The Spirit of Kindness in Byron Barry Murphy, a long-time resident of Byron, recently came to the aid of Sean, a vulnerable man currently unhoused and battling addiction. Sean is known to many in Byron as he is often sitting quietly outside the LCBO on Commissioners Road West. Barry sat down with Sean to hear his story: “He is gentle, kind, and deeply respectful. My boys and I often stop to talk with Sean and bring him money or food when we can.”
Barry went a step further and began raising money to help Sean find a place to live. The response from Byron residents has been overwhelming. Not only has the community come forward to share their own warm thoughts about Sean, but they have also donated over $1,700, along with some furniture.
On Wayne Road, the neighbourhood decked their houses with Christmas lights to show their support for Trevor Lewington and his family. Trevor’s son, Dale, has been battling a brain tumour for almost two years and wanted to have Christmas in August.
Byron Villager Issue #104 October 2025 Your local community connector. The 100% locally owned and produced Byron Villager is published ten times a year with thousands delivered free to area residences, set out at local venues, and posted online at www.villagerpublications.com Publisher & Editor: Barb Botten P.O. Box 134, Lambeth Station Ontario N6P 1P9 Barb@villagerpublications.com 519-282-7262 Content Managers: Lynne WIlliams, Barb Botten Graphic Artist: Jon Botten Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. We’d love to hear from you. Contact Barb at Barb@villagerpublications.com Looking east down Byron Baseline Photo courtesy of Wes Smith
Villager Publications proudly produces locally-focused magazines in different communities, celebrating the unique stories, people, and character that make each area special. All of our printed magazines can also be enjoyed online at www.villagerpublications.com. CELEBRATING LOCAL STORIES ACROSS COMMUNITIES The love you find in Byron ripples into the lives of everyone in the community. Like loving family members, the residents of Byron continually spread kindness and grace, sharing what they can and walking with those who need a little extra help. Many others played their part: Byron Southwood teachers came carolling; the London fire, police and paramedics held a parade; staff at “Crazy for Christmas Lights, Eh” volunteered their time to transform the Lewington home into a wonderland; many sent Christmas cards to Dale; Boler Mountain made snow; and Santa took time from his vacation to visit. Trevor and his family didn’t know most of the people joining them in this early Christmas celebration, but they felt the love that only a community like Byron can send. “It’s been a difficult 18 months and at times has felt isolating,” explains Trevor. “But driving around Byron and seeing all the lights people have put up in support of Dale’s wish, was humbling, amazing, and so generous.” Part of Dale’s Christmas wish is to deliver gifts to the other kids at the hospital he goes to, which he will do soon. Photo courtesy of the Lewington family
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Byron Villager October 2025
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