On the crisp, moonlit, star-spangled early morning of September 22, 2021, we lost our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and best friend.
Byron Roberts passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family at 81 years old after an 11-month battle with AML leukemia. He was born on June 1, 1940, in Miles City, Montana, and was the second child and first son of Byron & Irene Roberts.
Byron possessed an unquenchable love for life. He embraced each day as a new opportunity to dream, to create, to achieve. His remarkable mind and deft hands produced beautifully-crafted, marvelous things that brought great joy to so many.
Byron had the unique ability to see the deep beauty in rusty, dusty, tattered objects. He called it “patina”. An old Edison record player, the rusted remains of an antique car, a run-down Victorian house, it didn’t matter, his hands and mind would bring it back to life in delightful detail. Who else but Byron would put a little fake mouse hole complete with a little fake stuffed mouse in the baseboard of every house he restored? The dream that kept Bryon fighting this past year was the hope of completing the restoration of his 1928 Chevrolet Landau Coupe and hearing the engine rumble to life. Family will complete that project.
He was blessed to travel the world with his family and friends. He had the opportunity to sail to the Bahamas, tour through Europe, explore Egypt, enjoy Hawaii and even spend time in Asia visiting Japan and Taiwan. Byron loved his overseas travels but truly found that hiking Montana trails and fishing Montana rivers were his favorite adventures, and his best place to relax, to reflect, to dream. His banjo was usually in tow as he shared his joyful voice and love of music with anyone who was ready to sing along.
Byron went to Saint Helena grade school and graduated from Cathedral High School in Helena. He attended college at Carroll College for 2 years and was drafted into the Army at the age of 22. After 2 years of service, he continued his education at the College of Great Falls and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
He married the love of his life, Carla Kay Comes, on September 11, 1965 in Lewistown Montana.
Byron worked for the State of Montana in the Department of Economic Development, Transportation, and Commerce for 20 years, then started his own home construction business, B Roberts Homes, where he built and remodeled homes in Helena for years. Byron then worked for the Small Business Administration (SBA) and ended his business career in his dream job as the Executive Director for the Montana Building Industry Association (MBIA)
Byron was a member of the National Homebuilders Association as well as the local Helena and Great Falls Associations. He was a lifelong member and supporter of the Cathedral of St Helena.
Byron is survived by his wife Carla, his 4 Children, their spouses and families, Leslie and Eric Sacco (Connor), Lynn and Craig Journey (Sarah and Addison), Jill Roberts and Mike Cloeren and Steve and Kim Roberts (Alice and Eloise). His 6 brothers and sisters and their spouses, Mary Ann (Joe) Baumgardner, Dean (Helen) Roberts, Kathleen (Bob) Meyer, Bill (Peggy) Roberts, Dave (Joyce) Roberts and Colleen (Mike) Casey and the many nieces and nephews that he loved so much.
Byron is preceded in death by his parents Byron and Irene Roberts & his little sister Jean Marie.
Vigil Services for Byron will be held Monday, October 4th at 6:00 pm at Anderson Stevenson & Wilke Funeral Home at 3750 N Montana Ave in Helena. His funeral mass will be held on Tuesday October 5th at noon at the Cathedral of St. Helena. All are welcome to a luncheon reception that will follow at the Brondel Center of the Cathedral.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Byron’s memory to 3 charities: Prickly Pear Land Trust (Pricklypearlt.org), Growing Friends of Helena (growingfriends.org), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.org) and please donate blood to your local blood bank which made the last year of his life possible.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday October 4, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday October 4, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the service
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Brondel Center of the Cathedral
530 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Allen Stenhjem Family says
R I P MY FREIND BYRON GOD BLESS………
Ed McKnight says
I first met Byron when they moved to Helena in 1955. We were both freshmen in high school; me, Helena High School, he, Cathedral High.
His father, also a Byron, was an Amateur Radio Operator (W7CBY) and a phone company engineer, who spent some time with me, satisfying my interest in that hobby by explaining the different aspects of it. As a result, it has been, not only a life-long hobby (W7LW), but was in great part responsible for me becoming a U.S. Navy Radioman.
