Byron Barton Black
August 18, 1932 ~ May 29, 2019
Byron B. Black, AIA, 86, passed away on May 29, 2019 at his home in Vienna, VA. A graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, he received his Masters of Architecture Degree in 1956. After serving in the US Army, Byron relocated to Washington, DC where he joined the firm of Edwin Weihe and Associates. He was named Partner in 1963 and led the successor firm WDG Architecture, PLLC firm as a Managing Principal until his retirement in 2005. As Principal in Charge Byron completed designs for over 200 major buildings in the Washington Metropolitan Area, and is credited with innovations in design, structural systems, and zoning and building code modifications. He was a respected and beloved member of the Washington architectural community.
Byron is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Kate; his devoted daughter, Mary Lyttle (Walter); his cherished grandson Frazier Stern (Kim); and his great granddaughter Veronica Vy. Byron is also survived by his brother, Donald Black (Nancy) of Winchester, VA.
Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, June 4, at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180. A funeral service will be held on June 5, at 11:00 AM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA. Interment will follow services at Flint Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation of the National Capital Area.
Byron is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Kate; his devoted daughter, Mary Lyttle (Walter); his cherished grandson Frazier Stern (Kim); and his great granddaughter Veronica Vy. Byron is also survived by his brother, Donald Black (Nancy) of Winchester, VA.
Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, June 4, at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave W, Vienna, VA 22180. A funeral service will be held on June 5, at 11:00 AM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax, 2709 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA. Interment will follow services at Flint Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation of the National Capital Area.
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I want to take the time to thank the family Mary & Walter lyttle and Mary Kate black for welcoming me into there wonderful home and family for the time I worked with mr. black. As for the very first day I worked with you I had felt as part of the family you guys have made me feel so happy for working with you. We had our shares of laughter and conversations with beloved Byron black I remember the days where I would take mr. black on walks on the bike trail behind ur house and walk all the way to gallows Rd then turn around and just sit at that one spot where there would be shade and just relax and allow Byron and breath in the fresh air and to have the sun light shine on him. Just remember that when you walk on that trail that u know your father and husband and beloved grandfather is still there with you in your thoughts and your heart at all times. The cool breeze is like as if he was walking by you, the sun light is for his warm touch. I know that he will be truly miss and never forgotten. He was an amazing guy and had his moments where he would get mad at that one doctor that use to tick him off by pushing on his ankle and he would say that son of a bitch lol. Take him to McDonald’s and get him his chocolate milk shake and cheese burger with French fries that was his favorite every time we went out that’s what he got for lunch unless it was the days he went out to lunch with Walter after radio group or during radio group where they all would eat together. There are so many good memories with Byron and his family. I am so glad I had the chance to work for you because u made me feel part of your family where every time u had a cook out you would introduce me to the family and we would carry on conversations like if we knew one another for a long time. I just hope that you and your family stick together no matter what because u only have one. Byron black is now at piece and is no longer in pain. He will forever be in your thoughts and in your heart. He shall look down On you as the angel he is now watching over everyone to make sure you are in good hands and he will be looking specially down on his daughter Mary to make sure she is holding up and Mary Kate too. just remember he is in good hands now and you are looking at your new Guardian angel . Rest in piece Byron black you will be missed very much.
Kristina, what a moving loving friendship.. We are so glad that you took such good care of him. MK Black
Like the truly exceptional person he was, Byron always made time for everyone, regardless of his other responsibilities, and helped us all feel special. His leadership, kindness, gentle humor, and innovative creativity helped others share in his enjoyment of the wonders Amateur Radio. 73 OM CUL Pete K6BFA
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. When someone we love dies, it’s natural to want to see that person again. God promises us that He will comfort us in our trials if we go to him in prayer. 2 Corinthians 1:3 calls him the God of all comfort. I’d like to share with y’all this link that shows 12 steps on coping with grief that is good for sharing. I have personally found this very comforting and I hope y’all do as well. https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=102018086&srcid=share
I was just thinking of Byron the other day. Strange how that happens. He was a real leader in the industry, a friend, a wonderful person, someone who never stopped learning, great planner and architect, and trusted advisor. I suspect that he touched many, many lives, and know that he left a long lasting legacy for us all to enjoy.
Christina Thank you so much for this notice. My heart is very heavy. For 20 years at Quadrangle and Akridge and beyond, I shared some of my most meaningful memories with Byron as friend, architectural mentor, teacher and constant reminder that stress doesn’t mean robbing one of their sense of humor. He took me under his experienced arm as a green developer and shaped some of my most critical learning moments and lessons. I am forever grateful for sharing a spot in his life. I am broken hearted that I will miss the opportunity to share saying goodbye. I am boarding a flight to Scotland on Tuesday the 4th that leaves at 6pm. I will be saying a prayer thankful for his life and spirit. I’ll wait until we reach our maximum altitude so I will be a little closer to him to make sure he hears me. My most sincere best to all of you. Bill PS….Mary Kate my warmest thoughts to you and all the family….I take comfort in knowing that you have so many wonderful memories of Byron to run through your mind and heart. He was one of the kindest and most generous men I have ever known and will be greatly missed and celebrated. They just don’t make them like him any more. I hope time only makes your memories of him richer and brings you comfort. God Bless. Bill Smith
My time with Byron at WDG did not overlap for very long, but I will always remember his visits back to the firm to give walking tours of downtown and to talk about the courses he was taking in his retirement. He was an inspiration. My condolences to his family. -Kelly Malloy Petty