BYRNE – T. Hugh R., 77, of Liverpool, Queens County passed away peacefully in Harbour View Haven, Lunenburg on Saturday, March 2nd, 2013.
Born in Halifax, he was the second son of the late J. Ross and E. Phyllis (Jones) Byrne.
Hugh made a living first at Bowater Mersey Paper Company, then a short time at the Shelburne Vocational School, later moving on to become a London Life Financial representative for 15 years and finally as a restaurant owner/operator in Liverpool for five years.
Hugh’s life revolved around his family and friends and his many interests. He was a true outdoorsman and conservationist, spending his early years camping, canoeing and fishing with his family. From there began a long and decorated association with the Boy Scouts of Canada spanning from his teens to 1990. He graduated with a B. Comm. from Kings College, where he was Class President. He truly enjoyed the arts, particularly singing. He lent his beautiful baritone voice to many local groups and choirs, notably the Liverpool Barbershop Quartet and most recently at the Harbour View Haven Christmas festivities. He volunteered with many other groups including the Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus and St. Gregory’s church.
His standing joke was that he was busier in retirement and that was indeed the case. He was always an avid reader with Kipling being among his favourites. He took up water colour painting and returned to small boat modeling, spending much time with the South Shore Ship Modelers Guild. He also spent many hours on the family tree, gathering a large amount of information, while forging new relationships along the way.
It was hard for him leaving Liverpool but Lunenburg quickly became a second home where he reunited with old friends and made new ones. His family would like to express sincere thanks to the exceptional staff at Harbour View Haven as well as Queens Home Support on whom he relied while living in Liverpool.
He is survived by his daughter Kathleen Byrne (Jacques Wortman), grandchildren Joseph and Russell Wortman of Oakville, ON; his son Ross (Cindy Astephen), grandchildren Thomas, Andrew and Patrick Byrne of Halifax; his brother Dr. Brian D’A. (Roslyn) Byrne of White Point.
He was predeceased by his infant brother Thomas Hugh and his brother E. Michael.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool. Funeral service will be Friday, March 8th, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Gregory’s Catholic Church. Father Keith Billard officiating. A private family interment will be held at a later date. No flowers by request. If desired, donations may be made to Nova Scotia Heart Fund or the CNIB. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Byrne; Thomas Hugh Ross
Print Obituary & Condolences
Janet and George Fletcher
We were sorry to hear about Hugh. We always enjoyed chatting to Hugh whenever the opportunity came along. Our thoughts and our prayers are with your family.
Enid MacKay
To Hugh’s family I would like to offer my sincere sympathy. I first met Hugh in Scouting and continued our friendship all the years.he lived here in town. My prayers are with you.
Elsie & Duane Olsen
Katie, Sorry to hear of your dads passing he was a great man. My husband had him in scouting and said it was a privilege to have him as a leader!
Brenda and Ira Huskins
Sorry to see of your brothers passing Brian, we knew Hugh from years ago, sympathy to you and Ross. God Bless
judy quinn
He will be missed by all that knew him
Tim McDonald
Whenever Hugh and I happened to see one another, it was nothing by family tree talk. I know he spent many years researching and recording the history of his family and has left this very special gift for future generations to enjoy! My sincere sympathy to all of Hugh’s family.
Wally Buchanan
Condolances to all the family.
We have lost a true gentleman.
Mary MacDonald
Katie and Jacques, Sincere condolences to you & your family at this sad time.
Ron Laing
So sorry to hear about Byrne passing the last time i was home i had a great visit with him .Prayers to his family at this sad time
Ron Laing st. thomas ont.
Tony Anderson
Good by old friend for you will be greatly missed.You were a great friends of the people you have help over the years!
God bless Tony
Watson Inglis
I worked with Hugh on the Boy Scout Assoc. many years ago and I remember him for his love of the woods and his pleasant nature.
My sympathy to his family.
Heather
So sorry to hear about Hugh’s passing.I will always remember his wonderful smile and great disposition. Loved seeing him rolling along with a wave and a chat for all who knew him.
Garnett & Jan Winchester
Our condolences for the passing of your Dad. He lived in our apt house for many years and was a great tenant. He enjoyed all his hobbies and kept very busy.
