We Remember
BYLAND, Katie
—
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Katherine Brigitta Byland on February 7, 2015, surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer. Katherine was born in Palanka, Yugoslavia on September 18, 1935. After an idyllic childhood she soon felt the ravages of WW ll and lost both her parents by the age of ten. She immigrated to Canada in 1949 with her younger sister Anna, arriving in Kelowna where she had family. She met Adrian Byland while working at a café and they married in 1956, starting a fledging business that would become Byland’s Nurseries. Katherine is survived by son John (Maria), daughter Anita Thorsen (Rico), grandchildren Michael, Melanie, Venessa and Jordan and sister Anna (Dennis) Brown. She was predeceased by her husband Adrian in 1982. The family would like to thank all the health care professionals that cared for Katherine especially the staff at Hospice House. Donations in Katie’s memory can be made to the Central Okanagan Hospice Association – Hospice House, 2035 Ethel Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2Z6. Prayers will be recited on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 7 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 10:30 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 839 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC. Interment to follow at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Prayer Service
Friday, February 13, 2015 at 7 pm
Service
Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 10:30 am
Location
Immaculate Conception Church
To John & Maria, Melanie & Michael. I am so sorry to hear of Katie’s passing. I always remember her sitting in the back office working on paperwork or helping me find a cactus that I didn’t kill. Maria and John I send heartfelt condolences on the loss of such a great lady, businesswoman and matriarch.
John, Maria and family
Our condolences on the loss of Katie who was such a vibrant woman. I have enjoyed talking to her over the years and will miss seeing her here and there.
Mary Anne and Wally Day
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
John, Maria, Michael and Melanie, we are sorry to hear about your loss. Katie was a great lady and will never be forgotten. May God give you comfort, courage and strength at this difficult time.
Joe Moniz, Lidia Silva and Staff at Pereira & Moniz Tree Nurseries Ltd.
Dear Byland’s family,
As you know, Katie and I go back to 1981 when I first met her and Adrian, at the nursery. Katie and I got along from the time of our first meeting. Whenever I would run into Katie at a conference, I always had a ‘partner in crime’ who would join me for something decadent to eat, especially cheesecake.
She always treated me well and even though I was young and new to the trade in 1981, she didn’t seem to mind and forgave me my mistakes.
I will always laugh in remembrance over the time, many years ago, when Katie named the chickens running around her yard. I told her “once you name the chickens, you are never going to eat them”.
She will be missed not only for the grand lady she was but as an elder of our trade, someone who contributed so much. She leaves behind her children and grandchildren as well as the nursery that she and Adrian started all those many years ago. She will be missed by her many, many friends.
Rod McDonald, Lakeview Gardens, Regina
We want to send our sincere
condolences. We are thinking
of you during this difficult
time.
John and Maria,
I am sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My family has had a lot of respect for your family over the years. Our prayers are with you.
John, Maria and family-I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom and grandmother. I have great memories of talking with her while she was feeding the chickens in the nursery. She always asked how I was doing, how the writing was going and how much she enjoyed reading my column. She will be missed. May God grant you His peace as you grieve her loss.
To John and Maria, and family.
Condolences on the loss of your mother. She was an amazing lady.
David and Cindy
to the Byland Family..my thoughts and prayers to out to you all at this sad sad time. What a tremendous loss….she was such an amazing lady, and I will surely miss her kindness and smiling face when I vist the nursery.
May she rest in peace,
Carol
On behalf of all of us at Prairie Coast Equipment our condolances to John, Maria and Family. We can’t say we knew Katie but we do see how her influence and guidence paved the way for the future of your business. I am sure many of your successes are the fruits of her leadership.
Donna and I are so saddened to hear of this great loss. Our families go back to the beginning and Katie was the heart and spirit of the Byland family business.My condolences go out to John and Maria, Anita and Rico and their families.
