Donald Joseph BYRNE

It is with the saddest of hearts and yet warmest, most joy filled memories that we announce the sudden passing of one of the kindest, most generous and gentlemanly souls Donald Joseph Byrne in the wee hours of the morning of November 17th, 2022.
Born on January 28th, 1931 in Sandycove, Dublin, Ireland, Donald was the second son of John and Elizabeth and loving brother to John, Marie, Irene, Ita and Peter.
Donald was smart, a hardworker and had big dreams. Canada called and he answered, arriving as a young man in 1953, he worked his way across the country as a surveyor until he made it to the Westcoast.   Vancouver is where he settled, perfect for pursuing his passion for sailing and where he met the love of his life at a YMCA dance. Donald started his own successful piledriving and dredging company in 1971 and spent the next 25 years busily raising a family in North Vancouver.  In 1992 it was "High Time" for retirement and so set sail for a 5 year round the world trip on the boat he built, (well... he made it halfway round in 3 years) returning to be Papa to his grandchildren and build a house in Squamish where he would spend the next 26 happy years.
Donald lived life to the fullest, wherever he went, whatever he did, he was remembered and respected. Although the man we all know and love is not here anymore, his spirit will always be with us in our hearts and memories.  Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Survived by his adoring and devoted wife of almost 60 years, Shirley, his son Ken (Jahir), daughter Coleen (Andy) and grandchildren Shelby (Josh), Kyle, Tyler and Calum as well as his sister Marie and sister-in-law Jane and many, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will all dearly miss him.  Family was everything to Donald and thankfully there was no shortage of it!
There will be a private celebration of life with a funeral to take place in Ottawa 2023.  Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to a charity of your choice.
 

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