Jacquelyne Lorraine Byers

Mrs. Jacquelyne Byers of North Battleford, SK passed away with her sisters at her side Thursday, October 18, 2018 at the Battlefords Union Hospital at the age of 63 years.  Jackie was born Feb. 25, 1955 and died peacefully on Oct. 18, 2018 after a 17 month hard fought battle with small cell lung cancer. 

Jackie is lovingly remembered by her husband Michael Barrett of Finley, CA and two sisters Norma Byers of North Battleford, SK and Dianne (Craig) Martin-Zawada of Saskatoon, SK; her niece Hollis (Blair) Martin- Anton of Vancouver, BC.  Jackie will also be remembered by her many dear friends in California and her aunt and cousins in Canada.  She is predeceased by her parents Florence & Jack Byers.

Jackie graduated from Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon, SK.  She obtained her diploma in Greenhouse Horticulture Technology from Malespina College in Namaimo, BC and a B.Sc in Geography from the UVIC, BC.  Jackie then pursued a Master’s Degree, but discontinued after moving to California to dedicate her life to her first love - Farming. 

Jackie and her husband operated an organic poultry & egg farm and a processing plant under the brand name “Clucky Plucky Chicken”.  She loved selling her products at Farmers Markets throughout Northern California while wearing her hilarious chicken hat to the amusement of her customers.  Her favorite venue was the Palo Alto Market where she met famous chefs - Guy Fieri and Emeril Lagasse.

Prior to her farming venture, Jackie worked in a variety of jobs including a medical research technician at the U of S.  Her last job was at Mendocino Farm Supply which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Jackie had many passionate interests; she loved the outdoors and nature and as a young woman took many canoe trips in Northern SK.  She loved fishing all her life.  She enjoyed curling and other sports.  She had a great love for music and enjoyed playing the harmonica and guitar.  Jackie also enjoyed travel- African Safari in Kenya & Tanzania, Australia and New Zealand and in her last months an Alaskan Cruise with her sisters and niece.  Her final adventure with these ladies was a late September trip to her favorite childhood haunt- Waskesui- before entering into Palliative Care in Battlefords Union Hospital.  

Jackie made friends easily and had many close friendships wherever she lived.  Everyone loved Jackie! She cared about telling jokes, lots of laughter, having fun…and family.  Jackie, was so proud of her niece, Hollis' work accomplishments in the cosmetic industry, and of the caring compassionate young woman Hollis grew to become…Hollis adored her auntie.

Jackie was diagnosed stage 4 in May of 2017.  It was her wish to return to her birthplace, Saskatchewan.  She mentioned the geographical term “Topophilia” - the emotional bond between a person and a place, and she spent the final year of her life in her beloved Saskatchewan.

A Thank you to the Strides Program at Alex Dillabough Centre in Battleford;  Jackie so looked forward to participating in the program until she was physically unable to continue.  Thank you for the compassionate and dedicated care from Dr. Erin Hamilton, as well as the Battlefords Union Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Dr. Turrill in Lakeport, CA and Dr. Gobeil and other medical staff at Sutter Pacific Heights Campus Hospital in San Franscisco, CA.  Special thanks to Alisa Carlson, Gary, Lois and David- dear friends of Jackie who lovingly helped Jackie while receiving treatments in California, and to Linda Morrison who so kindly took Jackie in and cared for her until Jackie was strong enough to travel back to Canada.  We will forever be in your debt.

Memorial donations in memory of Jackie may be directed to the BUH Foundation- Palliative Care Unit PO Box 1358 North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8 or to The Lung Association, Saskatchewan 1231 8th Street East Saskatoon, SK S7H 0S5

Jackie has chosen cremation and as per Jackie’s request, no formal service will be held.  A Private Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date in Saskatoon, SK and Finley, CA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.