Byrne C. Fernelius

   Chatsworth, CA – Byrne Cleavy Fernelius, 92, died Friday, August 12, 2011 at home surrounded by his family.  He was born January 16, 1919 in Uintah, Weber County, Utah, the eldest son of Cleavy Abraham Fernelius and Etta Kendell.  He married Jean Wheelwright, July 16, 1941 in the Logan Utah LDS Temple.

   Byrne graduated from Weber State College and Utah State University.  He received his Ph.D. from Indiana University.  He was a professor at Idaho State University and a founding faculty member at California State University, Northridge where he retired as Chairman of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies.

   He served our country in the U.S. Navy as a P.T. Boat Commander in the South Pacific during World War II and later in the Navel Reserve.  He retired as a Lieutenant Commander.

   Byrne and Jean spent many years as docents at the Gene Autry Museum.  They enjoyed  good friends in the California Campers Association and also traveled to Asia and Europe.

   Byrne is survived by his wife of 70 years,  Jean; children Neka (Steve Roundy), Kaysville UT and Bart (Sandra), Simi Valley CA; grandchildren Rebecca Roundy (Luis Lopez), Erin Roundy (Eric Vogeler), Eric Fernelius, Kathryn Roundy, Nick Fernelius, Emma Fernelius, and Morgan Shoemaker; and sister Ansta (Keith Harris).

   He is preceded in death by his parents, son Shane, brother Keith Fernelius, sister Ettalue Nelson, grandson Elder Daniel Roundy, and granddaughter Amanda Shoemaker.

   Funeral services will be held Sat. August 20^th at 11 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10123 Oakdale Ave. Chatsworth CA.  Friends may call Sat. Aug. 20^th from 10 – 10:45 AM at the church. 

   Interment at Oakwood Memorial Park, Chatsworth CA.

 

Byrne’s great grandfather, Moses Byrne, was married to Catherine Cardon.

Submitted by Byrne’s daughter Neka Fernelius Roundy (mayorroundy@gmail.com )