Obituary

August Alban Byron

August Alban Byron was born on August 28, 1918 in Blaine, WA and slipped the surly bonds of earth” on September 2, 2012, at the age of 94. He was the son of Icelandic immigrants Ranveig and John Ole Byron. He was predeceased by his parents, seven siblings, his daughter Susan Byron Rongner, and his wife of 60 years, Margie Doughty Byron. He is survived by his daughter ViIlene (Don) Lansberry, and sons Gary Byron and Craig Byron. Also by his grandchildren Colin (Cindy) Byron, Gillian (John) Randolph, Cameron Lansberry, Matthew (Cristi) Lansberry, Jennifer (Ian) Sumey, Melissa Byron and great grandchild Olivia Sumey.

August (aka Cougar) grew up in Blaine. As a young man he was a member of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) and helped build some of the structures and trails at Mt. Baker. As an adult he worked in construction, helping build many of the skyscrapers in downtown Seattle. He served in WWII in the Army Air Corps 854th Chemical Company Air Operations in England. There that he met his wife Margie. They were married in Saint Ives, Huntington, England Sept 4, 1944. When the war ended, he came home to Bellingham with his English war bride. They raised their family on Monroe Street where they lived for sixty-two years. Their yard was full of roses, and they called it Rose Cottage.

August was a native of Whatcom County and lived here his entire life. His favorite place was the Peace Arch Park. Life wasn’t always easy but he had everything he wanted: his family, his home, his pipe, a good book, and cookies for his legendary sweet tooth.

Farewell Tribute Information

Service will be at Greenacres on Axton & Northwest, Monday September 12, 2012 at 1pm, with viewing from 12:30-1pm.