top of page

Passing of Brian Byrne

March 11, 2017

Passing of Brian Byrne

It is with great sadness that I let you know that Brian Byrne has passed away.

Prior to joining The Toronto Optimists Brian marched with the Grantham Police Boys Band. When Brian joined The Optimists in 1965 he played French Horn. In 1968 the corps dropped their French Horns and he played Mellophone. Brian was the first of the Byrne clan to join the Optimists. He was later joined by his brothers David, John and Peter.

When the Optimist Alumni was formed, Brian joined. Until health issues forced him to resign, he served on the Alumni Board of Directors as Treasurer. In 2005, the corps was in need of a Drum Major. Brian rose to the occasion, took conducting lessons and served as the corps' Drum Major.

Brian was a wonderful human being and the best of friends. He will be missed by all of those who knew him. Our condolences go to Brian's brothers, John and Peter, and their families as well as the family of Brian's deceased brother, David.

Messages of condolences can be posted on the Optimists Alumni Facebook page.

Interment for Brian

  • The interment will be private.

Celebration of Brian's Life

Obituary for Brian

Brian William Wesley Byrne, 69, died peacefully, with loving family at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre on March 11th, 2017. Predeceased by his parents Clifford and Alice and brother David. Brian's wonderful sense of humour, extraordinary tenacity and profound love of life will be sorely missed by his brothers John Byrne (Nancy) of St. Catharines and Peter Byrne (Kathy) of Toronto. And the ‘world's ugliest dog', Brian's beloved Amos.

Brian was the favourite uncle of Alison Rochon (Rick), Cameron Byrne (Michelle) and Andrew Byrne (Kristi) as well as Jackson and Christian Byrne, and all their little ones who loved him so very much. The entire family wishes especially to thank Dr. Patricia Hose who treated Brian with great love and kindness these last few years.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Canadian Cancer Society or The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

All are welcome to a Celebration of Brian's Life to be held on April 1st at the Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, 106 Trinity Street in Toronto. A brief service will begin at 2 p.m. to be followed by refreshments.

bottom of page