Obituary of Byron Herbert Uhrig

Byron Uhrig, 72, of Steinbach, MB, passed away peacefully following a lengthy illness on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Steinbach, MB.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie Uhrig.

He was predeceased by his father Herbert, mother Alice and younger brother Joel.

Byron was born in Toronto, ON, but at 15 he went to BC where he began his trucking career with Pepsi-Cola. Byron always had to see, what’s over there. This is called going a Viking, and with his roots being Norwegian, it made sense. His travels took him all over Canada, stopping only in small towns and villages. In 1988 he traveled to Dawson City, Yukon. Upon arriving in Dawson, he soon realized there was no concrete or asphalt anywhere. He used to say, “where the streets are made of mud and dog shite, and boards for sidewalks.” This was his kind of town, and he made it his home for 22 years. He continued work as a truck driver for Frontier Trucking. He delivered supplies to the many mining camps in the area. He loved his work, and had to retire due to health reasons. With the extreme cold temperatures in the Yukon, he decided to pack up his dog Sophie and come to Manitoba. The entire time he was in the Yukon, he never got frostbite. While at the Dawson Airport waiting to board the plane that would bring him to Manitoba, the Yukon frost bit his ear. He was rather proud of his first frost bitten ear, which was now a permanent souvenir from the Yukon.

He settled in Steinbach, MB. Byron and I met when he brought his dog Sophie to me for grooming. I was a professional dog groomer in Steinbach for many years. Well, it was love at first sight. Byron and I married in October 2018, and we spent every moment together.

Byron was so full of life. He had many stories to tell of his adventures, and the people he met through his travels. He loved to tell jokes and had the greatest sense of humor.

Byron used to say, “Once you’ve met me, you’ll never forget me.” This was true, he was one of a kind, a stand alone, very unique man.”

I know you are in our God Odin’s Great Hall where you are feasting and drinking and you are young, strong, and happy. This is not good-bye my love, it is only until later, when we will be together to love each other once again.