Benjamin Byl

Benjamin (Ben) Byl aka Husband, Father, Opa, Uncle Ben, Uncle Bungee, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2022 at River Heights Lodge in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, ten days short of his 90th birthday. Comforting him in his final moments were his wife Nevenka (Nena), son Brian and daughter-in-law Maggie.
Ben was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands on February 27, 1932 to Lijntje and Benjamin Bijl. He attended technical school and joined the Batavier Line where he was a ship’s mate sailing to London, England and around the Mediterranean.
In February, 1952 he followed his older brother Leendert (Len) to Toronto, Ontario where he found employment in the heavy equipment industry. While living in a Toronto boarding house he met a vivacious young lady from Croatia, Nena. They were married on May 15, 1954 and over the next ten years had a family of three sons, Brian, Dennis, Allen and a daughter, Katarina (Kathy).
After working as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer for a number of years he started flying lessons and completed his commercial pilot’s license in May 1966. Soon he was flying around Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland/Labrador. In May 1968 the family moved to La Ronge, Saskatchewan where he continued flying until the spring of 1982. For the last years of his working career he was an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with the Government of Saskatchewan Northern Air Operations until he retired in 1997. Ben and Nena built a log cabin on Freeman Island where they spent many days enjoying the “island life” and the wonderful views from the cabin deck.
In 2000 Ben and Nena moved to Meota, Saskatchewan where they lived next to Jackfish Lake. Ben was always busy in his workshop with his tools and working on projects. While in Labrador he taught himself to play the guitar, harmonica and other instruments. The Meota Hobby Band also occupied a lot of his time and showcased his skill with the harmonica. He shared many an evening playing with family and friends.
Sadly, Dad struggled with serious health issues in recent years. Through it all, he showed us courage, independence, humour, and above all, love. We are eternally grateful for the dignity and exquisite care provided by the staff at North Battleford Union Hospital and River Heights Lodge during the last nine months.
Benjamin is survived by his wife Nena, sons Brian (Maggie), Dennis (Linda), Allen (Leanne) and daughter Kathy (John), grandchildren Michela (Quinn), Garrett (Baylee), Danielle, Caitlin, Jocelyn (James), Lucas, Aaron (Dayle), Jesse, and Benjamin. Also grieving the loss of Ben are many close nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Ben was predeceased by his parents Benjamin and Lijntje Bijl, brothers Cornelis (Cor) Bijl and Len Byl.
A service is planned for 1 pm Saturday March 12 at the Meota Community Complex, 395 Third Street E, Meota, SK. Refreshments will be served after the service.
If you so desire, donations in Ben’s name can be made to the Battlefords and District Community Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to T’Neale Bosman of Sallows & McDonald~Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford, SK

• Date : 2022-02-17
• Location : North Battleford, Saskatchewan