In Loving Memory of Byron Stever
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Byron Joseph Stever on October 30, 2023. Born on November 7, 1938, in Bathurst, New Brunswick, Byron was the 14th child of Charles and Georgina (Duguay) Stever and was the first of his siblings to be delivered in the local hospital. He was an accomplished, professionally recorded musician who filled our lives with beautiful music as the band leader who left his own unique and indelible mark on our hearts.
Byron's love for music was evident from an early age, and he dedicated his life to pursuing and sharing his passion with others. His talent and dedication as a musician brought inspiration to his family, friends and colleagues throughout his lifetime. After spending most of his adult life in Ottawa raising his family, he returned to Bathurst in later years: it was always "home". In 1998 Byron and his band-mates from the legendary Musicmen were inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame, a distinction he always carried with great but modest pride.
Byron is survived by his loving son Shane, and his much-loved grandchildren, Rory, Caitlin, and Griffin. His youngest son Duane passed suddenly in 2022 He will also be deeply missed by his sisters, Matilda (Kenney) and Priscilla (Lafoley). In addition to his parents, Byron was predeceased by his siblings: Gerald, Leo, Rita (Jones), Doris (Harper), Eloi, Harmony, Wallace, Cecilia, Margarita, Bertha (Gagnon), and Marie.
Byron's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and doctors at Le Foyer Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, especially Natalie and Edith, as well as all those who interacted daily with Byron, for their exceptional care and compassion during his time there. We wish we could name them all accurately but, would surely miss one or two. It meant so much to all of us and you all know who you are.
In honor of Byron's memory, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to your preferred charity.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 2, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Elhattons Funeral Home, (www.elhatton.com) located at 187 St. George Street, Bathurst, NB E2A 1B6. This will be an opportunity for friends and family to gather, and pay their respects to a remarkable musician and human being.
Byron Stever's music will forever echo in our hearts and his memory will live on through the love and kindness he brought into the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
