August 15, 1921 – February 5, 2014

The children and grandchildren of the late Kevin Byrne would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to all those who supported us during the recent passing of our beloved Dad and Poppy. We were deeply touched by the outpouring of sympathy and kindness.

We would like to thank all those who visited, called, emailed, left web messages, sent flowers, prepared food and beverages, and honoured his memory with Mass cards or donations to charities; and to those who attended the funeral home and wake service, his burial Mass, and/or attended the reception afterwards. To our former neighbors on Fern and Reid Streets who reached out to us – he would have been overjoyed by your thoughtfulness, as we are.

We want to acknowledge especially a long list of friends and relatives – too many to mention – who journeyed across the province, country and continent to come together to celebrate his life. He would have loved to be surrounded by his extended family for what was an emotional but joyous reunion. We appreciate those who fondly shared stories of his life with us, through beautiful heartfelt tributes, filled with humor and the importance of family, which fittingly captured the impact he has had on our lives.

We extend our gratitude to the many people who helped to organize and perform lay ministries during the Funeral Mass, including: Sister Kay Rex, organist; Bernadette Park, soloist and the choir members; Priscilla Boutcher and members of the Pastoral team; communion ministers and friends Gerry Buckle, Patrick Whelan, cousin Gerry Byrne; servers and pallbearers. To Father Edward Terry a special thank you for your spiritual support throughout the week. To members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 13, for your presence at the funeral; to Hedley Smith for your prayers and salute to your departed comrade; and to trumpeter David Johnson for your moving performance of The Last Post and The Rouse – what a memorable moment that will forever be engrained in our hearts.

Our appreciation is extended to the Legion and Jennifer’s Catering for hosting the reception following the burial service; and to the staff of Fillatre’s Funeral Home for their professionalism extended to “an old Townsite neighbor.”

The family sends heartfelt thanks to those who were a large part of Kevin’s life and care in his later years. We can never begin to express our deepest appreciation to the dedicated health professionals, administrators and volunteers of the Veterans ward in the LTC. To Dr. Yuri Canete and Dr. David Coleman, you are the best, and the whole family sends special thanks for the care and compassion afforded to Kevin.

Our final thanks go to two very special women who ensured Kevin enjoyed the quality of life that he worked hard and long for, and so justly deserved. We will be forever grateful to his caregivers over the past ten years, Ruby Murrin and Glenda Curtis. Further to the compassion and care you brought ‘peace of mind’ to our family knowing he was well looked after in between our visits. Ruby and Glenda, you offered so much to Kevin in his last years, of which we’re sure he appreciated the most – your company. God Bless each of you.

How very much we appreciated each and every sentiment at this difficult time to honor our wonderful Dad and Poppy. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends, family and colleagues to share in this time of sorrow, and equally, this time of reflection of a life well- lived.

“Until We Meet Again.”

Regards,

Peter (Joan) Byrne, Jo-Anne (Tom) Philpott,
Janet (Ed) Turpin, Rod (Mary) Byrne,
Paul (Barb) Byrne, 9 grandchildren
and 3 great-grandchildren.