1926 - 2015
No Vistitation Date Scheduled
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Kenneth Colby Byam, 88, of N. Chelmsford died Saturday March 14 , 2015 at Lowell General Hospital after a short illness. He was the husband of the late Edna (Martin) Byam, his soul mate, love of his life, and wife of 60 years, who died January 30 , 2008.
Born in Lowell, MA Nov. 1, 1926, Ken was the 10th Generation grandson of George Byam one of the five founding fathers of Chelmsford in 1635. He spent his young life farming his family’s land in South Chelmsford, raised on Baptist (Heart) Pond where his passion for nature’s bounty was so deeply rooted. He loved his community and his family, and his heritage preserved in the South Village historical district and at the Byam/Barrett Homestead on Byam Road open for public viewing by the Chelmsford Historical Society. Ken was a son of the late Kenneth and Ella Byam. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1945. Ken served proudly in the US Marine Corps during World War II with the 6th Marine Division “Striking Six” 29th Marines in Guam and the Philippine Islands, and was present at the Japanese surrender at Tsing Tao, China ending the war.
Ken worked as a Lineman for New England Telephone Co. for 35 years before retiring in 1990. He was a member of the South Chelmsford First Baptist Church. He was a 32nd degree Mason, William North Lodge of Lowell, also a member of the American Legion A.W. Vinal Post 313 in N. Chelmsford, Lifetime member of the Chelmsford Elks and IBEW Local of Lowell. Ken enjoyed walking, reading, vegetable gardening and Civil War history.
He is survived by a son and daughter in-law, Rev. Donald and Jane Byam of Englewood, FL; two daughters and a son in-law, Joyce Byam of Manchester, CT, Marilyn and Stephen Quinn of Lunenburg, MA; a daughter in-law Susan Byam of Weeki Wachee, FL; a sister, Jean Jelley of NH; seven grandchildren, Colby Ann, Jon, Cory, Jessica, Meredith, Mark and Austin; five great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Wayne Byam who died April 1 , 2007 of Weeki Wachee, FL; a grandson, Zachary Quinn who died July 22 , 2012 of Lunenburg; a brother, John Byam of Wilmington, DE; two sisters, Beth Yates and Janet Shiraldi both of Lowell, MA. Ken was a delight to be with as evident by the many friends who cared for him, especially those friends and staff at Princeton Station.
He will be remembered always as a grateful man, a spiritual man and a Patriot, a gentle man who loved life in its entirety. He leaves behind a legend for sharing much long-forgotten history and Chelmsford folk lore, and for growing the largest best tasting tomatoes on earth. Ken will be dearly missed by many.
Visiting hours Wed . 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Funeral Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 Middlesex St., Chelmsford, MA. Burial at Heart Pond Cemetery, Chelmsford. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.
Gregory Milner
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He was a very kind person i will miss him. From First Baptist Church
Gregory Milner Sr. Sandy Milner, Gregory Milner Jr, Elizabeth Milner
chuck balch
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Mr. B , as I knew him for most of my life, a good man who always had a smile and a handshake, I know that he and Mrs. B are reunited and smiling at all of us
Cindy Balch
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A good man, neighbor and friend, he will be missed by many. We are better for having known him. My deepest sympathies to his family.
CHARLES & SANDRA GALLOWAY
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SANDR& I ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF KENS PASSING. WE HAD MANY GREAT TIMES WITH KEN AND EDNA. TO DONNY, JOICE AND MARILYN, OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY. I HOPE THEY ARE TOGETHER AGAIN AND LOOKING AFTER YOU ALL. I ALSO LIVE IN ENGLEWOOD FL.
Patricia R. Bedard
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Cousin Buddy was a great man. I’ve known him all my life. He always laughed and enjoyed life. He loved his family and friends. He will be missed by many. Rest now Buddy and celebrate reuniting with your loved one’s until we meet again.
Doreen DePalma Burns
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My deepest sympathies to the Byam family. I lived around the corner from the Byam Family my entire childhood on Richardson Road. My sister Lisa and I delivered newspapers to them for many many years. We could never call him Kenny, he will always be Mr. Byam to us. He was a wonderful man and a treasure to talk to him about Chelmsford history.
~ Rest in Peace Mr. Byam ~
Joy Gallagher
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So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing; He was truly an Edgelawn Ave icon. I always remember the telephone truck parked on the street and then later the school busses. He will be missed. Joy Gallagher
Rick & Ruthann Ahern
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Sorry to hear of your dads passing . He will be missed by all . We have been so lucky to have known him even for such a short period . He was our hero and we learned so much from him . I will miss sitting and having a beer with him at home also at princeton as well as American legion . He loved looking over the lake there and telling me I missed the mermaids jumping when my back was turned. My deepest sympathy to your whole family ! Semper Fi my friend . Rick & Ruthann Ahern
Jim Balch
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Don and family – Always liked your Dad – a really genuine guy and fun to talk with. He will be missed. Sorry for your loss.
Steve Sousa
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My sincere condolences to the entire Byam family I am saddened to hear of Kenny’s passing. Had the great pleasure to work with him at the N.E.Telephone co. In Tewksbury many years ago in the late 70’s. He stayed the same gentleman over all the years I knew him. A deep loss to all who knew him.
Steve Sousa
Karen (Ledbetter) Tango
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Marilyn, Joyce and Donny,
I was very sad to hear about your dad’s
passing. I have very fond memories of your Mom and Dad growing up on Edgelawn Ave.
May you keep all your cherished memories of him and your Mom in your hearts. My deepest sympathy.
Barbara and Mike
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Marilyn and the Byam family, please accept our condolences on the passing of your dad. We’ve only known Ken for about 10 years but will certainly miss seeing him in his corner seat at the Station. I loved talking to him about the “old days in Chelmsford” he had so much information. Mike is an old telelphone guy and they were always talking about the “old new england days. May he rest in peace.
Barbara and Mike
John LeBlanc
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Ursula and I are so sorry for Ken passing He was a true gentleman and veteran. We will miss our frequent chats and his pleasant mannerism We
always enjoyed meeting with him’
Ursula and I extend our sincere condolences to the family