Obituary for Leendert "Len" Byl
BYL, Leendert “Len” – Passed away peacefully surrounded by family in his 94th year at Chapel Heights Retirement Home in Niagara Falls on Saturday September 10, 2022. Special thanks to the doctor and staff at Chapel Heights. A huge thank you to Vanessa Villers who cared for Dad and Mom for the last 5 years.
Beloved husband of Lena who passed just 7 days prior and to whom he was married for over 73 years. He could not be without his sweetheart.
Loving father of Lane (Margaret) Byl, Casey (Valerie) Byl, May (Alan) Simpson, Richard (Linda) Byl and Marinus (Beverley) Byl. Caring ‘Opa’ of Marlena, Jason, Sarah, Melissa, Derek, Cassandra, Lane, Christopher, and Whitney and step grandfather of Brett, Maureen, Ben, Dustin, Sarah, Jade, and Jared.
He was also known as ‘Opa B.’ to 17 great grandchildren. Dear brother of Hendrika, Marinus, John, Pauline and Adriana. Predeceased by his grandson Corey and his sisters Leentje, Jacoba, Maria and Eva. Fondly remembered by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Len and Lena were grape growers in Niagara-on-the-Lake from 1964 to 2008, expanding their family farm to over 100 acres. Before farming full time, Len was a transport driver for Direct Systems for 22 years where he earned many “Safe Driver" awards. Len was a proud board member of the Grape Growers of Ontario and was crowned Grape King in 1986.
He was a founding member of the Niagara Bridge Center. He and Lena became Silver Life Masters and were recognizable at bridge events around the world.
Len and Lena travelled the globe extensively, to such exotic places as Bali, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Tunisia, Moscow, Antarctica and everywhere in between.
They were both active in the Port Weller Sailing Club where they raced their sailboat, ‘Vintage’ for many years.
The family will receive friends at MORGAN FUNERAL HOME, 415 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, on Tuesday September 13, 2022 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. A service to celebrate the life of Len will take place at the St. Davids Lions Hall, 1462 York Road, St. Davids, on Wednesday September 14, 2022 at 12:30 pm. Interment of both Len and Lena will take place privately at Niagara Lakeshore Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may make a memorial donation may do so to the Niagara Health Foundation. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com
Beloved husband of Lena who passed just 7 days prior and to whom he was married for over 73 years. He could not be without his sweetheart.
Loving father of Lane (Margaret) Byl, Casey (Valerie) Byl, May (Alan) Simpson, Richard (Linda) Byl and Marinus (Beverley) Byl. Caring ‘Opa’ of Marlena, Jason, Sarah, Melissa, Derek, Cassandra, Lane, Christopher, and Whitney and step grandfather of Brett, Maureen, Ben, Dustin, Sarah, Jade, and Jared.
He was also known as ‘Opa B.’ to 17 great grandchildren. Dear brother of Hendrika, Marinus, John, Pauline and Adriana. Predeceased by his grandson Corey and his sisters Leentje, Jacoba, Maria and Eva. Fondly remembered by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Len and Lena were grape growers in Niagara-on-the-Lake from 1964 to 2008, expanding their family farm to over 100 acres. Before farming full time, Len was a transport driver for Direct Systems for 22 years where he earned many “Safe Driver" awards. Len was a proud board member of the Grape Growers of Ontario and was crowned Grape King in 1986.
He was a founding member of the Niagara Bridge Center. He and Lena became Silver Life Masters and were recognizable at bridge events around the world.
Len and Lena travelled the globe extensively, to such exotic places as Bali, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Tunisia, Moscow, Antarctica and everywhere in between.
They were both active in the Port Weller Sailing Club where they raced their sailboat, ‘Vintage’ for many years.
The family will receive friends at MORGAN FUNERAL HOME, 415 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, on Tuesday September 13, 2022 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. A service to celebrate the life of Len will take place at the St. Davids Lions Hall, 1462 York Road, St. Davids, on Wednesday September 14, 2022 at 12:30 pm. Interment of both Len and Lena will take place privately at Niagara Lakeshore Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may make a memorial donation may do so to the Niagara Health Foundation. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com