Marv Byars Memorial Golf Tournament 2010

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Event honors legacy of well-respected educator, engineer, and family man

Long after the horse-covered wagons disappeared and the Wild West became tame, a trailblazing pioneer named Howard Marvin Byars came to Reno. Born November 6th, 1930 in San Francisco, Byars returned with his family to their Reno home when he was just 4-days old.

By all accounts, Byars, who died in April 2000, was an extremely focussed individual.

After attending elementary through high school in Reno, Byars graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada.

To his dismay, the University offered no Master's Degree in Civil Engineering. So, with the help of his professors, a master's program was designed, and Byars was the first to receive one. He later taught at the university.

He met the love of his life, Tosca L. Rovetti, the daughter of an Italian immigrant, at Reno High School. They married in 1952 and had four children: Linda Byars Lehman, now deceased; Mark Byars; Christine Byars Winkel; and Sheril Byars Bradley.

After graduation, Byars spent 10 years with Isabell Construction Company and three years with R.I. Helms Construction before starting his own company, H.M. Byars Construction, in 1965. His daughter Sheril Byars Bradley, now runs the company.

As years passed, Byars became involved in numerous community projects and won many awards. His dedication to the various projects with which he was involved was unparalleled.

"I'm biased because he's my dad," Sheril said. "But he was truly an incredible man. He was a very driven man." Bradley said her father's legacy could be found in his integrity.

Don't get me wrong, my dad wasn't perfect," she said, "But I never saw him go back on his word. Never."

Neither did former student Allen Tryon, an Associate Civil Engineer with the City of Reno.

"He played an influential role in so many of his students' lives," Tryon said. "He often would have guest speakers - lawyers, iron workers, owners of companies- come to his classes so we could learn first-hand about the industry."

Byars also was known for how he regarded his students, according to Tryon.

"He treated all of his students with respect," Tryon said. "I never saw him talk down to anyone. And he had so much passion for what he did in the real world that it made it easy for him to convey that to his students. He was a very unique and wonderful man."

Tournament Overview

What: Marv Byars Memorial Golf Tournament

When: 1 p.m. June 25th

Where: ArrowCreek Golf Club

              2905 Arrowcreek Parkway, Reno

Cost: $150/person

Details: Call Allen Tryon @ 775-232-2980 or email

               This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Note: Registration checks can be made payable to

           ASCE-TMB and mailed to:

           ASCE Truckee Meadows

           P.O. Box 7000

           Reno, NV 89570

Marv Byars (1930-2000)

EDUCATION: Attended Mount Rose Elementary, Billinghurst Middle School, and Reno High School. Earned his Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno in 1952; earned his master's from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1954.

ORGANIZATIONS/AFFILIATIONS: Vice and Head Chairman of the Airport Authority of Washoe County from 1981 to 1983; Reno Air Race Association Chairman for several years; member of the National Society of Professional Engineers; President and National Director in 1972 of the Associated General Contractors; board of directors for the Reno YMCA.

AWARDS: Byars was named Engineer of the Year in 1982 by both the Reno Chapter of the Nevada Society of Professional Engineers and the State of Nevada Society of Professional Engineers; received a Professional Achievement Award and named Alumni of the Year in 1995 by the UNR Alumni Association. A former track star, he also is a member of the UNR Athletic Hall of Fame.