Byron was born in Tucson, AZ on July 29, 1947, an only child to Ben and Virginia Batey. He attended Sacred Heart school and served as an altar boy and safety patrol captain. His parents were bank and trust officers, but in their free time, built and improved homes on their property, which gave Byron a strong work-ethic from a young age. His seven cousins lived next door and they had fun raising chickens, grafting trees, riding bikes and swimming.

Byron met the love of his life, Mary Jo Monka, at Salpointe Catholic High School, where they went out on their first date together freshman year. They reconnected senior year. A long term relationship sustained them through college and they married on December 27, 1969.

Byron graduated from the Wharton School of Finance and began his career at Girard Trust Bank in Philadelphia. California beckoned with Security Pacific Bank and Bank of California and the couple bought the first home in Hermosa Beach. When transfer opportunity called them to northern California in 1979, they took a next step of professional development and adventure. Byron specialized in municipal bonds, traveled throughout California and the U.S. brokering bonds to cities and counties.

Byron, Jr. was born in summer of 1980 and Joe followed in 1984. Byron was truly happy being a husband and father. He chose different career paths in the 1990s so he could focus on his spiritual health and spend more time as a father. He worked as a technology salesman when Apple was a start-up. He quickly moved to venture capital opportunities, one of which provided funding for pilot schools throughout the country.

Byron liked all sorts of vehicles from fast cars (like his Corvette), airplanes, helicopters and motorcycles.

Because of his own spiritual health, he wanted to give back what was so freely given to him. His many friends and many years of service attest to that. You could find Byron speaking words of wisdom by what he read, analyzed and experienced with others. Two to three times a year he sought the counsel of a Franciscan brother, Brother Joachim Grant who lead retreats at Mission San Antonio de Padua. These were high points in his life. Brother Joe worked as a cook at San Damiano and was famous for his big cookies and big heart. Byron often referred to Saint Francis saying of “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” Oh but he did love to talk and could tell a really good story. He often told Mary Jo and others, “You are a child of God and, ultimately, He wants you back.” Eternal rest grant unto Byron. Always in our hearts.

Please make donations in his honor to Saint Anthony Saint Vincent de Paul. https://abundant.co/stanthony…

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