Byron "By" left this world for whatever lies beyond on December 10th at his home in Anacortes at age 96. He is survived by his sister, Lois Jacobsen of Seattle and three children, Jennifer Barrett of Anacortes, Randall Wingett of Sequim, Janett Wingett of Camano Island, and special companion for the last 15 years, Phyllis Lamb, of Anacortes. He leaves behind 19 grand and great grandchildren. His wife of 55 years, Evelyn Kerr Wingett, predeceased him on June 6, 2001, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, through which Byron lovingly cared for her.

Byron enjoyed a 35-year career with Boeing public relations as a photographer, covering the development of the B-17 WWII Bomber through the introduction of the 767 Jetliner. He went on many adventurous photo-flights and sales trips throughout the world and enjoyed a close and jovial comradery with his workmates.

Evelyn and Byron met by chance when both were subjects of a Look Magazine article. They instantly fell in love and were married on the Hollywood radio show "Bride and Groom" which featured unusual love biographies. Together they raised their three children in Bellevue, WA. Those years were highlighted by numerous vacations throughout the western US, most regularly in the Sun Lakes area of Eastern Washington and the fishing resort cabins of Whidbey Island.  By and Evey eventually retired to a wonderful home they built on Whidbey, overlooking Holmes Harbor and the 17ft sailing sloop Byron was finally "allowed" to buy.

A hobbyist all his life, his interests ranged from guitar picking/cowboy crooning to Ham Radio operating (call sign W7OB) to collector of many things vintage. Of his collections, he was most famous for his antique cameras, which he "curated" to museum standards inside his Anacortes home. He also maintained an extensive radio and model car collection. In fact, he owned a life-sized model, a 1931 Ford Model A truck, which became an annual fixture in the Anacortes Fourth of July Parade.

Byron will be missed most for his thoughtful, gentle good nature, his clever, sometimes corny sense of humor and in his ability to notice and remember every detail of the lives of those he loved.

From this valley they say you are going,
We will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile,
For they say you are taking the sunshine
Which has brightened our pathways a while. - Red River Valley

To share memories of Byron, please sign the online guestbook and bookmark this direct link for easy returns: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/byron-wingett