Ken Byler, artist, Amityville resident
by Tiffany Elliott

Classical painter Ken Byler, who had his work showcased from New York to California, died suddenly Oct. 14, 2007. The 80-year-old Amityville resident had just finished another painting before he died. "He was a towering talent and his work was beautiful," said

Irene Greenhalgh president of the Amityville Artists Circle. "The art world has lost a gifted painter."

Born 1927 in Oklahoma, Mr. Byler traveled with his family and lived all over the Southwest and Midwestern United States. He discovered his passion for art and his talent as a young man. That led to him graduating from the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and the Instituto de Allende in Mexico.

In 1981 he moved to Amityville with his wife Marilyn to live in her mother's home.

From 1952 to 2006, his award-winning work has been exhibited in many states from Texas to Tennessee. One his finest moments was when he was asked by world reknowned mural artist David Siqueiros to help finish a mural in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

"His heart went into his paintings," said his wife. "They are full of emotion and intelligence." She added that most of his collectors live in California.

Painting by Ken Byler, Monolith

In addition to painting, his wife said Mr. Byler was an accomplished sculptor, writer and poet.

A graveside service was held at Amityville Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Louise Stowe- Johns, pastor of First United Methodist Church, on Oct. 18, 2007. Arrangements were under the direction of Powell Funeral Home, Amityville.

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