Hugh Byrnes

Hugh Byrnes, who recently moved to Moose Jaw to be with his family, passed away on Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 at the age of 95 years.  A Prayer Service and Time of Visitation will be held on Friday, July 19th, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Father John Bingham will officiate.  A short graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, July 27th, 2013 at the cemetery in Verndale (overlooking Lake Lenore), followed by a time of sharing and reminiscing in Humboldt.  Hugh was predeceased by Jean, his wife of 60 years and son, Daniel.  Hugh is lovingly remembered by his family: daughter, Jary (John) Bingham; grandchildren: Amy (Andriy) Pryadko, Andrew Byrne and Tomas Liam; great-grandchildren: Makariy, Patrick, Lydia and Daniel; sister, Bernice Hobson; and many loving nieces.  Hugh’s long and energetic life was full of amazing events, and he spread his love around among those he knew with great generosity.  Losing his mother at the age of six, he always treasured his family: his dad, brothers, sisters, and cousins, and then his own children, nieces, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Two very special women were anchors in his life: his sister Gladys, and his wife of 60 years, Jean.  Though many other family and friends were dear to him, no one ever replaced them in his heart.  Their passing left permanent “vacant” spots.  From his childhood by Lake Lenore, Sask.; during his Depression-years roaming through northern B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan; to his years in the Canadian Navy during WW2; his years spent logging on Vancouver Island, B.C.; then his time working and ranching near Grande Prairie, Alta; the establishing of a new rural home near Creston in the Kootenay Valley; a move to live with daughter Jary and her family in Ft. Langley, B.C.; and finally, a move back to Saskatchewan, to Moose Jaw (again near Jary and family) – through all of these different changes of location and lifestyle – Hugh maintained a love of nature, of music and verse, and of animals, especially horses.  He constantly wrote and shared stories, poems and songs about the things and people he loved.  His buoyant sense of humour and his agile antics — handstands, headstands (on the ground or on a horse!), sleight-of-hand tricks — delighted those around him.  His abiding faith in God’s goodness was expressed quietly through the years in a multitude of ways, in spite of jarring and unexpected losses: a first son Roger, at birth; his closest brother Bob, during their partnership at Byrnes Motors; and son Dan, just two years ago.  Hugh established and ran The Dunes, a ranch outside Grande Prairie, for 20 years, working a full-time job and raising a family at the same time.  During these years he shared the beautiful Wapiti River valley with countless “dudes” on scenic trail rides.  He played in the city band and participated in gymkhana activities.  Upon retiring in Creston, he became more active in the local United Church, joined the Writers’ League, the Camera Club, and the Museum Society, and contributed his skills enthusiastically.  He “called” and played for square dances through the years, and formed strong friendships with people both young and old.  His hospitality was well-known. “Got the coffee on, Jean?” was a common litany as he came through the door with someone in tow.  He loved reading and writing, and always found time for these pursuits.  Into his eighties, his eyesight began to fail, and so he spent more time outdoors, taking long walks with the family dog, and gradually adjusting to the hindrances of advanced age.  To the end, he was a gentle person and maintained an optimistic attitude to life, still smiling his quirky smile when someone made a witty remark.  We thank the Lord for all that Hugh gave to those around him, including his legacy of poem and song. May his memory be eternal.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  Donations in Hugh’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director. 306-693-4550.