Stanley Ludwig Byrtus

Stan Byrtus passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025 at the age of 97.  He is survived by his three sons: Gary (Lilly), Darcy (Catherine), Kirk (Glenda) and one daughter (Monica), five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one sister (Justine).  He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Diana (nee Casavant), parents Joseph and Hedwig, brothers Anton, Joseph, Alois, and sisters Helen, Theresa, and Mary.

Stan went to school at Fairhaven until grade 9, and then to Athabasca until his graduation.  He spent time working in logging camps until he joined the RCMP in early 1952.  He enjoyed the training at the Regina depot and was posted to the Surrey detachment until he left the RCMP in late 1953.  He returned to Athabasca, purchasing the land that became the home quarter and just ½ mile from where he was born and grew up.  He met Diana at his brother Alois’s wedding, and they married in 1955.  In addition to farming, he also spent many years in the crop insurance field, travelling the province for crop adjusting.  In his latter years and after he retired from farming, he was still active in selling hail and crop insurance in the region into his mid 80’s when everything went online.   While he logged many miles driving throughout his life, in his latter years he really enjoyed being a passenger with one of his boys driving around the countryside where he could just enjoy watching the scenery go by.

Stan and Diana travelled extensively, visiting about 40 countries in their travels.  He logged all the countries they visited on a world map and it was an impressive array of dots all over the world.  He grew up playing baseball, and was an active curler and golfer into his 80’s. He kept a picture of his Fairhaven ball team up on his wall in his computer room and often lamented that he was the only one left.  Stan was also an active outdoorsman, with hunting and fishing among his passions.  He was able to go fishing until he turned 95, and enjoyed just sitting in the boat, as long as the fish were biting.  For many years after he retired, a trip or two to Calling Lake around Father’s Day was a highlight of fishing season.

Stan & Diana were devout Catholics and went to church every Sunday and raised their family accordingly.  They both encouraged their children to pursue post-secondary education even though it meant that none of them took over the farm when he retired. They instilled deep work ethics and loyalty to all their children from their own values and experience. Stan was also very sociable, and going to town for daily coffee was a highlight for him.    Covid was particularly difficult for Stan as it isolated him from his daily coffee routine and limited his contact with others.  To combat the isolation, he took in a cat which provided him with some much-needed company during the height of Covid and after. “Missy” so adored Stan and followed his every move during the day, laying at his feet, on his chair, or somewhere close to wherever he was.

Stan was fortunate to be healthy and able to stay on the farm until May 2025, moving first to Shepherd’s Care in Barrhead and then to Westlock Continuing Care. Special thanks to the staff of those facilities for his care during his last few months. He will be missed by his family and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday December 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Athabasca, Alberta. Interment to follow at Athabasca Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a local charity of your choice

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