Kelly Byam

1959 – 2023

It is with heavy hearts and extreme sorrow that the family of Kelly Lee Byam ‘Bimmer’ announce his peaceful passing in Bow Island on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at the age of 63. Kelly will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Karen and his two children, Kaitlyn and Christopher (Sarah). Kelly also leaves behind a brother, Dareld (Starlene) and their children Kayl and Leandra; father-in-law, Walter Krysiak; sister-in-law, Cathy (Jason) Bachmier and their children, Jaylin (Brayden) and Tyler. Kelly also leaves with fond memories of his four-legged companions Max, Koda, Bimmer and Casey, and two grand fur babies, Charlie and Tucker. Kelly was predeceased by his parents, Mervin and Mary Byam; brother, John and mother-in-law, Carol Krysiak. Kelly was born in Bow Island on May 30, 1959. He received his formal education in Bow Island, graduating from Senator Gershaw High School in 1977. He was actively involved in a number of sports including hockey, football, slo-pitch and was a member of the 1981 Canadian silver medal slo-pitch team. Along with his love for sports, he was very musically inclined and taught himself to play the guitar. Kelly played in a local rock and roll band named Rumours. He co-owned a local hardware store for three years, before joining the Bow Island Volunteer Fire Department in 1990. Kelly received his emergency medical response and emergency medical technician training through SAIT in Calgary. In 1995, he became Fire Chief for the Bow Island Fire Department and later became the Emergency Service Coordinator and employed with Alberta Health Services. He retired as fire chief in 2020 due to his illness. On October 7, 2000, Kelly married the love of his life, Karen. Becoming a loving and devoted family, they raised two wonderful children. One of Kelly’s greatest pleasures in life was spending time with his children. He was proud of many things, but nothing can compare to how proud he was of Kaitlyn and Chris and watching them succeed in their sports and academics. No matter how big or small, he was proud of their accomplishments and adored how they have grown up to be respectful adults. Kelly enjoyed being a part of his kids’ lives by coaching them throughout their sports careers. Kelly was very active in the community and devoted many hours with the Volunteer Fire Department/EMS; he was a silent hero to many members of the community. The family would like to extend a heartful thank you to the doctors, nurses and the EMS staff that took care of him during his illness. A celebration of Kelly’s life will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations in Kelly’s name may be made to the Bow Island Fire Department, c/o Town of Bow Island, Box 100, Bow Island, Alberta, T0K 0G0. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

• Date : 2023-01-08
• Location : Bow Island, Alberta

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