2025 Habitat Canada Exceptional Volunteer Service Award Recipient
If you know Byron, you love Byron. It’s that simple.
“Look up the meaning of ‘salt of the earth’ if you want to perfectly describe Byron,” says Rob Furneaux, Project Supervisor. “Honest, hardworking, humble… and thrifty. He’s not one to waste time, words, or materials. Always ready with a chuckle, he’s a great person to be around.”
Byron first joined Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta in 1999, when he read in the newspaper they were building in his neighbourhood. What started as a single experience has turned into something much bigger. After retiring about 15 years ago, he started volunteering more regularly and has been a steady presence ever since.
In 2025 alone, Byron showed up 129 times. That added up to 964 volunteer hours and support across 45 build days and events, including Industry Build and Women Build.
He’s contributed in just about every way you can imagine. From working in the ReStore to helping build playhouses for holiday raffles, helping with repair and renovation work on existing homes, and even joining three international builds. Despite starting with no construction experience, Byron has done just about everything on site. Framing just happens to be his favourite.
Behind the scenes is where Byron really stands out. His contributions don’t stop when the day wraps up. He’s often taking tools home that need a bit of care and bringing them back ready for the next crew.
“Byron has saved at least ten thousand pounds of garbage from our bins and fixed probably a million dollars in tools,” jokes Dustin Burgess, Site Supervisor, “But seriously, he takes home tools, fixes anything in disrepair, and is always a great part of the Crew Leader volunteer team.”
“Habitat is better because of Byron,” Trish Braaten, Site Supervisor adds, “I enjoy when he exclaims ‘Jeepers!’ He is very near and dear to all who get to know him. He dedicates a huge amount of time to Habitat and takes care of a lot of things in the background. Our sites run more smoothly because of his initiative and steady care.”
In his quiet way, Byron doesn’t make a big deal of the difference he makes. He just keeps showing up, year after year, doing what needs to be done to build foundations for brighter futures.
Soaking up the sun while volunteering as a Hole-in-One-Spotter at a Habitat golf fundraiser.
Byron leads and builds alongside future homeowners completing their volunteer hours.
Byron and Trish showing off their matching Women Build event t-shirts on site in Calgary.
Byron trains and mentors other volunteers on how to complete tasks safely and confidently.
Byron (front, second from right) is part of a team of dedicated Crew Leaders.
Byron has been on three Habitat for Humanity International builds.