Sincerely, Jan & Garnett
Heather Stevens & Rita Veinot
Ross, Katie & families,
We are so sorry to hear about Hugh’s passing. What a great guy your Dad was. He always had a smile on his face and made you laugh when you saw him. I know that’s where the both of you got your sense of humour! We loved Hugh. Cherish all your memories, for I know they are many. We’ll especially miss his beautiful singing voice in church. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Heather & Rita
Fred Palmer (a U.S.A. friend)
Katie, Your dad and I spent several years together at Camp Wapomeo in the early 50’s. I would travel from Massachusetts U.S.A. every year to camp and your dad would be there each year. We had great times and lots of memories spending two and a half months there each year. As I type this e-mail , what a coincidence on the desk in front of me there is a group picture at “Y” taken in 1953 and your dad is in it. Sorry for your loss.
Fred
Calvin (Cal) Annis
Hugh was a great friend going back to “Y”Camp Days. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
My condolences to all his family.
Cal Annis
Leon & Norma Robertson
Our Deepest sympathy to Hugh’s Family.I always enjoyed Hugh in Kiwanis Club.
Leon & Norma
Natalie Crosby
Brian and family. It’s time to say good-bye to a good friend from Y Camp days. Hugh was full of fun and special person.
Bill and I send our condolences.
Natalie (Bain)
Corina & Willis Huphman
Katie & Family, I am so sorry for your loss…hold his memories close and they will bring you comfort…he is at Peace now…Flying High with the Angels.
Kerry Bourke, Halifax
Very sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing, even though I’ve had no contact with him for over 50 years. I knew Hugh at King’s College, where he always impressed me as a clean cut, humerous, straight-shooter with an infectious smile. We didn’t see much of each other except at formal meals…. but he was on Student Council the year I was Seniour Student (Pres.of the Council). Among other things, we had to nominate a girl from Alexandra Hall to become Campus Queen, and I clearly remember the night we did. As a name was put forward everyone on Council voiced a reason for considering her…Academics, Sports, Theatrics, Involvement in Campus Activities,Committees etc. Every time it was Hugh’s turn to offer his opinion, on every girl, he smiled and said, ” Fine Body! ”
Kerry Bourke
Marlene Scott
Brian:
I was saddened to read of the passing of your brother Hugh. Hugh and I met at Kings Colege and were friends. He was a fine person. (He and my husband Ed did a B. Com. at the same time.)
Our paths diverged but I always remembered him fondly and was sorry to hear from you years later of his struggle with health problems. I know what it is to lose a brother, having lost two myself), and I found it leaves a hole in your life that nobody else can fill.
You have my deepest sympathy at this time. Take care and God bless.
Marlene scott
Uncle Leo&Aunt Marilyn
Katie,Ross,Brian and family,we would like to offer our condolences at this sad time ,as we are going through it also,please keep in touch.
Loraine (Bain) Moore
Katie & Ross
As the campfire fades we say farewell to a wonderful friend. For Loraine it was a campfire at Y Camp Wapomeo, and for Doug it was at Scout Camp Lone Cloud. Your Dad will be fondly remembered.
We send condolences to you and your family.
Douglas and Loraine (Bain) Moore
Geralyn MacLellan
Ross
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad…thoughts are with you & the family
Geralyn
David Dagley
I am so sorry to learn of Hugh`s passing. He was always so full of excitement to talk about many issues of mutual interest over the years. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.
David
Michael Mader
I was associated with Hugh for his whole career at London Life. .He was a pleasure and insperitation to work with. . He loved his clients and served them well. Even more importantly ,he introduced me to the wonderful world of Kedgie National Park and áll of it’s surroundings.Hugh and my family spent many hours in the Park in canoes and listening to Hugh’s stories. For that I wiill always be gratefull for having known Hugh Byrne . Thank you Hugh! I am out of town so will not be able to attend the service. Thoughts are with you Ross and Katie
Debbie & Harold Forsyth
We are saddened to hear of cousin Hugh’s passing. He was always interested in others, and was so genuinely accepting of all. Our hearts and thoughts are with you.
Carl and Janet Whynot
To Hugh”s family, our thoughts are with you at this time.
Joan O'Keefe, s.c.
