“Byron", Byran Norton Essery April 09,1933 - August 26, 2023
On Saturday August 26, 2023, at Allendale Retirement Home, God peacefully lifted Byron to rest at the age of 90. Byron was the youngest of 4 children and grew up in the East End of Toronto on Logan Street and loved spending his summers on his Grandmother’s farm.
Predeceased by his parents William and Clara Essery, his brother Earl and sisters Frances and Irene.
As a young man Byron enjoyed rowing with the Toronto Argonaut Club. He traveled & worked in remote locations in the Arctic, Australia and South Africa. While in the Arctic he worked on the Canada Distant Early Warning Line (DEW). Upon his return to Canada he enrolled in the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and graduated with a degree in Landscape Design. While at school Byron maintained Mather Arch Park, one of the most beautiful parks in historic Fort Erie.
During his time in Niagara Falls he met Wikje (Willie) Essery the mother of his 4 children, Garth (Colleen), Earl (Michele), Charmaine and Sabrina. There he started dreaming of owning some land where he could build a house to raise his family. Byron and Willie settled in the beautiful village of Campbellville where they purchased their 16 acre property and Byron set to designing a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home. With the help of local tradesmen and friends, they built the one-of-a-kind “rock house", as it was lovingly coined by his grandchildren.
Byron was a loving grandpa to Chase (Jen), Wade (Karly), Tanner (Alex), Tylan (Darinka),Lacey (James), Isis (Shea), Rhiannon (Evan), Logan (Theo), Teviah, Eli, Jacob (Julia), Aidon (Hannah), Jordan (Matt) and joyous great grandfather to Aune, Maud, Roselyn, Paisley, Wyatt, Lennon, Ava and Georgia. He will be missed by his nephew Paul Essery with whom he shared many great conversations and memories.
As a Landscape Designer, Byron designed many waterfront gardens and worked for notable landscaping companies Aldershot Landscaping, Project Planning, and Shademaster Landscaping as well as volunteering his time to create the original Campbellville Parkette. Byron loved antiques and would often be spotted at the local auctions where he would be bidding on items to sell at the markets or to add to his extensive collections.He was also an avid reader and book collector who would spend hours at the local bookstores reading up on all his favourite subjects: gardening, decorating/design and military history, in remembrance of his Dad. He was always writing and journalling and when his kids told him that he would run out of paper because he wrote too much, he replied "that's why they invented napkins!!". He absolutely loved a good conversation and story-telling and would strike up a discussion with anyone who would listen. He was a friendly, creative, insightful, contemplative and a unique man. With his long white hair and beard as he aged, he certainly stood out in a crowd.
Byron will be remembered for his dedication to the Nassagaweya Historical Society as well as his 40 plus years of sobriety and as an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), where he was extremely proud of being a mentor. Late in life Byron battled Parkinson's which limited his mobility. Even though he felt vulnerable to the disease, he always kept his sense of humour, love of family and love of his Campbellville home. He would live in Campbellville until he moved to Allendale in the summer of 2021. Byron's family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Allendale for the amazing care they gave him, especially during his stay in palliative care, you certainly went above and beyond for him!!! The family would also like to thank his extended family and many friends and acquaintances. Each of you made his long life so very rich and rewarding. So a heartfelt Thank-you to you all.
A private family gathering will be held in the fall. Arrangements entrusted to Brombal Funeral Home & Cremation Care Ltd., One Delhi Street, Guelph. Memorial contributions to the charity of one’s choice are appreciated and optional. We invite you to leave your memories and/or donations online at: www.brombal.ca or send mail to 1159 Campbellville Rd., Milton ON L0P 1B0