John Maria and family
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
My parents were well aquainted with yours from the beginning.Before my mothers passing in 2006 Katie always found time to take her shopping evey 3 weeks or so and share a meal at Rubies restaurant.She Kept an eye out for her and I thank her for this.
She will be remembered for her kindness and concern for others.
Her hard work and dedication also do not go unnoticed.
Your father left things in good hands and I am sure he would be proud as well.
She created many good memories that will live on in the hearts of many.
She will be remembered.
To the Byland Family, My condolences on the loss of a wonderful lady. In Katie I seen a very special friend. My thoughts are with all of you at this time. Marlene Good
John,Maria and Mike
My deepest condolences on your loss.. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Darren McClelland
John and Maria….Good memories of your mother in the nursery. Thank you for carrying on their good name. I’m sure you have made them proud
Dear John,Maria,Anita & family
Please accept our sympathies on the loss of a beautiful, classy Lady. May your wonderful memories give you comfort at this time.
Love & God Bless Sam & Patti DiMaria &family
Katie was a wonderful person to work for. She taught me how to prune a fruit tree (the right way!) She laughed at my screams when I had to go into the chicken coupe to feed the chickens.. oh those birds…. We shared many laughs when we travelled to Seattle for the garden shows.. she loved to shop on our free time! WOW! could she shop too!! She insisted on buying us chocolate to take back to our room to snack on. She had the warmest smile and loved people! I will miss you beautiful Katie.
Sheri Keller xo
John and Maria and family. Our most sincere condolences to all of you and wishes for lots of strength through these trying times. John’s Mom truly was a very special lady and will be missed!
Our thoughts are with all of you.
Armando and Annelies
Byland Family
So sorry to hear of your mothers’ passing. I will always remember her sitting at the table on your Christmas Festive Open house and having a wonderful talk with her. My prayers and thoughts are with you. May God help you through this difficult time. God Bless to all.
Byland Family
So sorry to hear of Katie’s passing, Katie might be gone but will not be forgotten she was a beautiful lady with a very kind way.
Maria,John,Anita,Rico and Family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I will miss Katie so much I’m very thankful I got to see her last week at least I got to say goodbye. I can’t believe she is gone.
John, Maria, Michael & Anita
Sorry to hear that your lovely mother has passed on. Thinking of you at this time of sorrow.
Pauline Draper
Aloha John and Maria,
We are sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts during this difficult time. May the many good memories comfort you.
Take care,
Dennis & Gwen
To the Bylands family- our deepest condolences. Katie was a neat person that contributed so much during her lifetime. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. Hugs!
To Maria, John and Family,
We are so sorry to hear that Katie has passed away. She was a great lady and will be missed by many – family, friends, staff and many customers she has helped over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
I am sorry to hear about your loss. In my experience Katie was always a loving, caring gentle sole.
May God guide you all through your grieving process.
John, Maria & Byland Family, Sending my sincere condolences on the loss Katie, she will be sadly missed. Ruth Beger
To John,Maria,Melanie,Michael,Anita.
We first met Adrian and Katie back in 1973 and have known the rest of you over the years since. We are indeed sorry that she suffered so long with the cancer. One fond memory of her was when she helped us with the original landscaping at our home on Hants Rd. Our prayer are with all of you at this time.
John,Marie,Melanie,Michael,Anita
We first met Adrian & Katie in 1973. I assisted your dad to get your course in California. Your mother helped us with the first landscaping planting at our home at Hants Rd. We have had many more intimate contacts through the years. Our prayers are with you at this time. We are indeed sorry that Katie suffered so long with her cancer.
To John, Anita and families:
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My mom and yours had a great time in Hawaii. Your mother was a survivor and a great lady.
Our sincere condolences go out to you at the passing of Katie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of deepest sorrow. She was a wonderful lady and will be truly missed by all of us that were fortunate to know her.
To the Byland family,
Joanne and I are saddened to hear of Katie’s passing. She had one of the kindest hearts we have ever encountered. Sincerely, Michael Gale and family.
