Byron E. Kistler: Oct. 30, 1933 – Dec. 5, 2016

Byron Everett Kistler, 83, passed peacefully on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, in Anacortes in the loving arms of his wife Bernice. Byron was born in the town of Reynolds, Ill., on Oct. 30, 1933, the second son of Boyd and Viola (Wallin) Kistler.

He graduated from St. Ambrose High School in Davenport, Iowa, and soon thereafter joined an apprentice program to become a mason. He continued that as his lifelong trade and relocated with his wife, Edith and two sons, Craig and Todd Kistler, to Washington state in 1968 – working first for DeYoung Masonry in Oak Harbor and then at Bremerton Naval Shipyard – retiring in 1996.

He received his private pilot’s license in June 1968 and enjoyed his Cessna 172. His love for family and for flying were a perfect complement to his life. Byron met Bernice Olson in 1974 and they were married in 1975.

He and his wife Bernice took to the sky often to visit their six children as they migrated across the country.

Byron was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Edith and his brother Dwight Kistler (Kay).

Byron is survived by his wife of 42 years, Bernice Kistler; six children, sons Craig (Joni), Todd, Rob (Lorie) and Ron (Linda) Sigurdson, and daughters Kathy Smith and Karol (Russ Baker); 13 grandchildren, Melinda, Julie, Bryan (Paula), Aryn (Randy), David (Molly), Michael (Robin), Jennifer, Kayla (Benjamin), Jesse, Shannon (Jeff), Ronnie, Ryan (Cara) and Lisa; and 10 great grandchildren, Aiden, Milo, Amelia, Grant, Sylvia, Rae Allen, Nora, Emily, Casey and Clark.

Byron also thoroughly enjoyed numerous nephews, nieces and several cousins.

Byron is also survived by his sister-in-law Kay Kistler and two nieces, Mary Jan (Mike) and grand-nephew Saul (Sara) and Kandy (Dave) and grand-nieces Elizabeth (Chris), Rachel and Lauren. Byron’s favorite cousin is Nancy Schmidt (Marlin) and her two daughters, Becky Jo and Jodi (Russ).

Some of his oldest and best friends are Roger and Joy Reimers of Iowa. Roger and Byron went through the mason’s apprenticeship program together and were born just days apart. Byron also had many fond memories of Roger and Kathy Sathers from Minnesota.

His graciousness and sweetness was felt by anyone who spent time with him. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

A service date has not yet been determined. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel &Crematory, Inc., Anacortes and the San Juan Islands. To share a memory of Byron, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com