Obituary of Jerry Byers

Former NHL Player Jerry Byers Dies It is with profound sadness and a great sense of loss that the family of Jerry William Byers announces his passing December 25, 2006. Born March 29, 1952 in Kentville, N.S. he is the son of Catherine (Moore) Byers and the late Arthur Byers. Jerry was a talented athlete and a truly extraordinary person in every way. He was educated at King’s County Academy (KCA, Kentville), Jerry played in the Kentville Junior Hockey League where he was scouted by the Kitchener Rangers at the age of 16. He was drafted 12 overall to the Minnesota North Stars in 1972 and played another 8 years for the Atlanta Flames, the New York Rangers in the NHL(National Hockey League) and their affiliate teams. Jerry was locally known for playing a number of seasons with the Nova Scotia Voyageurs. From 1980 to 1984 he played hockey in Switzerland, Austria and Japan. During these summers he was assistant pro at Ken Wo Golf Club in Kentville under golf professional Boyd Lockhart. His golf career then took him to Hartlen Point Golf Club in Eastern Passage as a pro for 14 years. At this time he also ran his own business, Jerry Byers Golf Shop. In 1998 Jerry and his wife, Ernestine, purchased the Olde Town Golf Course in Bridgewater, N.S. which they have successfully own and operated for 9 seasons. Jerry was the recipient of many awards, too numerous to name during his athletic career, including being named to the N.S. Sports Heritage Hall of Fame. Jerry was a very kind and considerate man who loved his family first and foremost and his family adored him. He will be remembered for his quiet, easy way with people, his grace and his dry sense of humor. He always thought of others before himself, he never complained but put his nose to the grindstone in everything he did. Jerry was an honorable man, a real gentleman, a true team player. He accomplished his dreams but lost his last challenge. Jerry is survived by his loving wife Ernestine (Whynott); daughter Emily at home; son Jordan (Natasha), Dartmouth; his mother Catherine “Kaye” Byers, Kentville; sister Janet Pineo (Larry), brother James (Shelley Morse); grandchildren Madison, Dakota and Jase, Dartmouth; several nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Agnes Whynott; sisters-in-law Cindy (Darrell) Spidle; Andrea (Jack) Fancy and Pamela Whynott; brother-in-law Gary (Heather) Whynott. He is predeceased by his dear father Arthur Byers and father-in-law John Whynott. A memorial service and celebration of Jerry’s life will be held Friday December 29 at 11am at the Bridgewater United Baptist Church, 307 King Street, Bridgewater, Rev. Eric Campbell officiating, reception immediately following the service. Family flowers only, donations may be made to the V.O.N. or South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. On-line condolances may be made at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com Many heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful nurses of the 3rd floor at S.S.R.H.; Dr. David Abriel; Carol Knickle, Palliative Care; Dr. Carmen O’Neill and Dr. Everett Weagle.