Kenneth Elwood Byers, 66

Kenneth Elwood Byers, ready to join his Lord and Savior, passed away in his home, Oct. 19, 2010, surrounded by his family. He was born May 28, 1944, in Medaryville, Ind., to Ennis and Vivian Byers. Growing up on a farm, he had a great love and appreciation for country living. In school he was a proud member of the Future Farmers of America and he graduated from Medaryville High School in 1962. After high school Ken drove semi-trucks across the country. During this time, he pursued his dream to be a pilot and earned his license. He was a pilot in Indiana, Texas and Alaska, before moving to and settling in the Flathead Valley. Ken fulfilled the role of loving husband when he married Jacqueline Dias-da-Cruz on Oct. 28, 1978, in Spokane. Jaqueline moved to Kalispell where Ken was already residing. Shortly after they started their family, first with the birth of their daughter, Nathalie, in 1979 and then a son, Nathan, in 1987. Ken was a man devoted to his family and always put their needs above his own. For a number of years, Ken taught aviation classes at Flathead Valley Community College. He was a wonderful teacher with high expectations of all of his students. During this time, he also worked at Strand Aviation and was a chief flight instructor. In 1975, Ken was awarded Flight Instructor of the Year in his district. In the 1980s, Ken operated his own business from his home repairing photography equipment. His follow-up business venture was custom gun-smithing and reloading, which he continued to operate into this year. In 1991, Ken went to work as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Kalispell. It was from there that he retired in 2008. Ken had a very strong work ethic and worked hard to provide for his family. Following retirement, Ken was able to pursue the many activities that he enjoyed over the course of his life. Ken loved spending time with his family and he had a passion for the great outdoors. His favorite outdoor adventures revolved around hunting, fishing and camping. He was a great gunsmith and enjoyed reloading with his son and best friend, Tim. Other hobbies he enjoyed were photography, vegetable gardening with his daughter and leatherwork. Ken loved to cook and barbecue for his family and friends. Perhaps his greatest passion was for aviation. Ken preferred to be busy and he always had a desire to learn new things. Ken was a man of integrity and morals and he was strong in his faith. He and his family attended Central Christian Church for many years where he served the Lord in a multitude of ways. Later on, Family Life Christian Church would be the place of worship for them. Ken read his Bible on a regular basis. He also held a very strong belief in the Constitution and the principles of the Founding Fathers, and in particular the Second Amendment. His love for his country was profound. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Ennis and Vivian Byers. Ken is survived by his wife, Jaqueline; daughter, Nathalie, and her fiance Jeremiah Maynard; son, Nathan, and grandson Tyron; brother, Phil, and Febe Byers of Waatah, Ind.; brother, Paul, and Gloria Byers of Medaryville, Ind.; and a number of nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their gratitude to Frontier Hospice. Their assistance enabled them to honor Ken s wishes to be home during his final days. Funeral services for Ken will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, at Family Life Christian Church on Foys Lake Road. Interment will follow at C.E. Conrad Cemetery, Kalispell. Visitation will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, at Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Frontier Hospice, 1111 S. Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901. Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Ken s family.