Andy was an amazing and loving son. He changed my life on March 30, 1974. He was born in Guelph and graduated from Centennial High School. He was involved with the Venturers and received the Queens Award. His life path varied. He was active in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), loved gaming on his computer, music, photograph, archery and so much more. Of course he worked as well. He always gave 110 per cent to any job or project he was involved with.
His first career was as a CNC operator working with laser and water jets for approximately ten years. While doing this, he attended night classes and earned certification as a Sound Engineer. This was his next career. He had found his niche in life. His Sound Engineering job brought him into contact with so many people in the music world. He worked for himself freelancing and also, he worked for various companies. An opportunity came to work for Solotech. Solotech allowed him some free time to freelance with his previous customers. He was always learning from his colleagues, many of whom became valued friends. This was his dream job.
Music was always a big part of Andy's life. He played the organ, keyboard, drums, guitar and various other musical instruments. His passion for photography became relaxation, sometimes alone and sometimes with friends.
Andy was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer in 2020 and started chemotherapy treatments. He battled through the treatments while still working at the job that he loved. The cancer changed how much he was able to work. The chemotherapy treatments stopped working in 2023. Andy decided to do some photography and travelling while he was strong enough. He went to Iceland several times, to Newfoundland many times and to Iqaluit and to Churchill, Man. specifically to photograph polar bears. Andy decided to take long term disability as he was finding it harder and harder to function and had to give up his work.
Andy left us after fighting a brave and valiant battle with the cancer on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Andy was the loving son of Sandra Byers of Guelph, Ont. and the loving brother of Matthew Byers of Medicine Hat, Alberta. He will be sorely missed by his many devoted friends, valued colleagues and loving family. The Byers family is forever grateful to all of Andy's amazing friends, his oncologist Dr. James Chiarotto, his bestie nurse Jen and the office staff, his palliative care staff and nurses and Dr. Otal and Dr. Borchuk for their help and kindness to Andy in his passing.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph (519-821-5077). Family invite friends and relatives to a visitation on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. A Memorial Service will follow in the Hart Chapel at 1 p.m. Andy expressed the wish that any donation made in his memory be given to Scarborough Health Network Foundation or to the Yee Hong Peter K. Kwok Hospice in Scarborough. Donations can be made online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com under Donations or in person at the funeral home (cash and cheque accepted).