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A. MICHAEL (MIKE) BYRNE BA (Hons.), FSA, FCIA It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Michael (Mike). He is survived by his wife Donna; daughter Kathy, son-in-law Christian, beloved grandchildren Liam and Lauren; son David and daughter-in-law Tara. He is also survived by his brother Patrick, sister-in-law Stephanie and niece Eilish, as well as by Donna's brother Bob, sister-in-law Margaret and nieces Robyn and Roslyn. A Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, specializing in the group and pension fields, Michael worked for 34 years in the insurance industry where he was a senior executive at Monarch Life, North American Life and Manulife Financial. In 1997 Michael left the insurance industry to join the University of Manitoba (U. of M.) where he was appointed to the inaugural position of Warren Chair in Actuarial Science, in addition to becoming a professor in the Asper School of Business and Director of the Warren Centre for Actuarial Studies and Research. In these roles, he was tasked with rebuilding the Actuarial Science program into one that is recognized for its excellence. In addition to working at the U. of M., Michael worked as an Actuary Consultant for Eckler Partners Ltd. for 10 years. He retired from the U. of M. in 2004, and remained at Eckler Partners until 2009. He rejoined the Asper School at the U. of M. as Executive in Residence, associated with the Warren Centre, in 2010. Michael was extremely generous in sharing his time and expertise with family, friends, and the community. He served as a past Chair of the Manitoba Pension Commission, was a long-time member and Chairman of the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD) pension committee, as well as a member of the SMD financial committee. Michael was also a strong supporter of the arts and a variety of charitable organizations. He was known to actively participate in the fundraising efforts of the United Way within the insurance and business communities. In addition to his many contributions to various charities and organizations, Michael was happy to give of himself to help others and was recognized by the Red Cross for his many years of blood donations. He was a kind, loving husband, caring and supportive father and proud, doting grandfather. Those that knew Michael well will know that he was a voracious reader, an avid Formula 1 racing fan and will be remembered especially for his sense of humour. He was a talented basketball player, who, in his younger years also volunteered his time to coaching and participating in wheelchair basketball. Michael was a long time member of the Church of the Good Shepherd where he was a very active volunteer within the congregation. Although Michael is terribly missed by his loved ones, we take comfort in the fact that he will live on in those who benefit from his transplants. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 16 at 3:30 p.m., at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 933 Summerside Avenue (in the Trinity United Building). The family is extremely grateful for the many compassionate staff members who cared for Michael at the I.C.U. at the Victoria General Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Victoria General Hospital Foundation. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2012
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I'm terribly saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Even though I was somewhat terrified of him when I worked with him, he has come to be a good friend and I will miss his acerbic and witty Christmas cards each year. I'm sorry I couldn't be at the funeral, my thoughts and condolences go out to his family. - Posted by: Cynthia (McInnes) Philp ((formerr NAL colleague)) on: Jan 27, 2012
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I was very saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I had the benefit and privilege to work in the Group Pension area of North American Life under the guidance of Mike Byrne. He always treated me, and everyone else that worked for him, with dignity, respect and gave us all a sense of self worth. He was highly respected and he will be missed by all that knew him. My condolences to his family and may his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: David Cohen (Colleague at North American Life) on: Jan 17, 2012
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Surprised and saddened to learn just today. Condolences to Donna and family. We have many fond remembrances, back to the GWL days. - Posted by: Harold and Kay McCort (Friends/business associate) on: Jan 16, 2012
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Dear Donna. Linda and I extend our deepest condolences to you and your family. Mike was a person whose friendship and trust were not a given but rather earned, which made those two qualities that much more rewarding. Our 1992 trip to East Asia, along with the Quesnelles, was one which I will always cherish and I was so glad to have recently been able to send you some pictures from that trip which I hope Mike was able to enjoy before his passing. I have another (which I could not find) of Mike atop an elephant in a park outside Bangkok. The grin from beneath his ever present Tilley hat will forever be etched in my memory. The world is a better place for his time with us. He will be truly missed by those of us who had the priviledge to call him "friend" and Linda and I will really miss his wonderfully crafted Christmas letters. - Posted by: Garry Wright (friend and associate) on: Jan 16, 2012
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Donna, Cathy and David and family. I was very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I am sorry that I was not able to attend the service this afternoon. I have spoken with my folks, Harold and Bev and they also pass along their condolences. I and they have very fond memories of the years spent as your neighbors and the friendship that developed. Mike was a wonderful man, husband, father, friend and neighbor and he will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Barb Pellerin (Neighbor) on: Jan 16, 2012
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Donna, it was with great sadness that Wendy and I learned of Mike's passing; our sincere condolences to you and family. Mike possessed the enviable ability to be a respected leader and a friend. We are better persons for having known him. The post conference side trips and brief visits after North American Life carry fond memories which I will treasure. - Posted by: George Quesnelle (Friend and former colleague) on: Jan 16, 2012
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Donna and family, my most sincere condolences on Mike's passing. He was one of the finest men I ever had the pleasure to know let alone work with. His sense of humour and his welcoming nature made people comfortable and at ease in the most stressful of situations. Anne and I will remember him fondly for his hosting skills at the various conferences and I will remember him also as a friend and mentor. Neil and Anne Craig ~ Neil Craig, London, Ontario - Posted by: Neil Craig (Colleague and Friend) on: Jan 16, 2012
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I had the great pleasure of working with Mike through my years with Monarch Life, North American Life, Manulife and Eckler Ltd. My sincere condolences to his family. He will be missed. - Posted by: Cathy Veals (former colleague) on: Jan 15, 2012
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I am very sad to learn of Mile's passing. My sincerest condolences to Donna and family. In 1984 Mike hired me as the Manager, Group Insurance Contracts for Monarch Life/North American Life at a time when I desperately needed a job. I proceeded to follow Mike when he became the leader of the Group Pension Division in 1988 as his Pension Compliance Consultant and remained working with him until 1996. Mike and I collaborated on many, many issues over the years and he was one of the few leaders I had until that point who trusted my abilities. He once told me "I know how hard your job is, because I used to do it myself." I gained a lot of respect for Mike over the years and I will sincerely miss him as will many others. He graced us all by his very presence. So long my friend...until we meet again. - Posted by: Brian Fraser (Former colleague and friend) on: Jan 15, 2012
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I am saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I was the Ontario Group Manager for Monarch Life from 1978 to 1983 and gained most of my knowledge about Registered Pension Plans from Mike in 1980 and 1981. He was well respected in the Life Insurance and Actuarial communities and will be missed professionally and personally. - Posted by: Mike Duggan (former colleague at Monarch Life) on: Jan 14, 2012