Circumstances were such that Byron and I didn’t have a life-long friend-ship, but we would cross paths on occasion with a hearty and healthy recognition. He was a good person, with wonderful parents, each of them making a positive difference in the world we live in; he will be missed. The world needs more people like Byron and his parents.
Ed McKnight
Kuna, Idaho
Michael Glueckert says
I did not know Byron very well but whenever I met him in all walks he was very supportive and kind . Simply put a great man. RIPByron! Prayers and condolences with all the family.
Dave & Connie Cole says
Connie and I were very saddened to learn of Byron’s passing. I worked with Byron at the former Department of Planning and Economic Development (now Commerce) in the Planning Division. Byron took a novice community planner under his wing when I started in 1972. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. Byron was enthusiastic about the job and always positive with a “can do” attitude. Later when he became director of Montana’s economic development program he maintained that same positive approach despite the challenges of supporting business growth and job creation. in the midst of a tough economy. He was a very special man who will be missed. Our condolences to Carla and the rest of Byron’s lovely family.. As a former 19 year member of the board of Prickly Pear Land Trust Connie appreciated your invitation to donate to that organization in Byron’s memory. That seems in keeping with Byron’s long time efforts to make Helena a better and more attractive place to live.
Dave and Connie Cole
Carolyn Overman says
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Byron. I had the pleasure of working with him at the Montana Building Industry Assoc. for many years. My condolences to Carla and family. Will always remember the piano bar in Nashville, Tenn.
Carolyn Overman
Erwin says
We loved Byron. Our favorite trip to Turkey would not have been the ‘favorite’ if Byron had not been there. We will have Byron with us still as we sit in our library among the book shelves that Byron built with the assistance of Bill and Jim. And then there will continue to be the chuckles that come from those who see the “School Master” that Byron created to go with the School Marm” at Big Sky. One of the blessings that Byron gave us was the sharing of his family at Apres-skiing events when they all gathered for the Christmas Holidays. He leaves the world a better place with his love, creativity and sharing!
Donna and Bill
Saundra Lowry says
Dear Carla and family,
I was so sorry to learn of Byron’s death. I was fortunate enough to have met you both through my work at Rocky Mountain Development Council. I will hold you close to my heart Carla in the days and weeks to come. May your memories sustain you during this sorrowful time.
Much Love,
Saundra Lowry
Jerry Tavegia says
Byron was my first Bureau Chief at the Montana Department of Community Affairs {later the Department of Commerce). He always listened to my concerns, and was a guiding force in my career development. He was “One of the Good Guys”!
Jo Anne Wetzel Sipes says
I first met Byron in 1966 while living in Great Falls. I don’t believe I have met a more genuine, talented and giving person. Byron was a terrific husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. The world was a better place with Byron in it. He will be greatly missed.
Blessings to you Carla, my dear friend, and your wonderful family.
Charla Kempa says
Carla I’m so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband. I remember the times we would gather at your house and drink champagne and he was always so welcoming. Love to you.
David DeWolf says
Prayers to the family. So sorry for your loss.
Rena Carlson says
Carla and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed every minute I worked with him! Sending hugs and comfort your way.
Mary Kay & George Bennett says
Dear Carla and family:
In the silence of my heart, I pray a thousand prayers for you and the entire family.
All of Helena mourned the day that Byron left all of us to meet those who are waiting for him on the other side.
Mary Kay & George 🧡✨
Father Jerry Burr says
Sincere condolences to Carla and family and all the Roberts family. I have been bringing Byron to the altar every day for a couple of months now. Accept my sympathy and continued remembrance for this great friend and classmate. Fr. Jerry Burr
Ann Nickel says
Dave, Joyce, and family,
My sincere condolences to all of you with the loss of your brother and mother.
Sending prayers your way.
Roxianne Verworn says
I have many very fond memories of Byron from our years at Commerce and the state. A truly generous, kind man who will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. God Bless!