Reno - Albert (Al) Bylund, 72, of Reno, Nevada passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 12, 2021* with family by his side.
Al was a devoted husband and a wonderful father. His wife, Cynthia, preceded him in death in 2016.
He will be missed by his children, as well as grandchildren, two dedicated dogs, and other family members and friends.
A graduate from Reno High, he was a true member of the Reno/Sparks community. Before becoming a family man, Al co-owned a family franchise of Orange Julius restaurants and was also a Marine during Vietnam. He found his true passion in architecture when he returned from his service. There aren't many places around Al's hometown that haven't been touched by his artistic design and talent. After working for many years as a residential designer/architect, his dreams began to grow. Owning his own architectural business was a dream that came to fruition in 1984. For over 36 years, his architectural skills were used not only throughout all of the Reno/Sparks area, but California and Oregon as well. His greatest architectural challenge might possibly have been designing the "right" house for Cynthia. In the end, their dream home stands proudly overlooking the Sierra Nevada Mountains as a reminder of the talent Al possessed. Al never talked about quitting and even right up until a week before his passing, he was still gearing up for several different residential designs in Reno as well as California.
For many years, Al was also passionate about flying. Licensed and certified to fly many different small aircrafts was a hobby and a joy. Even when he could no longer pilot a plane, he still loved the thrill of flying as a passenger.
In his later years, Al proudly displayed his veteran status and military service. With patches sewn diligently on his vest, he proudly displayed his service as he roared down the interstate on one of his several different motorcycles. Al was proud to be a member of the Combat Vets motorcycle club and was always excited for an excuse to jump on his bike and go for a ride. He loved to travel often. During the summer months, he often took the bike for a Sunday cruise around the lake or along the coast of California and Oregon. He even traveled across the country to participate in Rolling Thunder in Washington D.C. on several occasions as well as partaking in many celebrations of motorcycles in Street Vibrations.
Al loved going on adventures with his family. From trips to the California and Oregon coast, to driving cross-country to Michigan, Indiana, Canada, and Washington D.C. Heading over to Boston and Salem during Halloween and traversing the backroads of New York state and down the coast to Ocean City were exciting events in his life. He was a lover of historical sites and was always on the lookout for museums and interesting places to visit. There was hardly an adventure he went on where there wasn't at least one of his family members going with him.
Al will be missed by many around the nation, but remembered always for his sense of humor, his passion, and his love he exhibited to those close to him.
In lieu of flowers, Al has asked for memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Cancer Society.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in the early summer months when it will be possible to gather in larger groups so everyone will be able to celebrate the life and share their memories of this wonderful man.
- Reno Gazette-Journal, 02/17/2021
* Al was born 04/12/1948 in Lassen County, California. His full name was Albert Randolph Bylund.
I went through Elementary, Jr. High, and High School with Al. I knew him to be rather shy, but kind. He was a big hulk of a boy. I remember going to the OJ often and seeing him working behind the counter with his dad. It seems that shy boy blossomed and had a wonderful and fulfilling life. Would that we all could have so many accomplishments. My condolences to his family for their loss. In my mind, Al is as he was when we where in high school.
Bruce Templeton
Albert (Al) Bylund
Reno - Albert (Al) Bylund, 72, of Reno, Nevada passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 12, 2021* with family by his side.
Al was a devoted husband and a wonderful father. His wife, Cynthia, preceded him in death in 2016.
He will be missed by his children, as well as grandchildren, two dedicated dogs, and other family members and friends.
A graduate from Reno High, he was a true member of the Reno/Sparks community. Before becoming a family man, Al co-owned a family franchise of Orange Julius restaurants and was also a Marine during Vietnam. He found his true passion in architecture when he returned from his service. There aren't many places around Al's hometown that haven't been touched by his artistic design and talent. After working for many years as a residential designer/architect, his dreams began to grow. Owning his own architectural business was a dream that came to fruition in 1984. For over 36 years, his architectural skills were used not only throughout all of the Reno/Sparks area, but California and Oregon as well. His greatest architectural challenge might possibly have been designing the "right" house for Cynthia. In the end, their dream home stands proudly overlooking the Sierra Nevada Mountains as a reminder of the talent Al possessed. Al never talked about quitting and even right up until a week before his passing, he was still gearing up for several different residential designs in Reno as well as California.
For many years, Al was also passionate about flying. Licensed and certified to fly many different small aircrafts was a hobby and a joy. Even when he could no longer pilot a plane, he still loved the thrill of flying as a passenger.
In his later years, Al proudly displayed his veteran status and military service. With patches sewn diligently on his vest, he proudly displayed his service as he roared down the interstate on one of his several different motorcycles. Al was proud to be a member of the Combat Vets motorcycle club and was always excited for an excuse to jump on his bike and go for a ride. He loved to travel often. During the summer months, he often took the bike for a Sunday cruise around the lake or along the coast of California and Oregon. He even traveled across the country to participate in Rolling Thunder in Washington D.C. on several occasions as well as partaking in many celebrations of motorcycles in Street Vibrations.
Al loved going on adventures with his family. From trips to the California and Oregon coast, to driving cross-country to Michigan, Indiana, Canada, and Washington D.C. Heading over to Boston and Salem during Halloween and traversing the backroads of New York state and down the coast to Ocean City were exciting events in his life. He was a lover of historical sites and was always on the lookout for museums and interesting places to visit. There was hardly an adventure he went on where there wasn't at least one of his family members going with him.
Al will be missed by many around the nation, but remembered always for his sense of humor, his passion, and his love he exhibited to those close to him.
In lieu of flowers, Al has asked for memorial contributions in his name be made to the American Cancer Society.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in the early summer months when it will be possible to gather in larger groups so everyone will be able to celebrate the life and share their memories of this wonderful man.
- Reno Gazette-Journal, 02/17/2021
* Al was born 04/12/1948 in Lassen County, California. His full name was Albert Randolph Bylund.
Vicki Chessman (Williams)
I went through Elementary, Jr. High, and High School with Al. I knew him to be rather shy, but kind. He was a big hulk of a boy. I remember going to the OJ often and seeing him working behind the counter with his dad. It seems that shy boy blossomed and had a wonderful and fulfilling life. Would that we all could have so many accomplishments. My condolences to his family for their loss. In my mind, Al is as he was when we where in high school.
Vicki Cheesman
Rick Butler
Well said Vickie. My sentiments also. RIP Al.