Michael Byrne

Michael Edward Byrne

Sept 26, 1946 - July 16, 2018

Michael died after a valiant 22-month fight against two blood related cancers. His strength and love during this time were a huge source of comfort to his husband and life partner of 41 years, Steve Evans.

Michael was raised in the small town of Tilden, Texas, south of San Antonio, where he eventually attended college at St. Mary's University there. He joined the army, which brought him to California. Following his military service, he moved to Monterey California. He worked in a civil service job at the Presidio of Monterey. During this time, he was also very active in local theater companies and was the featured actor in shows such as Guys and Dolls, Company and Bye, Bye Birdie.

In August of 1977, Michael met "the love of his life" at Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove. Together he and Steve moved up to San Francisco in the late '70's into an apartment they still call home. Michael pursued his Master's degree in Theatre at SF State and performed in a few plays during the 1980's. In the same decade, he also worked as the assistant to the director of the Fine Arts Museums, as well as holding an administrative position at SF State.

Highly creative, in the 1990's Michael decided to focus all his energies on making art full time. He was multi-talented, but found his greatest success with painting and sculpture. At one time he was represented in two San Francisco galleries, as well as others in San Antonio and Philadelphia.

Michael would self-identify as shy, but those who knew him would disagree. He held wonderful dinner parties, where he demonstrated his love for cooking and ability to engage his guests with great food and fun conversation. He had a generous heart and a huge smile that was that was his greatest gift.

Michael was preceded in death by both his parents, Merlin and Elizabeth Byrne. He is survived by brothers John and Richard Byrne and sister Marilyn Byrne. He also was fond of his nephews John Jr. and Jeffrey, and nieces Jane, Juli, Jessica, Jackie and Mary. Michael is also remembered very fondly by his extended California family connected through his husband Steve.

A memorial service will be held for Michael at St. Agnes Church on Saturday, Aug 25 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested to please send donations to: UCSF Foundation, PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339 and designate on the memo line that the gift is in memory of Michael Byrne to support the Grand Multiple Myeloma Translational Initiative. You can also give online by visiting makeagift.ucsf.edu/grandmmti.