Our sincere condolences to John, Maria and all the family from Richard and Martine as well as all the staff at Bouchons Bistro.
Mrs Byland was a lovely lady. I didnt know her except through getting plant advice. I remember her and will remember her. She made a difference in a beautiful way.
John & Maria & family,
So very sorry for your loss. Although we didn’t know your mother, it is obvious that she was a great lady and a great leader.
the flowers up there finally getting the right attention someday my time will come to oversee her excellent craftsmanship
bless this fine lady
Our sympathies to all the Byland family. Katie was a great lady and a pleasure to know.
Stewart and Hazel Andreen
my dearest Katie, you will be missed by many, you were my biggest fan…I will miss you miss Katie.
condolences to all of the Byland family.
Tammy Woodside
John and Maria and Byland family! We extend our condolences to all for the loss of your beloved Mom and Grandmother! Thinking of you and sending our love!
Sending our deepest sympathy and know you are all in our prayers!
John and Maria
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. I looked forward to seeing her smiling face and warm welcome every time I visited the Garden Centre. A visit wasn’t complete, if I didn’t have a chance to say hello. She was always so friendly, and I was always surprised that she remembered my name,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time,
Mary and Doug Tracey
TO JOHN MARIA & FAMILY
SORRY HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. SHE WILL MISSED GARDENING COMMUNITY HERE AND ACROSS CANADA. WHEN I MOVED HERE FROM THE ALTA. FEB 1 1987. SHE WAS 2nd PERSON I MEET. BRIAN OSBORNE KELOWNA YARD @ GARDEN
To The Byland Family, My condolences go out to you on the passing of your Mother. It was my privilege to be able to meet and get to know your Mom, although briefly. She made quite an impression on me and seemed like a very special lady.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Katie was such a kind and wonderful woman. She was always so friendly to me and my kids, especially to Danielle when she and Michael were little buddies.
Gramma Katie will be missed by all those who had the privilege of meeting her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Dear Anita Rico ,John and Maria and family. I am so sorry to here about your mother . She was a wonderful lady and always had a big smile which warmed my heart ! She was a lady to be admired and I am proud to have known her ! So sorry for your loss . Shauna and Cam Bakala
Byland family; our condolences at this time of grieving. May God with you.
John and Maria – A sad loss. She was a wonderful lady. Happy memories of her when we were neighbours at Traders Cove.
To: John & Anita: our condolences on the passing of your mother. Adrian and my dad worked together at the S&K plywood plant.my parents always told me to buy my plants and shrubs from Adrian and Katie. It was a pleasure to know your mom and dad.
John, Maria Byland and family:
Sending you my sincere condolences. May the good memories of Katie give your strength to endure the pain of her loss.
John, Anita,&families
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Your mom a& mine had great times in Hawaii. She was a survivor and a great lady. Remember the good times.
To John, Maria and family:
I am sorry to hear of your mother and grandmothers passing. She was a highly respected and much loved woman and will be greatly missed by many. May the grace of God rest on you and your family in this time.
John, Maria and family…
Very sorry for your loss and all the best to you during this difficult time.
Our condolences to you all in the the passing of such a lovely woman…Our love and prayers are with you at this difficult time.❤️
We are so sorry to hear about Grandma Byland. I still remember visiting her with my Grandma in the Garden Centre when I was a little girl. Our love and thoughts are with you all.
Love the Herberts, Simkins and Andersons
We are so very sorry for your loss. We are keeping you and the family in our prayers. We will never forget all the wonderful times we all had at the restaurant. Gaby’s Ribs and rice pudding was an absolute honor to make for you every time. Our favourite memory was when Maria and Kate would come out for dinner,(Ladies night)and even though Maria never ate dessert. She would convince her to eat it then, or take it home. You will be missed Our Dear Katie. May you rest in peace. XoXo
With Deepest Sympathy to the Byland Ohana. I will miss Katie “My Canadian Mum”. She was a wonderful woman.
