BOMBER MEMORIAL

KEVIN RANDOLPH BYERS ~ Class of 2000
January 6, 1982 - April 8, 2013





Kevin was born January 6, 1982 at Kadlec Hospital and died at home in Pullman on April 8, 2013. He lived in the Tri-City area until moving to Pullman seven months ago.

He came into the world putting smiles on people's faces with how he got his middle name. He came out with such a red nose that his mother, Karen, wanted to name him Rudolph after the famous reindeer but in what Kevin described as the best thing his father ever did for him, they decided to give him the middle name of Randolph as a compromise. Looking back Rudolph may have been better because Kevin's light shone so bright and lit the way for so many people.

Even early on in Kevin's childhood he was always an active person, he was a dedicated boy scout, athlete, student and outdoorsman. He excelled in everything he attempted, whether playing baseball, soccer, basketball, roller hockey, as well as outdoors activities such as camping, fishing and hiking. He always found a way to do the things he wanted to do, even if their mother had specifically told he and his brother Kris not to go down to the river alone to fish and swim, somehow he always found a way to get that time at the river. And he loved telling the stories of the adventures he and Kris had to friends and family.

As Kevin entered high school his athleticism broadened and he had a passion for wrestling and football. He was such a respected and accomplished student and wrestler that even today people remember him for his wrestling talent that he perfected by practicing on his younger brother at home. He graduated from Richland High school in 2000, graduated from CBC, and was attending WSU.

Kevin was everyone's first call when they needed help. He was always ready to load up in his truck with Kris and head out to wherever someone needed his help. This wonderful trait didn't end but grew stronger as he grew older and he was still everyone's first call for help. After he was married, this trait got him into trouble at times when inevitably someone would call for help as he was headed home and he would turn right around and head over to solve any problem.

SSG Byers was extremely proud to serve his country in the Oregon Army National Guard where he served 8 years as a medic. He achieved rapid promotions, graduated from Air Assault School, and was highly involved in his Unit's medic platoon. Kevin's awards and commendations during his time in the National Guard included a Bronze Star Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Air Assault Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Oregon Superior Soldier Award, Oregon Faithful Service Award, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He took his role as mentor very seriously and was always available for his men and their families and always encouraged them to apply themselves to their fullest potential even outside of military duties. He was genuinely proud when his fellow service men would succeed and had them in his thoughts constantly. From September 2010 to September 2011 he served his country in Iraq as a Convoy Commander and was respected and trusted by his entire battalion. From the stories told, even in the extreme conditions of Iraq he was quick to make people laugh or share a story about fishing and extend an offer to go fishing on his boat when they returned home.

Kevin was very proud of his family. His wife Britny was the love of his life and from the moment they met both would say they knew it was meant to be forever. Kevin and Britny met while working at Swift Rehabilitation and quickly became close. Kevin opened Britny's world to the outdoors, taking her (sometimes grumbling) on hikes that he picked especially for a beautiful view or taking her duck hunting and fishing with him. When asked about hiking with Britny he once said "I'd rather have her there whining than have her not be there at all." Kevin and Britny had two handsome boys together, Chase and Zachary, who look so much like their daddy. He was so in love with his boys from the moment he saw them and told everyone he met funny stories of things his boys said or did. When he was in Iraq he shared the pictures Britny sent of Chase with all his fellow soldiers and couldn't wait to get back home to take Chase fishing. When Zachary came along Kevin said "we need a bigger boat now for all my little fishing buddies!" Kevin was Britny's hero, her rock, and her heart and Britny, Chase, Zachary and their third and most needy child Thunder (their black lab that worshiped Kevin) were his entire world.

Kevin was also very proud of his brother Kris. Kevin always talked about how his brother "the science nerd" was so smart and how he was proud of him for being at his favorite college, WSU, even though when Kris was younger he was "confused" and rooted for the UW Huskies, something he never let Kris live down. Although there were times when they fought, as all brothers do, they were inseparable and talked daily about everything and anything. Kevin was always so much more than just an older brother to Kris, he was a mentor and best friend and whenever Kris needed him he was there.

Kevin, being Karen's oldest son and the take charge person that he is, was the driving force in the family. Karen remembers when Kevin was in preschool she was told he was going to be a leader someday and it has definitely proven to be true. In Kevin's life he was always a strong leader. He and Karen had very similar strong personalities which meant at times they clashed but there was never a doubt that there was a very strong love between them. He was always thinking of his mother and if she needed help, he was there right away. The special bond that Kevin and Kris shared was very special and comforting to their Mother. Karen took great pride in watching Kevin excel in everything he did, athletics, education, military, and his family life for example. Karen will always appreciate the gift Kevin gave her in his wife and their two sons, who she knows will grow up to be strong, brave and good men like their father.

Kevin was so happy in his life and that is largely in thanks to the friends he made along the way. He so enjoyed his time as a student at WSU and made many friends there with his outgoing personality and his desire to learn. That outgoing personality and desire to learn also made him many very close friends in the fishing community and he treasured every one of them.

He will be so greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched and his memory will always be present in our daily lives.

Kevin is survived by his wife Britny, sons Chase and Zachary, his brother Kris ('02) and mother Karen Harding Byers ('68) as well as a large extended family.

Donations may be made in Kevin's honor to a memorial fund for his wife and children at any Gesa Credit Union.

Service will be at 4pm on Saturday, April 13, at Einan's.

Express your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at Einan's Funeral Home.