We Remember

HARRIS, Byron William

August 25, 1958 — May 3, 2025

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the loss of Byron William Harris, who passed away with his wife by his side on May 3, 2025, at the age of 66.

Left to hold him dear to their hearts are his wife of 24 years, Roxene; siblings Larry (Pearl), Belinda (Craig), Lorna (Ron), Terry (Doug), and Anita; sisters-in-law Fran (Trent) and Shirley (Brian); brother-in-law Perry (Donna); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sister Sandra and brother Pat (Jan).

Byron was born on August 25, 1958, in Gainsborough, Saskatchewan, to Cliff and Frances Harris. A few months later, the family moved to Manitoba, where Byron grew up on a farm near Wawanesa. It was there that he developed a deep appreciation for hard work, practicality, and the quiet rewards of helping others—traits that would define him throughout his life. After high school, he attended the post secondary school in Winnipeg, where he trained as a lab technologist. His career took him to Calgary for 12 years, and then eventually to Bella Bella, BC, where he met Roxene and together they tackeled the challenge of running the lab and x-ray department of the local hospital.

Their path to each other wasn’t a direct one, but it was one they were always meant to take.  Byron had moved on to Medicine Hat and Roxene moved to Victoria, but they kept in touch—until one simple act changed everything. On her way to a family reunion in Manitoba, Roxene stopped in Medicine Hat to drop off some mail to Byron. That moment made it clear—they missed each other more than either had realized. Soon after, Byron packed up and moved to Victoria. They began dating in March, and by September, he had proposed. In April 2001, they were married in Vernon at their parents’ church, beginning a new chapter side by side. Life took them next to Edmonton so Roxene could complete her degree, and then to Cranbrook, where they spent nine years. It was there that Byron was diagnosed with leukemia and heart issues—a challenge he met with quiet strength. They later moved to Kelowna to be closer to family and medical care.

Byron was the kind of person who never sat still for long. A true jack of all trades, his farm upbringing gave him a practical knowledge of everything from fixing what was broken to baking a perfect loaf of bread. He was known for his homemade treats, especially “Jo’s Cheesecake,” a recipe he carried on from a friend. He loved history and reading and could spend hours in thrift stores hunting for a good book. Byron had a love for travel—he backpacked through Australia and Thailand in his younger years, and later, he and Roxene explored the world together, from Israel and Iceland to Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and the Galápagos Islands.

Above all, Byron loved his family—both his own and Roxene’s—and he gave himself fully to the people in his life. He was generous with his time, always ready to lend a hand or share what he knew. His strength, kindness, and quiet wisdom left an impression on everyone he met. Byron was an extraordinary man who will be forever loved, deeply missed, and remembered always.

In honour of Byron, there will be a Memorial Service held on TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM, located at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with Pastor Phil Collins from Willow Park Church officiating. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to BC Cancer, in Byron’s honour.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

 

Service
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

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BC Cancer Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for HARRIS, Byron William is scheduled for TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

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Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Eleanor McCaughey says:
    May 9, 2025 at 7:56 pm

    Roxene – I am so sorry for your loss. I remember you and Byron with fondness from our time together in the lab at EKRH. Rest in your memories of a good marriage and your adventures together.

    Reply
  • Rhoda Lee says:
    May 10, 2025 at 4:40 am

    I so enjoyed working with Byron and Roxene. Their love for each other was always evident. Byron’s dry sense of humour and hard work ethic made working with him always enjoyable! Condolences to Roxene and their families.

    Reply
  • Lynda Cook says:
    May 10, 2025 at 10:05 am

    Dear Roxene and family. Heartfelt condolences to you all. I have such fond memories of working with Byron in the lab at EKRH. Such a gentle man. The days ahead will be hard but the memories you shared will be with you always.

    Reply

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke

I liked the personal treatment given to my mother who is 97 years old. As her representative, I found Springfield employees pleasant and sincere, helpful and knowledgeable. Something I didn’t know, was that the funeral home would help me get through the paperwork need at this time. I am very thankful for that.

Janice Cornell

Genuine concern, excellent service, very professional. Since this was my first experience (with a funeral home), everything was above and beyond what I expected.

Randy Hatanaka

Thank you to your team for your kindness to me at a very challenging time.  You have now taken care of both of my parents with professionalism and care.

Nancy Farran

Springfield Funeral Home is always professional, caring and very knowledgeable.  We appreciate that you have dedicated staff for all needs from planning the service to completing government paperwork.

Timothy Morio Tahara

I am not sure there was anything you could have done to make a very intense emotional time less stressful.  Although we hadn’t expected Ken to want a service, when he said we needed to have one for us not him, it was true.  Your sincerity and compassion meant everything to us.  Thank you.

Gwen Harvie

David Henseleit, your compassion and professionalism is truly amazing!  The entire staff were courteous, super professional and caring as each guest arrived.  Everything was done to perfection!

Myra Neuman

Keep up the good work that you do as it is such an important service you provide.  It is still the most difficult time in a person’s life.  Your kindness is so appreciated.  We appreciated the peace of mind that everything was being looked after.

Gloria Couture

You provide a wonderful service for people going through a traumatic time.  Thank You.  The kindness and professionalism shown by the staff at Springfield Funeral Home was exemplary.

 

Kim McCaveney