Obituary of Ernie Byl

February 19, 1953 – Toronto, Ontario

October 9, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ernest ‘Ernie’ Byl. He passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Calgary, AB.

Ernie was born in Toronto, ON, on February 19, 1953, to Leendert ‘Len’ & Maria ‘Mayke’ Byl (nee Lemmens) who emigrated from the Netherlands with his big sister Yessy, they went on to have four more kids in a very short time. Len’s flying career took the family all over Canada, from Toronto, ON, to Ottawa, ON, to Labrador to Gander, NL, to Prince Albert, SK, and then finally to St Albert, AB. Throughout the many moves across Canada, the extended Byl family stayed united and close-knit. In his younger years, Ernie was a lifeguard, decorated Queen Scout, and played football. He started to follow in his dad’s and uncle’s footsteps by pursuing his passion for flying.

In Grade 12, Ernie met the love of his life Janet at the St Albert, AB, outdoor pool in 1970. Before marrying Janet on July 6, 1973, he backpacked through Europe in 1972 with his four best friends. Ernie and Janet went on to have three beautiful daughters, Tara (b. 1976), Chrystal (b. 1978), and Nicole (b. 1981). Through the years, Ernie and his family enjoyed spending time at the airport, camping, and with family.

Ernie started his pilot career bush flying in Northern Canada, followed by water bombing in La Ronge, SK, and then Prince Albert, SK. His first commercial pilot job was at Time Air in 1989, which then turned into Canadian Regional Airlines. Ernie got his dream job in Calgary, AB, at WestJet in 1996 where he flew for the next 26 years as captain. Eventually, Ernie and Janet built their home on an acreage in 2001 north of Cochrane, AB, where in more recent years Ernie enjoyed spending countless hours on the tractor helping out on Tara and Stuart’s farm across the street. Throughout the years, Ernie continued his hobbies of woodworking and purchasing cars.

Ernie and Janet have hosted their daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and extended family more times than they can count. Their home has truly become the hub of the entire extended Byl clan. Ernie and Janet valued keeping their family unit incredibly close and connected.

Ernie is survived by his loving wife Janet Byl (nee Kelly), his daughters Tara (Stuart), Chrystal (Brad), Nicole (David) and his nine grandchildren, William, Thea, Maria, Graham, Rose, Cole, Morgan, Allistair, and Leland. He is also survived by his mother Maria ‘Mayke’, his siblings Yessy, Peter, Yvonne (Don), Mike (Winn), Ruby (Dennis), and his many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ernie passed away peacefully after a long struggle with cancer. He was under the best of care as he went through his health journey. He was surrounded by his loving family right to the end. Ernie was a loving husband, compassionate father, patient Opa, fun-loving brother, and a respected pilot. Ernie will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and those close to him.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Mary’s Catholic Church (10 River Heights Dr, Cochrane, AB), on October 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222. www.albertacancer.ca/memorial.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ernie’s family here.

In living memory of Ernie Byl, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.