Byron Sarabun was born in Williams Lake in June of 1960, the fourth of six children born to Oldrich and Charlotte Sarabun.
Sarabun said his dad worked in construction so for several years the family moved to wherever Oldrich found work. In 1967 the family moved to Fernie making it their permanent home. As a kid, Sarabun said he was responsible for doing chores around the house. He loved sports and played soccer, rugby and baseball. He spent the summers working as a seasonal student for the City of Fernie, and after graduating from Fernie Secondary School, he started as a full time employee.
He began as a labourer and recalls building the change rooms and washrooms at Prentice Park alongside foreman Mike Scarpelli. That was the first project, and for a long time he also worked with Peter Aiello on the waste water field. He also recalls tearing down the old fire hall with Larry Sedrovic. He remembers the building as being nice.
Sarabun mentions the old City Hall as also being a very attractive building, adding that when the RCMP vacated the lower section it became the office for the Public Works Superintendent. He was also on the job when the Nappanee apartments burned down in 1982.
“So many changes,” he said. “Sometimes change happens and you don’t even notice it because you are so busy. Thirty-six and half years have passed by so quickly. What I enjoy the most is helping the people with their goals, life is wide open, who knows what’s ahead.”
For some time, Sarabun has been an exemplary employee with the City and since September 2012 has been the Operations Supervisor for Public Works.
Sarabun was well-liked by residents and co-workers, known as someone who listened and did his best to find solutions to problems.
These days, retirement means finding other things to occupy his time including spending more time with wife Sue and children Romni, Keira, Kayla and Bryce and his grandchildren.
Congratulations Byron, wishing you the Best of Luck in the future. Thank you for the many years of dedicated service to the City of Fernie.