John R. Byfield passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at Skagit Valley Hospital surrounded by family.

John was born September 8, 1934 in Boise, Idaho to Fay and Gertrude Byfield. He was raised in Grandview, Idaho until moving to Sunburst, Montana at the age of 12 where his family ran the Sunburst Hotel until 1958.

John met his wife of 55 years, Margaret Krause (lovingly known as Mugs) in 1955, they married that same year and stayed in Sunburst where John started his 39 ½ yr career with Texaco Refinery, transferring to Anacortes Refinery in 1958. While employed at Texaco he took first place in the National Safety Jamboree for forklift driving held in Las Vegas.

They resided in Mount Vernon, WA where they raised their four children, Jerry, James, Kristi and Karen.

Throughout John's life he enjoyed pitching horseshoes as a member of the Skagit County Horseshoes Club and made many lifelong friends. He also enjoyed life on the Sound as captain of the "Gert" and the "George Spencer", both log patrol boats.

John enjoyed telling a good joke, playing cards and showing off his magic tricks to family and friends. When meeting Big Bad John for the first time you were always greeted with "Glad for you to meet me."

Preceded in death by his parents, Fay and Gertrude Byfield and his brother, Robert Byfield.

Survived by his wife, Margaret; sons, Jerry (Noelle) Byfield, James (Cindy) Byfield; daughters, Kristi Kyzar (companion Doug Adkins), Karen (Clint) West; and 12 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 19, 2010 at the Allen United Methodist Church on Allen West Road in Bow, WA at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Skagit County Horseshoe Club or McLean Road Fire Dept.