Dear Katie, Ross, Brian and families.
I am thinking of you having read Hugh’s obituary today. I haven’t been in touch with him for awhile. I often think of him- especially at Christmas time when I hear or sing the Huron Carol.
Know of my sympathy and prayers.
I wish all enough.
Fondly,
S. Joan
Noweta (Oickle) Nickerson
so many things I could say about such a dear sweet man, that I met way back years ago, when I first started working at Able Cable..long time ago..Hugh’s gentleness, his kind sweet voice, and many chats,…I remember many years later when he would come into MacPherson’s store, and I’d serve him up one of his favorite flavors of ice cream on a cone…….and help him find items he needed in the electronics dept, or phone dept…always time for a short chat…great man..true gentleman…and he will be missed…….my heartfelt sympathy to all of you …
David Whynott
I am sorry to hear of Hugh’s passing he was always a true gentlman. I work with Hugh for a short time with Boy Scouts Canada and he was always there to point me in the right direction when advise was needed. Just a great guy. He will me missed
John Barrie
Dear Katie, Jacques, Russ and Joey,
We are truly sorry for your loss. On behalf of Renee and I and our family our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John
Bella and Jordan Oickle
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fred and Wendy Wamboldt
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Hugh was a great person to know. My son Josh and I got to know Hugh during our time with the First Milton Scouts and always enjoyed our talks. I would meet Hugh on the sidewalks of Liverpool and would much enjoy our little talks about scouting and his model ship building. Our prayers are with you all.
Fred, Wendy and Josh Wamboldt
Robert & Lorraine Quinn
Hugh and I had a common passion: Genealogy, and we talked about this many times. My cousin Bert McLeod and I worked on the McLeod family, and Hugh was an immense help. For a time, Hugh lived in my great grandfather’s house on School Street and helped us locate the first location of the two Quinn Iron Foundries on School Street. To Hugh’s family, Lorraine and I extend our sincere condolences.
Scott and Caryn Huntley
I have fond memories of Hugh from my Scouting days. I was very saddened to hear of his passing. Our deepest condolences. .
Walter/Sherri Miller
I know the service is over and everyone has said good bye to Hugh,We would like to say how much we will miss Hugh and all the chats we had,I certainly miss my visits to his home,when he was in Liverpool.Keep your memories close as they mean so much.He will never be forgotten in our memories as in many others as well.May he rest in peace.
From all our family:Walter/Sherri/Stephanie/Ricky and Daphne.
David [Sam] Johnson
We are all going to miss Hugh very much.
You take good care of yourself, Half Pint. Will you give our condolences to Hugh’s family for us please.
David [Sam]
Joel Page
A single afternoon combing the family tree resulted in tons of great info and some great memories. So sorry to hear of your passing, rest well.
Dennis McCormack retired manager CNIB
I extend mhy sincere condolences to Dr. Brian Byrne and the entire family of Hugh Byne.
Hugh Byrne was a wonderful volunteer amd supporter of the CNIB for many years. Hugh, with his brother Brian and friend Gerald Ball, understood the need to help those with vision loss make their contrubations in life.
I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Hugh on many occasions. he loved the youth of our country, saw the good in democracy and the application of human reason to politics, and turned a world filled with pain into a world where much was done by him for the good of all.
Hugh Byrne changed the way I thought about the world and my fellow man. He planted seeds and seeds brought change which is miracle.
Hugh Byrne shared his love of poetry with me. He said we must do our very best when writing poetry and every task. He knew we were capable of making a differemce in this world.
I will pray for Hugh Byrne and his family.
Dennis McCormack
Peggy Kelley
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow.
Casey Cyros & all of the Troop 61, Saugus, MA leaders
Hugh was the 1st Scout leader we met in 1983 when Jim Virnelli, myself and many others brought our Troop 61 to our cottage on Riverhead Rd in Port Mouton. From then on, our 2 troops exchanged visits every year. Hugh was a wealth of knowledge, folklore, and humor. Once you met Hugh, you had a friend forever. We’ll all catch up with each other when we meet again, Hugh, at the BIG campfire. While your waiting, say Hi to Ma Virnelli for us.
Casey Cyros, Jim Virnelli, and Troop 61