Love & Aloha,
Tina
To John , Maria & family
Very sorry to hear about your loss ,thinking about you and family during this difficult time
John, Maria and family.
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. We know she was a huge part of your daily lives. Our Prayers the God will give you peace in your heart as you go through this grieving process. Jacquie and Ken’s most fond memory was on tour with her in Nova Scotia, listening to her adventures of arriving in Canada. Her legacy lives on through all of you. We will miss her as well.
All our Love Ken and Jacquie
The Byland Family:
I am sorry to hear of your great loss. Remember the good times in your hearts.
To the Byland Family,
Our family wishes to send you all the deepest condolences at the passing of your Mother and Grandmother. She was a very lovely lady with a wonderful smile. May your memories give you all comfort at this difficult time.
The Schmidt family.
Dear Byland Family,
Our sincere sympathy. Remembering a great rewarding
business relationship with
Kathy and family.
Karl Sauter family (hica Greenhouses)
To the Byland family.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Katie. She was always a pleasure to know and a delight to serve during my banking career. She will be missed .
God Bless you all
Darlene Butler
ON BEHALF OF GLENN, MARNA, MICHAEL AND MATTHEW MAIN SINCERE WISHES OF SYMPATHY AND OUR HEARTFELT WISHES WITH FOND REGARDS TO JOHN, MARIA, MICHAEL AND MICHELLE XO
Katie had a magical way with people. Her big smile and gracious persona will be dearly missed. Katie’s biggest success can be seen in her loving family. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to you all. Bob, Cathay and families.
Thinking of your Family at this time of sorrow ,our deepest sympathy ,she was great lady
John and family,
I am very sorry to hear of ‘Mrs. Byland’s’ passing. From the day I met her, though she always told me ‘Katie please’, she will always be Mrs. Byland to me, a very generous and honest person. My thoughts are with you and all of the Byland family at this time.
Dear John, Maria & Family, We are sending you much love, warm hugs, and our heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Sincerely, Eric & Brenda
On behalf of your friends at Olds College, I send heart felt sympathy and prayers of comfort.
Dear John, Maria and Family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Kevin and Ilda
To the byland family:
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Katie will be missed by all who knew her. Our family had great respect for her. I miss her smiling face and advice. May she rest in peace.
Gwen Cherney Brian Manderson
John Maria and Family I was saddened to hear of the passing of your mother Katie. I first met Katie when we moved from Revelstoke to Kelowna in 1980 and was landscaping my new home I enjoyed her cheerfulness and positive energy. My deep condolences to you and your family. Jane Hoffman
To the Byland family,
So sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Katie while working at Bylands. Her stories were always amazing. Loved her warmth and tenacity. Cherish her memories, she will live on in all the hearts she touched. Many hugs
Wendy, Darwin, Tiffany and Trina
Our sincere condolences at this time of loss to your family. Thinking of you.
Lloyd, Bob and Bruce Callahan
Dear John and Maria,
Whenever I think of Katie I always remember her warmth and GREAT Smile. She was an amazing woman and I feel honored to have known her. Our deepest sympathy at your loss.
To all the Byland family our most heartfelt condolences. We will always remember Katie with pleasure. We admired her strength and the love she had for her family.
Anita, Rico, Vanessa & Jordan,
So sorry to hear about your mom/grandmother. Our thoughts are with you.
Nadene, Brian, Jane & Gavin Newall
So Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
The Westside Soccer Association would like to extend its condolences to the Byland family.
The support that Katie and the Bylands have shown for the community and for Westside Soccer will remain as one of her legacies.
The soccer fields at Constable Neil Bruce Middle School that bear the name Byland, would never have been possible without the support of Katie Byland.
