Leonard Alex Bylo

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leonard A. Bylo on June 20, 2026. Len was predeceased by his wife Judith and his sister Olga. He is survived by his sons Marcus and Travis (Corrie), his grandchildren Emma and Dylan, his brother Ron (Cathy), and his sister Irene. He was born on September 30, 1942, in West Kildonan, Manitoba, to Roman and Mary Bylo.

His proud service with the RCMP took him to British Columbia where he met his wife of 56 years, Judith Gobert. They were married August 24, 1968, and together they raised two sons while spending their life as a family travelling through various homes and towns across British Columbia. Later, his work with the Bank of Montreal continued that journey to Winnipeg and across Western Canada, eventually bringing him back to Kamloops and Barriere.

Len had a natural talent for working with his hands, and was meticulous with detail — woodworking, tying flies, tinkering around the house, or helping with whatever creative project Jud dreamed up. He had a love for all animals; however, his love for horses, shaped during his early RCMP years, stayed with him throughout his life.

He was “strong like bull” and fiercely competitive, whether he was playing cards, crib, dice, or watching his favourite sports team. He enjoyed the days of going to Seahawks games with the boys and loved talking about the game in detail. He loved all sports, and in his younger years, played hockey and baseball with a competitive spark that never faded.

In later years, he poured that same energy into cheering on the next generation — especially his grandchildren, no matter what sport or activity they were involved in. He’d love to cheer rink side and passionately celebrated “Boydzee’s” winning goal in the Kamloops hockey finals. Some might say he got a bit too enthusiastic at times, with a word or two directed at the officials, or a thud on the back while celebrating when you were least expecting it.

Len enjoyed the Old West era, including books, stories, paintings, antiques – a real cowboy at heart. He loved the outdoors: fishing, camping, panning for gold (always hoping the big strike was just around the corner), and exploring backroads in search of the next perfect lake. He enjoyed the little things and often had contemplative moments sitting quietly on his deck in the morning sun.

Len had a quiet strength, famous for his hugs and steel-like handshake. He was a man of true integrity, and his word was his bond. If he said he would do something, he followed through. He had a light humour, and he genuinely enjoyed spending his time with others and would give you the shirt off his back. While visiting, he wanted to make you feel at home, always offering food or a drink, or just quietly sitting back listening to the conversations around him.

In recent years, he found a second family through the North Thompson Fish & Game Club in Barriere. His involvement there brought out the best in him. He cherished the camaraderie, the friendships, and the sense of purpose the club gave him, and he was always generous with his time and effort to promote the club.

It’s hard to capture the full impact of his life in a few paragraphs. Len had quiet wisdom, the kind that didn’t need many words — sometimes just a nod that said everything.

We like to imagine him now on a calm, glassy lake, the fish biting, the beer cold, and his love by his side – exactly where he’d want to be.

Should friends/family desire, donations can be made to the North Thompson Fish & Game Club.