"A great man died today," our father would say when someone important died. Well, a great man died on Saturday, December 5, 2015, when James Anthony Byrne was carried to heaven, lovingly surrounded by his family, in his 91st year. As was his wish, he has been reunited with his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret Irene, who went before him on August 2, 2015. Forever grateful for the tremendous blessing of having him in our lives, and heartbroken from his loss are his cherished children, James Bruce (Alyce Lyne), Bob (Madonna) and Lisa (Derek Dunphy). Left with wonderful memories of an entertaining and loving Poppy, ("Skipper"), are his nine grandchildren, each of whom he truly adored, Ryan Clarke (Tiffiney), Laurissa Clarke (Jon), Erica Clarke Whalen (Wes), Robyn, Kayla (Mike), Meagan, Janessa, James, and Robert Byrne. Also leaving to mourn, his only surviving sibling, Theresa Wall, and special nephew Tom O'Reilly (Joan), together with a very large circle of family and friends. Jim was born in Curling NL, to Bernard Joseph "Big Joe?" Byrne and Louise (nee Buckle). One of the youngest of 16 children, he developed an engaging personality at a very young age. He was truly interested in his family and friends and remembered their accomplishments and experiences with incredible detail. While a great listener, he couldn't resist the temptation to tell about the accomplishments of his children or grandchildren, if the opportunity arose. Dad spent his working life at Canadian National Railway, beginning as a steam locomotive mechanic, working his way up through the ranks to Superintendent of Freight Services. With his own hands, he built the family home at 24 Albany Street, where he raised his children with love and fatherly affection. He was never too busy to listen, lend a hand, or give a ride, often on the bedtime bus (where he would crawl around the living room, loading a child on his back from each end of the sofa and the chair and deposit them to the appropriate bed). He was far more generous to others than he ever was to himself. An exceptional husband, father, grandfather and friend, his humility, kindred spirit and humour will be cherished in our hearts forever. Special thanks to his caregivers on 3 East, Chancellor Park, and at Tiffany Village who were so good to him over the last one and one-half years. Resting at Caul's Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road. Visitation on Thursday, December 17, from 7-9 p.m. and Friday, December 18, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., Friday December 18, the Rosary will be said by the Knights of Columbus Terra Nova Council, of which Dad was a lifetime member. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Teresa's Church on Saturday, December 19, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., following which, he will be laid to rest alongside his life mate at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Flowers gratefully accepted, or donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Teresa's. May God hold both he and Mom in the palm of His hand until we meet again.