us know if there is anything we can do.
We will surely miss him.
Fair winds in this troubled time.
Love
Robert and Rose
Hi anne,
I remember john as a man who loved living and alaska.may you find peace in this time of mourning.
It was a pleasure to know you and work on your rv.
Hi Anne. So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Please , know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers. You made us so welcome when we came to Canada as part of our honeymoon back in ’96. Love to you and Tomos, Mel and Christine (Davies)
Hi Anne,
I have such happy memories of ‘House Building’ parties on the acreage north of Cochrane,
and good times shared all those years ago.
It’s tough times for sure but I feel your faith will help you through along with the support of family and friends. Big guy, big heart —
Anne and Tomos words can’t express our sadness over John’s death and your loss
We loved him. Praying for strength courage and comfort for you and to be able to look at sunrises with the gift of hope?
Much love Maureen and Kim
We had you for so many years in our family. We shared life’s up and downs with you and laughed all the way through. I know I drove you mad when I was little but we still loved each other. We had our mutual love of Manchester United FC. I will miss you until we meet again. Love to you Anne stay strong Big Sis xxx
Dear Anne & Tomos, so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. I shall never forget the week I spent with you both in Arbuthnott, rifling through John’s record collection ! Sending you love and prayers, Alyson , Martyn & family xxx
Some of the memories created when we came over for our family holidays in Canada will never be forgotten and uncle John was such a huge contributor to those great times. Going to the stampede in Calgary as a boy is one particular memory I will cherish. Rest in peace uncle John, much love from Joel, Becci, James and Reuben x
Dear Ann,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember John
fondly for his wit and tremendous presence. And for all the times he played bridge and rumoli with all the ladies!
On hearing the sad news, our daughter said “John seemed like a lovely, larger than life man”. Indeed this is how we saw him, Friend and neighbour, native of Stockport like Jean, gentle giant, talented photographer, full of conversation, stories, opinions and a shared love of Manchester United. We will miss you sorely.
This photo is a memory of the day John sat patiently in our garden for hours, taking photos. We hope there are hummingbirds in your peaceful place in heaven, John.
Anne, Tomos and Lisa, we send you our love and deepest condolences, Jean and Geoff xxxxxx
Another happy memory❤️
Our very deepest sympathies Ann to you and your family and friends. A tremendous loss for everyone. We enjoyed the service and loved the pictures at the end. Andy was thrilled to see a few pictures of his & John’s coaching days. Stay well and when we get to visit Kelowna again we would love to have a visit. Hugs from us both. Janet & Andy
Dear Anne and Tomos
As the Pacific Ocean murmured onto the beach here at Tapuaetahi our thoughts were with you as John went on his final journey – and we remembered your huge adventure across the Pacific sailing to New Zealand with Tomos and Rocky and Blackout – to come and live so near to us for ten happy years. Much love Pete and Pippa.
Dear Anne,
We will remember fondly the years that we lived across the street from you at Gallagher’s and the many wonderful dinners and wine get togethers that we had in your back garden.. You and I would often end up playing Sequence against the guys and we chuckle over how frustrated John would get when we kept beating them! We loved John’s wit and humor and will miss him terribly. We wish we could have seen more of you over the past year but Covid prevented that. Although we no longer live across the street, we are only just across the bridge and we are here for you in any way we can help. Take comfort in your many memories of John, know that you have many friends here to support and care for you, and most of all know that there is a special angel up above that will always be watching over you.
love Jane and Ed
To Anne and Tomos
The day that Anne and John met in Aberystwyth was the day that a partnership was forged that was to go on a journey of adventure, achievement, love, happiness, as well as resulting in their most precious legacy – Tomos. John was a clever, successful, determined man who did nothing by halves. He will be remembered by us all with his wry smile and cutting intellect and wit. His courageous decision at the end is the mark of a brave and determined individual.
Rest in peace John, we will miss you.
Monica and Peter
Anne and Tomos
Our condolences cannot express how saddened we are to hear of John’s passing. We have lost a wonderful friend and he will always be in our thoughts. All our love from our family to your family.
Blaine and Susan
Dear Anne and Tomos,
Our sincere condolences to you. We were very saddened to hear that John passed away. May your memories be strong and cherish them close to your heart.
We are thinking of you and send our best wishes.
Stan, Nancy and Manya Bernbaum
Anne and Tomos – so sorry to hear this and our sincerest condolences to you both.Fond memories of Christmases past at Michealston Road.Thinking of you in our prayers.Love John & Garth xx
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Oh my dear Anne, we are so very sad to hear about John. From our very first meeting we loved his powerful mind and ruthless wit – he always made us roar laughing. What a gap he has left in so many lives. Rose and Bodhi send their dearest love as well – they have such fond memories of him. With so much love to you Anne, and to Tomos & Lisa. Moe mai ra dear John – Jill & Jim
Anne,
Thanks so much for sharing the service with me. I so wish things could have been different and that we could have come to the service in person. This is just so very sad, and my heart goes out to you and your son. I have many memories of John playing cards, telling stories and jokes and laughing out loud. He was always good for joining the ladies for dinners out.
I so enjoyed the photo slide show. Looks like so many good memories for you. James had only met you both one time up at Gallaghers, and he sends his sincere condolences.
Take care of yourself and we’ll find time to get together as soon as we safely can xoxo
Dear Anne
So very sad to hear if John’s passing . Steve and I send you and Tomis our heartfelt condolences. John was such a lovely man we know that you will miss him so much . You and John are very brave people and so kind to others. We hope that we see you when you are in nz in June with love Nicole and Steve x
Dear Anne and Tomas, I am very sorry to hear that John has passed away. He was my first cousin, his mother Anne was our Aunty. As you know, we were born and raised in Stockport. I remember John going to Canada while my family emigrated to Australia. Thinking if you, I have only just found out or would have sent a message sooner. Lots of love, Lynne