John Drew Byers

Drew passed away peacefully under the care of the amazing nurses, doctors and therapists of Internal Medicine and ICU at RUH. He passed gently surrounded by his loving family in the evening of February 23, 2025, at the age of 76. With some recent health struggles his battle with pneumonia was too much to overcome.

Drew is survived by his loving wife Karen, his children Scott (Heidi), Kerri (Curtis), Brett (Lindsay) and Amanda (Brennen). He also loved all his grandchildren and made each of them feel like his favourite. Brodie (Amy), Brayden (Emma), Ashton, Bronwyn, Finn, Declan Maddox, Maisie, Ferghus, Lucy, Malia, Owen and Makenzie as well as his great grandson Brynn. He is also survived by his loving sister Joan Sachse (Jim) and countless extended family and friends.

Born in Saskatoon to his parents Jack and Alice Byers on September 26, 1948, he went on to attend Buena Vista School and then Walter Murray Collegiate. He began his career in the family business at Butler Byers Insurance Ltd. straight after graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1972. Drew took over leadership and principal ownership of the company in 1977. His career spanned over 53 years and his legacy and impact on the firm, staff, clients and community will continue to live on.

Throughout his life Drew has been involved in leadership roles in many organizations, generously supporting his community. In no particular order, he served as President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan in 1978/1979. He was a founding member of the Prairie Hope Ministries group in the early 2000's, which was instrumental in bringing a faith-based rehabilitation centre to Saskatchewan for youth overcoming drug addiction. They later joined with Teen Challenge, and Drew was an active member on their national board to the present day. Drew has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Saskatoon for most of his adult life. He has been actively involved in Leader Impact as a group member for many years to the present day. Drew is one of the founding members of CAFÉ (Canadian Association of Family Enterprise) Saskatoon Chapter, which is now the Family Business Association of Saskatoon, a partner with the Chamber of Commerce. He enthusiastically met with his PAG (Personal Advisory Group) to the present day; A group that has formed a very close bond over many years.

Drew was a prominent figure in the Saskatoon Business Community both in business and a supporter of charitable and non-profit organizations. He had great passion for helping those in need, which he displayed with financial support but more importantly with his time and sharing his wisdom with those around him. Drew lived with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy and did so with a dignity and grace that was evident in his kind and gentle nature. Rarely issuing a single complaint about the physical challenges he faced daily that most of us take for granted. It did not stop him from pursuing his passions. One of his greatest joys later in his career was mentoring younger staff. He would find great satisfaction in seeing younger people succeed and doing their work the right way, with integrity, empathy and professional excellence. All of this was driven by his quiet but strong faith in God and Jesus as his personal saviour. Never one to lecture or preach, rather he led by positive example, encouragement and kindness.

Drew particularly enjoyed two places on earth in addition to their acreage north of Saskatoon. He grew up in Saskatoon but spent his summers up at Waskesiu at their family cabin. He imparted a love of the outdoors and being out on the lake in all of his family as well. Many special memories were made during countless family trips to the lake, as well as many close family friendships established that now span several generations. His other home away from home was Kauai, HI. He and Karen cherished spending time in Hawaii every year, away from the cold winters in Saskatoon. Given his physical disability, he was able to enjoy time outdoors in the sunshine that he otherwise would not have. The most important part of being in Kauai was creating memories with his children and their families during visits, which allowed priceless time together with his 13 grandchildren, with whom they shared mutual adoration. Drew was very passionate about sports, encouraging his children and grandchildren to be active in any sport they chose. He was a big Toronto Blue Jays fan and cherished attending numerous games in Toronto with his family. Of course the highlight at the games were the ball park hot dogs!

One of his most enduring qualities was his sense of humour. His family and many friends were able to enjoy some great laughs with Drew. He would often have laughing attacks that would last many minutes, often bringing those around him into uncontrollable laughter as well. It wasn't uncommon for him to have to leave the microphone for a few minutes to collect himself from laughing whilst trying to deliver a speech. It was this ability to not take himself too seriously that enabled him to lead a happy life and to be eternally grateful for his many blessings. His family, including children, grandchildren and one great grand child were all so blessed to have a truly special person in their 'Papa'. Drew will be deeply missed by countless people who were fortunate to meet and know him.

Lastly and above all he loved his wife Karen so deeply. He was happy to share this information with any and everyone he met. It was obvious by the way he looked at her and spoke of her. He was fulfilled knowing that she was happy and enjoyed just being together.

A Celebration of Life and reception will take place on Sunday May 25, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Western Development Museum. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Drew to either Teen Challenge Saskatchewan, or Muscular Dystrophy Canada. To share condolences and stories with the family and others please visit www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.