Byron often said that the most important thing to him was his family. His greatest joy was to be with his loved ones—whether playing tennis, sailing, holding lively games of ping pong or cards, or feasting with lobster bakes on the rocks—always enjoying the love for each other. He was the cribbage champion (possibly contested by various family members). He so looked forward to visits, both live and Friday-night Zooms, and particularly to telephone calls and letters from grandchildren. One of many highlights was a family trip to Monhegan for a weekend celebrating with 31 members of the immediate family and being booked by the children in the “bridal suite” with his beloved wife. He had a special, overflowing, joy-filled love relationship with Margot. He often said that Margot had given him 63 years of happiness, love and kindness. He was grateful for and appreciative of every moment together.

Byron was a gentle soul, a true gentleman deeply concerned with the feelings of others, always showing that he cared. Sometimes with a look, a quip or simply the space to talk; sometimes with quiet gifts to help others move forward during hard times. Byron believed deeply in education, and helped support the tuition for several promising students, all of whom have worked hard, becoming successes. He had an unfailing sense of what would be the most helpful. Byron was beloved and respected by many.

His devotion to God started early. The family summer cottage was located five houses from All Saints by-the-Sea. In his childhood, Byron worshiped at All Saints and developed a deep devotion to the chapel. Being a young teenager during World War II, he performed many chores at the church. He remembers the excitement of ringing the church bell at the end of the war. In later years, he served as treasurer from 2000 to 2017, and was elected lifetime Honorary Member.

This devotion led him to serve as Senior Warden of Grace Church in Salem, Massachusetts. He served as one of 16 board members of the Episcopal Church Foundation in New York and its affiliate, Cornerstone. Both organizations support and serve the Episcopal Church in fulfilling God’s mission throughout the world.

Byron believed in a life in service. He was an active member on a number of boards, serving as president of North Shore Children’s Hospital, a trustee of Shore Country Day School in Beverly, director of Naumkeag Trust Company, and trustee of Eastern Bank. He also was finance chairman of St. Andrews Hospital, twice senior warden of St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, board member at the YMCA and commodore of the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club.

Byron was born Dec. 14, 1928 in Salem, Massachusetts. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, Harvard University (1950), and MIT (1953). He then joined Atwood & Morrill Company in Salem, a specialty valve manufacturer known for its reliability often supplying to submarines and nuclear power stations. Its chief executive from 1963 to 1982, Byron continued to lead the company after its 1970 sale to Foster Wheeler Corporation and, later, Xomox Corporation. Subsequently he purchased Dalton Electric Heating, growing the company until its sale in 1992 when he retired. The family then purchased DMS, a company located in Barre, Vermont, which is now run by his two sons. He was proud that, throughout his career, the dealings of his companies were done with complete integrity. He never hesitated to make the tough call, but still, always balanced head with heart.

Margot and Byron first lived in Marblehead, Massachusetts and then moved to the Hamilton Wenham area. Upon retirement they moved to Southport Island, where Byron had summered as a boy, and wintered in Hilton Head, South Carolina. They later moved to St. Andrews Village in 2018.

Byron died Sunday, Jan. 21, surrounded by love. He is survived by his wife, Margot, and all six of his children: Carla, Byron, Lucia, Deb, Heather and Charlie and their spouses; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

We want to extend thanks to the caring staff at Zimmerli Pavilion and Gregory Wing, his caregivers, and Beacon Hospice.

A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints by-the-Sea this summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints by-the-Sea, Byron T. Atwood Jr. Memorial Outreach Fund, P.O. Box 377, Southport, ME 04576.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay.

Condolences may be shared with the family at hallfuneralhomes.com