Mark Byrnes

BYRNES -Mark Keith Byrnes (1918-2008) died of Heart Failure on October 20 at Kindersley Hospital. Keith was born in Eston and grew up with brothers Don, Lorne, and sister, Maybeth on a homestead at Richlea. He was the youngest son of Alex and Sadie (McNichol) Byrnes. He attended University of Saskatchewan in Agricultural Engineering following high school. Because of the loss of crop in 1937, he went to Sudbury with brother Lorne who was working in the nickel mines. He returned to complete his degree and following graduation was employed as an engineer in Brantford (1942-45) making parts for Lancaster Bombers. When the war effort came to a close, the Cockshut Farm Equipment Plant started making self-propelled combines. In 1960, he moved to Mississauga as Chief Project Engineer for Massey Ferguson continuing until retirement in 1978. Keith met Margaret Allen on the badminton court and they were married in the fall of 1945. Son, Allen, was born in 1950. Margaret sustained an acquired spinal infection, which left her paralyzed from just below her arms. Keith built wheel chair adaptable vehicles and a modified home allowing Margaret to live a full happy productive life. They were both active members of the Dixie Curling Club. Margaret died in 1999 and Keith moved to Saskatchewan. Keith married Evelyn Hintze (nee Olafson) and they lived in Saskatoon and then Eston. Keith and Evie traveled and visited many friends until Evie's health prevented her from living independently. She currently resides in the Eston Health Center. Keith maintained an active life participating in community and social events. He participated in planning for the reuse of the former Eston Hospital and he continued to curl. He maintained his interest in his family's activities and continued to visit Ontario for Massey reunions on an annual basis. He is survived by wife Evelyn; son, Allen (Jude); stepdaughter, Loreen Howarth; numerous nieces and nephews: Merle (Norlane), Beverley (Cam) Gesy, Glenn (Pat), Jim, Joan (Al) Hiebert and their respective families. Keith is genuinely respected and will be dearly missed by his family. Keith valued the solid support and friendship of many people in the various communities in which he lived. Keith will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his enduring positive attitude, and his patience. Local memorial gathering will be held in the spring of 2009. Private service and internment to be held in Mississauga. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice.