Byron Barnes, 1965—2013

Byron Barnes, photo by Rex Holbein
Byron Barnes
Photo by Rex Hohlbein
Homeless in Seattle

Byron Edwin Barnes was born February 4, 1965, and passed away on January 20, 2013 at age 47.  Byron is survived by his beloved son Ben, a twin brother named Myron, and many brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces, aunties and uncles.

Byron was Tlingit and an Alaska native. He was very proud and appreciative of his First Nations culture. He was known as the “Keeper of the Information” because he knew who was related to whom within the First Nations community.

Friends recall Byron as a nice, respectful man with a big heart who loved to read. He loved his friends and was loved by his friends.  His generosity and humor left an indelible mark on those who knew him.  A friend said of Byron, “That man would give you the shirt off his back, and the last dollar in his pocket for his friends… He made me laugh all the time. He was so goofy.”  Byron often greeted friends with a big hug and a “how’s it going?” always taking the time to see how things were.

Byron’s Leaf is placed by Ballard Commons Park, beside the Leaf of his friend Don Farquharson.  If you have photos or memories of Byron, please leave a comment.


Featured Leaf January 2014

2 Comments

  • jerri stoddard

    me and my husband kenny stoddard met bryon at one of the dinners around thanksgiving time when we were homeless in ballard.he took us under his wing and told us where dinner was.he also made sure we got brand new sleeping bags to keep warm and where to go to get clothes.i truely miss your smile and hugs,i remember the last thing you said to me after you ate a cupcake it had a ring on top and he gave it to me as a friendship ring.i sure do miss his smile and his hugs.

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