Byron Grant Lauber, originally of Round Hill, Alberta, peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord at the Allen Gray Continuing Care facility on August 30, 2025. He was 82.
The son of Joseph and Martha Lauber, he was the youngest of six boys and had a younger sister. Byron grew up on a farm in the Round Hill/Tofield area where the family was deeply integrated into the agricultural community centred around Salem Mennonite Church. His Mennonite faith, including commitment to social justice and peacemaking, would be part of his identity for the rest of his life.
After high school, Byron left the farm to study pharmacy at the University of Alberta in Edmonton where he excelled and graduated from the honours program. One of his first jobs after graduation was dispensing at the town drug store in Rimbey, Alberta. One day a reporter named Leslie called to ask for an interview for a regular column she wrote that profiled local people from various walks of life. That interview turned into a marriage that lasted for 55 years, until the day of his death.
Byron returned to university to become a physician. As a young man he spent time in Haiti with the Mennonite Central Committee doing medical relief work. He and Leslie moved to Wetaskiwin where they lived for more than 20 years, raising three kids while Byron worked in the medical department of the Worker’s Compensation Board. Eventually they moved to Edmonton, where they lived when Byron retired.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie; his son Graeme (Susan); daughter Alyson; son Christopher (Megan); and grandchildren Brennan (Isabel), Leeson (Becca), Ella, Kidus, Elizabeth, Moshe, Gabriel, Cedric, Felix and Calvin. He is also survived by siblings Ben (Pearl), Murray (Sylvia, deceased), and Phyllis (Geoff).
He will be welcomed into the presence of Jesus by his parents and brothers Leo (Ellen, deceased), William (Lois, deceased) and Calvin and numerous other members of his vast Mennonite family.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 12 at 1:00pm at Woodvale Facility and Clubhouse, 4540 50 St NW, Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the the Mennonite Central Committee or the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.
Condolences to extended family of Dr Lauber
I knew him from my working years at WCB. He was a kind man with never an angry word. I was saddened to hear of his passing today, at WCB Quarter Century dinner. RIP
With sympathy, Janice Miller
One of the most gracious men I have known. It was an honour to know and work with him . The last time I saw him, he hugged me. Rest easy Dr. Lauber.
I knew Dr. Lauber through my work at wcb. He always had a smile and was easy to talk to. He was very well respected at WCB . My condolences to his family.
I am sorry for your loss. I met Byron while was working as a case manager at WCB. He would phone me up and say “we need to talk” and I would say “what have I done now?”. He would laugh and say you are right but here who is calling and then we would talk. He was a kind and caring person and a very knowledgeable doctor who was down to earth.
My condolences to Bryon Lauber’s family and friends. I knew Bryon through WCB where his office was located on the 2nd floor, south east corner of the building within the Medical Dept. He was well respected by his colleagues and WCB employees. RIP?