JOSEPH OLIVER BYRNES

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JOSEPH OLIVER BYRNES Joseph Byrnes passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at the Health Sciences Centre. The son of Garrett and Olivia Byrnes, Joe was born in Rainy River on November 14, 1921. He married Madeleine Walleyn on March 3, 1944 and together they raised four children, Diane, Brian, Ann and Valerie. Joe worked at St. Ignatius Church and School for over 25 years and enjoyed the many hours he spent volunteering at the church in his retirement. Joe was blessed with an amazing sense of humour that knew no boundaries. His ability to put a smile on everyone's face, no matter how long or brief the encounter, brightened the days of friends and strangers alike. Joe was predeceased by his wife Madeleine and his 12 brothers and sisters. Joe leaves to mourn his children, Diane (Adelard) Poitras, Brian (Lorraine) Byrnes, Ann Blanchette and Valerie (Dale) Leith; his grandchildren, Robin Searle, Holly Campbell, Sherry Poitras, Lonnie Poitras, Garrett Byrnes, Jodi Tomczak, Michelle Macklin, Darren Blanchette, Joelle Botcher, Madeleine Fischer, Stephen Leith, Kate Leith; 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Garrett Byrnes, Darren Blanchette, Lonnie Poitras, Stephen Leith, Kurt Tomczak, and Randy Botcher. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, June 20 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford St. with Fr. Joseph Johnson, S.J., presiding. A reception will follow the service with interment at Green Acres Cemetery. The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and staff at the Health Sciences Centre 9A Unit. A special thank you to nurse Marcia. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made in Joe's memory to St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford Street, Winnipeg, MB R3M 2X2. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy. #1 E. at Navin, (204) 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2006