Former Kincardine town councillor Jeff Byles dies at the age of 77

Former Kincardine town councillor and well-known businessman, Jeff Byles, has died at the age of 77.

Jeffrey “Jeff” Stewart Byles died at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre, Kincardine, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016.

Beloved husband of Mary White.

Dear father of Catherine (Grant) Frook of Kincardine, Andrew (Nancy) Byles of Toronto, Alison Byles (Mike Brindley) of Kincardine and Judith Byles (Andrew Wallace) of Kincardine.

Loved grandfather of Tyler and Ryan Frook, Tony Byles, and Jesse and Katie Byles.

Predeceased by his sister, Josephine Majury.

Survived by his brothers-in-law, Brian Majury of Exeter, and John White and his wife, Lore, of Kincardine; and his sister-in-law, Maise Palmer and her husband, Tony, and family of Guelph. Sadly missed by his niece, Karyn (Bill) Beer of Sarnia; and his nephew, David White of Kincardine.



Born March 23, 1939, in North Southwark, Jeff resided in London, England, until he emigrated to Canada, with his sister, Josephine, when he was seven years old. They lived at Wasaga Beach, Ontario, with their aunt and uncle during the war, and were later joined by his parents, Beryl and Fred Byles, and moved to Collingwood.

He married Anne Carter and had four children over the next nine years; he and Anne later divorced. He was a draftsman and worked at G.E. in Guelph and later as a production supervisor at Morval Durofoam in Kitchener.

Jeff always wanted to own his own business and moved to Kincardine in the mid-1970s when he purchased the Kincardine Taxi and Answering Service. He also owned the dry cleaner's and the pool hall, Rider's World and Kincardine Office Interiors, and later worked for Century 21 as a real estate salesman.

He married Mary White in 1983.

While he enjoyed operating his own business, his real passion was in selling cars. He started at Glen Huron Ford and ended at Pierson Motors where he was still working the occasional deal.

He was involved in several organizations: Sea Cadets in Collingwood, co-ordinator of the Kincardine Navy League, Kincardine town councillor and a member of various committees, the Anglican Church, Kincardine British Car Club, Kincardine Golf Club, president and past-president of the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, Kincardine Pool League, president and past-president of the Kincardine Rotary Club, Kincardine Legion, and Kincardine Ladies Softball coach.

Jeff played Santa at the Sutton Park Mall, Kincardine; and was an avid collector of egg cups, toby jugs and oil lamps.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Anglican Church of the Messiah, Kincardine, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Rob Hiscox officiating.

Spring interment, Church of the Messiah Memorial Garden.

Memorial donations to the Anglican Church of the Messiah, Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.