John and Maria, and family,
As Spring approaches, and our gardens surround us with colour and life, I’ll be reminded of your mother, and one of her many gifts to so many. Our thoughts are with you. Mary Jo, Stafford and Spencer
Your mother and I developed a warm friendship when we opened our grocery store (Grant’s Market) across the highway from the nursery. She was a wonderful and vibrant person and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you at this time. Sincerely Judy Grant
Dear John and Maria and Family,
We were very saddened with your mom’s passing .Please except our deepest condolences on your loss . May our thoughts and prayers be with you all – Katie will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Our family goes way back with your parents ; we have always admired them both.
Katie was such a beautiful person with a beautiful soul and a sincere smile. We all loved her. She added so much to this community with her generosity, leadership, love and all her creations.
I know your mom will continue to participate in the thoughts and decisions that you will make every day. Her love leaves an indelible imprint in your and all of our memories. May you also find comfort in knowing that all of our lives have been enriched by having shared her love.
May your heart and soul find peace and comfort. With all our love and big hugs!
Jerry and Anke Sedmak & family.
Very sorry to hear of Katie’s passing. I wish to express our condolences from the Tainaka families. The Bylands were always so good to our father, Albert.
John and Maria and family.
My sincere condolences to you in this sad time. Levina Kneller
Dear John and Maria
So sorry for your loss. I didn’t know her well but did share a room with her at KGH for a brief period way back in 1995? She seemed to leave a lasting impression on me. She was such a stoic human being. Our condolences to you and your family. Tom and Laurie (Jones) O’Reilly
Dear John and Maria and family,
The first time I met Katie was midsummer 2002, it was hot and humid so we were not intended to stay
in Kelowna for that many days. But we had a very nice talk with Katie and the Byland people, this made
me change my mind. Since that time I always enjoy coming to Kelowna.
Many times I shared lunch with her, she always offered me Dutch cheese and I offered stroop waffles or dropjes.
Hospitality used to be so common.
In september last year we had or last talk, shake hands and said goodbye.
I’ll miss her.
Jhon & Annemieke.
Dearest Melanie,
So sorry to hear of your loss. We know she was near and dear to you.
Our condolence to you and your family.
From all your Loblaw Companies Limited colleagues.
To John and Maria, and family. Condolences on the loss of your mother. She was an amazing lady – She will always be remembered as a true Master of her love of life with her family and the business. Cliff and Betty Dick
Dear John, Maria & family,…we are so sorry to hear about your loss. She will be missed by many, and our heartfelt condolences to everyone. Her warm spirit will always be felt, especially when one is gardening. (Tom & Sharlene Anhorn) & (Art & Berniece Johnson) Westbank, BC
Dear John, Maria & family. We are so very sorry to hear about your loss. She will be missed by many, but her warm spirit will be felt by all those who garden! Our deepest condolences from (Tom & Sharlene Anhorn) & (Art & Berniece Johnson) Westbank, BC
Dear Anita, John and families, we were so very sorry to learn of your loss of such a special lady. Katie always imparted true kindness to our family over the years. We will miss her smile and will never forget her, Larry and Marian Benedet and families
Dear John, Maria & family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you say your goodbyes to your mother and grandmother. She was such an amazing person. We know that her spirit lives on through you all. Our condolences.
Dear John ,Maria and Family
Sorry to hear of the passing of your mom Thinking about you
Thomas Nater and Family
I was privileged to have worked for you on my first job in 1984
1985 and 1986 as George Pringle
student and went on to be a chef
Our hearts go out to all of the Byland family, staff and friends. What a tremendous loss for you all! Katie will be missed by so many and always remembered by those she touched. Sending our Deepest Sympathy, the Les & Cassetta families and the staff of Eddi’s Wholesale Garden Supplies
We would like to express our sincerest condolences on the passing of Katherine.
We understand what it is to say goodbye to such a central part of your family. The Byland name has become one of the most respected in the industry, and it has been our pleasure to build a relationship with you over these many years.
We wish to offer our thoughts and prayers to all those who will miss her, and especially to her family, through this difficult time.
Classic Landscapes / Ellerslie Gift & Garden
Classic Landscapes / Ellerslie Gift & Garden