Byron Duane Schenk Sr.

From setting pins by hand at a bowling alley and kicking golf balls for players in his youth, to riding in the JFK motorcade and working in Titusville alongside astronauts during the era when humankind first reached the moon, Byron lived a life defined by curiosity, adventure, and generosity. He also served as a military police officer in Panama, where he taught swimming—an early sign of his lifelong desire to help and teach others. Chicken farmer? Yep, he tried that as well.

Byron became a father to four children in his twenties and, in his forties, happily expanded his family with two more through a second marriage. Never one to stand still, he later took up sailing and boldly navigated from Sarasota to Corpus Christi with no motor—only a chart, determination, and a deepening love for the water. Boats became his home for many years, even into his seventies, when he could still be seen ferrying himself and his two dogs to and from shore in his dinghy.

In his later years, Byron channeled his passion for antiques and curios into opening a shop that would eventually pop up around town at four locations across Sarasota. No matter the chapter of his life, Byron was always the first to pull over to help a stranger or give away his last dollar to someone in need.

He was a caring, charismatic character who left a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to be in his orbit.

Byron is survived by his six children: Byron Jr., Steven, Michelle, Gail, Merlin, and Heather, as well as his beloved dog, Julio. He was preceded in death by his loyal sidekick of 20 years, Bella, the beautiful Chihuahua.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. at O'Leary's on January 4th.