Four Generations of Rotary

Four generations of Rotarians, spanning the complete 90-year history of a Rotary Club, is certainly an exceptional and unusual achievement. It stands as a tribute, both to a family, who truly live the motto 'Service above Self', and the organization that inspires them.

 

The Byers family of Saskatoon continued its long association with the Rotary Club of Saskatoon, by recently inducting the fourth generation of that family to become a member of that organization; Scott Byers is following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great grandfather in subscribing to the tenants and principles of Rotary. The Byers family of Saskatoon continued its long association with the Rotary Club of Saskatoon, by recently inducting the fourth generation of that family to become a member of that organization; Scott Byers is following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great grandfather in subscribing to the tenants and principles of Rotary.

 

Scott's great grandfather, W. Ivan Byers, was a founding partner in the family's Saskatoon real estate investment and insurance brokerage business, Butler Byers, when it was formed in 1907, and the company's success grew exponentially with the expansion of the then young city. In the summer of 1917, approaches had been made to several businessmen in Saskatoon, regarding the possibility of forming a Rotary Club.

 

Ivan Byers was attracted to the aims and ideals of Rotary and saw in it, the chance to give back and contribute to the community that had helped create his business success. Accordingly, on August the 17th, 1917, Ivan Byers was inducted as one of the thirty five Charter Members of the newly formed Rotary Club of Saskatoon. During his 57 year tenure with the club, he served in the roles of Secretary (1918-20), President (1922-23) and Treasurer (1932-33). Ivan's son, J. M.

 

Jack Byers, joined the club in 1956, after taking over the family business, and remained a member until his death in 1999. Besides serving on the Rotary Club of Saskatoon's Board of Directors, Jack was also a Paul Harris Fellow, and his musical talents led him to being the organization's resident pianist for many years.

 

The third generation of the Byers family, Jack's son Drew, assumed the role of President of Butler Byers in 1977, and soon followed in the 'family's footsteps' by being inducted into the Saskatoon club in 1981; since joining, Drew also has served as a club director, and, he too, has become a Paul Harris Fellow.

 

Drew's son, Scott Byers, representing the fourth generation, has been part of the Butler Byers business since 1999 and now represents the continuing involvement of the family in the Rotary Club of Saskatoon.