Posted by Beverly Lane, a resident of Danville, on Dec 3, 2009 at 7:18 am

By Athan was devoted to parks, the San Ramon Valley and San Ramon. He brought his all to every project in which he was involved. He was active wearing both his community and his lawyer hat in establishing park fees for new developments, beginning in the 1970s. He worked with the County and with homeowners' groups to initiate these fees so that new residents had parks near their homes. While he was embarrassed by and never liked having a park named for him (Athan Downs), he surely deserved that recognition. With his passing, an era passes. He was a friend, always.

Posted by p.albertson, a resident of Danville, on Dec 3, 2009 at 9:03 am

Mr. Athan was a true gentleman in every sense of the word and his kind heart and loving personality embraced all those who surrounded him. He will truely be missed by family, friends and co-workers. May we all be blessed in our life time to know at least one "Byron Athan".

Posted by Jeff Eorio, a resident of San Ramon, on Dec 3, 2009 at 3:32 pm

By was a hero to the community and to me personally as well. Having the opportunity to work with By over 22 years was a priveledge and an honor.

Byron and my father served in Alaska together during WWII, from 1941-1943 and we shared many stories together, that personal connection was very special for me and for my father.

By will be missed and we will work on placing a special plaque at Athan Downs, memorializing what he did and what he stood for within the San Ramon community.

Posted by Dave Hudson, a resident of San Ramon, on Dec 4, 2009 at 11:21 am

His legacy lives on through those of us he taught to serve the residents. Byron had so much faith in people to make the right decision given all the facts. He could define your parameters of governing so well in any council or commission meeting. I wonder how well he would have done in Sacramento. He did a great job as city attorney, a great job as city manager, and he showed us what former staff members could do as Mayor (1999). His performance rating as city attorney for 2008 was as high as any rating for any position in memory during my 3 terms on the council. He was quite the teacher and he will be missed.

Posted by Bob Patrino, a resident of San Ramon, on Dec 4, 2009 at 2:17 pm

I agree with all the comments posted so far about By and the tremendous impact he has made on everyone who has ever worked or had the privilege to know him. Byron was first and foremost a gentleman who was kind and honest(in spite of being an attorney). Byron did not parse words, he did not spin the facts in order to present them the way we wanted to hear them. He told it like it was, always giving fair representation to the facts, as well as guiding us toward decisions that were ALWAYS legal, ethical and in the best interest of the citizens of San Ramon.

I miss Byron. There will always be a place in my heart for all the memories I have of working with him for the last 15+ years. The City staff will especially miss Byron, for the quiet leadership and mentoring that happened every single day. We have lost a great friend, and the citizens of San Ramon have lost a great public servant. Byron never forgot who he ultimately worked for, and we should always strive to live up to his high standards.

Posted by carol rowley councilmember, a resident of San Ramon, on Dec 5, 2009 at 11:01 am

I had the privilege of having By as a friend. We were involved in incorporation and on many city committees.The focus was always on what we could do for our community. He loved San Ramon and the fact that he and Mary raised their three great sons in our fair city. He definitely was a model family man, celebrating his monthly wedding anniverary date for over 60 years, enjoying his grandchildren's activities and entertaining his neighbors. By was a warm, caring man with very high principles. It was a true pleasure to work with By as San Ramon's city attorney. His decisions were fair and his memory for facts, truly amazing. He was loved by the staff and all who worked with him. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on forever!

Posted by J. Pedersen, a resident of another community, on Dec 9, 2009 at 10:01 am

My life was enriched by knowing By and I feel honored to have worked with him. His life was an example to all of us of dedication to community, friends and especially family. His humor and kindness will be missed but always remembered.

Posted by p. perry, a resident of Danville, on Dec 10, 2009 at 8:57 am

Byron was a friend and mentor for 20+ years. I am a better person for having known him. He was my running-training partner when he was 70 years old - talk about an inspiration! The man was a genuine gentlemen with a heart of gold for friends and family and this community that he loved so well. He may no longer physically be here but his spirit lives on in all the lives he touched.