Obituary of Anton E. Bye

Anton E. (Tony) Bye "Life is a series of comings and goings; with everything we take there is always something left behind." It is with sorrow and deep sadness to say that on November 24, 2009 we lost Tony, a husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, great-great grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. Dad was born on the Fourth of July 1917 in Devils Lake, North Dakota. He was the oldest son of Ida M. Berg and Edwin Bye. Brother to Eugene I. Bye and Dorothy M. Bye both deceased. He leaves behind to mourn his loss wife, Norma Ann Bye of 68 years. Children Terrill E.Bye(Jane), Merrilee A. Whyde(Bill), Dianne L. Bye(Dan), Anton Timothy Bye(Ursula), Laurence T. Bye(Lona), Mary Jo Bye(William) and Jonathon D. Bye along with 14 grandchildren Jaimie(Eric), Todd, Brent(Lisa), Brian(Andrea), Matt, Mark(Carrie),Kristine(Eddie), Ellen(John),Natasha, Jessica(Richard), Cory,Carole,Tyler and Kaz, 20 great grandchildren Zack, Shane, Taryn, Sammy, Nicholas, Alexa, Kaitland, Brooke, Wyatt, Daniel, Brandon, Haley, Joshua, Taylor, Ryan, Alex, Carly, Kurtis, Trevor, and Tyler and 1 great- great grandchild Anthony, nieces, nephews and special cousin Gida Berg. Dad's early childhood was spent in Doyan, North Dakota. He graduated from Moorehead High School class of 1934 and is a graduate of the School of Forestry (University of North Dakota).He and mom were married in Bottineau, North Dakota in 1941. Because of a bad case of strep throat and the need to get into the war effort, they moved along with their young son Terry to Tacoma in 1943. Dad got a job at Todd's Shipyards building aircraft carriers, and played for the USO on Fridays and Saturday Nights. At the end of WWII up until his retirement he was employed by various development companies as an architectural draftsman leaving his mark on many large developments throughout Pierce County. Until recently, he continued drawing " working plans" for private contractors and and remodel jobs for friends and relatives. Besides family, his greatest joy was in his music. Starting in the 1930's traveling with a band the sound of his sax was heard throughout the Midwest, crossing paths with the likes of Lawrence Welk, Glen Miller, The Dorsey Brothers and many others. Here in the Tacoma area Dad played his sax for many bands including The Bob Dickinson Orchestra ,The Johnny Lewis Band, The American Legion, The Shriners, The Elks band and probably quite a few others that I can't think of. He spent many a volunteer hour playing and entertaining at many rest homes and retirement homes in the area, and yearly for the Steilacoom Historical Education Foundation (SHEF) auctions. Baseball was another joy. He loved Cheney Stadium and the Tacoma teams that played there. He hand-scored every game and kept those programs ranging from the Tacoma Tugs, Cubs, Giants, Pilots, Yankees, A's and now Rainier's. He celebrated his 90th birthday at Cheney Stadium surrounded by family. On a personal note: to me he was not only my Dad, he was the guy I went to whenever I needed any kind of help. He was my best friend and always there for me. Starting with my childhood asthma and being the guy who showed up with a tow chain whenever I was stuck. From helping me stoke my fires, to redesigning my home (numerous times). I'll always remember the weekend rides and the milk shakes and westerns on Sunday nights. Bicycles and train sets at Christmas. Thanks Dad for a lifetime of memories that will never be forgotten. I love you Dad and miss you everyday - Timmy Remembrances can be made to the Tacoma Elks Band, or charity of your choice. No Services are planned at this time. -