Byron was adopted from a shelter in November 1985, and from the very beginning he loved riding in the car and traveled extensively with his human companion.  He also loved Christmas and all the wrappings, ribbons and lights.  His first Christmas, he climbed the Christmas tree… from then on the Augustine’s had artificial trees, but that didn’t stop Byron from still trying to climb it.

 

Although Rosemary and Byron lived in Denver, Colorado at the time, they spent the winter of 1990-1991 in Florida.  Which means, that Byron’s Story – later titled as Adventures with Byron – was created from their five day drive to Englewood, Florida in November 1990.

Pictured here is Rosemary and Byron on Manasota Beach, Florida.  With sea gulls flying around us, Bryon didn’t know what to make of it.  The trip to Florida in 1990 prompted the beginning of writing Adventures with Byron – love poems and entertaining stories of life with an enchanting feline companion.  Byron was about 8-9 months old when adopted and  lived to age 18-1/2.

So many fond memories of an enchanting feline, center of the attention at many parties and gatherings, got along famously with other cats – unexpectedly, and even a few dogs.  The book Adventures with Byron tells all the stories of life with him from his voice.  It was a sad day in June of 2003 that Byron passed on to his next life.  His obituary follows:

Byron – In Loving Memory

February 1, 1985 – June 13, 2003

Byron was laid to rest today at 3:35pm in Paoli, PA where he will be cremated and his ashes will remain with his long time companion, Rosemary Augustine.  Although he battled kidney failure for 3 years, and was sick for the last month, it was only in the closing days we discovered advanced heart disease.  Excessive fluid had accumulated around the heart and lungs making breathing very difficult.

Byron had a full life.  He was rescued from a shelter 18 years ago.  With his human companion, he enjoyed 7 different homes, 5 cars, 2 relocations, 4 vets, lived in 3 states and traveled cross-country twice.  He loved to ride in the car until recently.  He had many friends including Drac, Maxx, his buddy and brother for 11 years, Anne’s dog, and Zar as well as numerous birds, squirrels, rabbits, seagulls and deer.  His favorite spot… laying anywhere in the sunshine.  His best moment… wacking Anne’s dog.  His best kept secret… wacking Drac!  An avid fan of kitty aerobics in his early years, his first Christmas he climbed the tree!

Byron was greatly loved, many were in awe of him.  He had a presence when entering a room, and had the ability to command attention instantly.  He is survived by his buddy Maxx of 11 years, his human companion Rosemary and numerous friends and acquaintances who will remember him fondly.

His companion Rosemary says, “Byron will now be where there is eternal sunshine, birds and trees.  Although he is in a peaceful place to rest, he will always have a place in my heart.  The love of my life for 18 years, may he rest peacefully at an eternal oasis.”

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