JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. & KENNEBUNKPORT - John Clark Byrnes, 81, of Johns Island, S.C., and Kennebunkport, Maine, beloved husband of 54 years to Ada Wilson Byrnes, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 18, 2019. His memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr Inc., West Ashley Chapel.

John was born Oct. 14, 1937, in Wenatchee, Wash., son of the late Raymond Francis Byrnes and Ruth Lang Byrnes. He is a graduate of Syracuse University, class of 1960, where he graduated in industrial design and competed on the track and field team. He taught at The Philadelphia College of Arts before serving in the U.S. Army from 1960-1966. His professional career included employment with advertising giant, N. W. Ayer in Philadelphia and New York, where he developed the US Army slogan, "Be All You Can Be". He then created advertising campaigns for McCaffrey and McCall, working on the ESSO-Exxon name change project, along with Ketchum Communications. Eventually, John began his own agency, Byrnes and Merz Advertising, where he continued his dedication to his craft, developing campaigns for multiple well-known companies, until his retirement, upon which he and his wife, Ada, moved to split time between Kennebunkport, Maine, and Seabrook Island, S.C. He was a faithful member of The Church on the Cape in Cape Porpoise, Maine, and attended Johns Island Presbyterian Church in Johns Island, S.C. He loved the Lord, his family, and life. A fighter until the end, he was always courageous, always strong.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Ada W. Byrnes; his two sons, John Clark Byrnes Jr. (Amy), and Gregory Robert Byrnes (Susan); four grandsons, John Clark Byrnes III, Palmer Byrnes, Reece Byrnes and Grayson Byrnes; and sister, Carol Bernard. A true gentleman, he showed them all what it meant to be a faithful, steadfast and loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be forever missed. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

In lieu of flowers,

memorials may

be made to

The Church on The Cape

P.O. Box 2740

Kennebunkport, ME 04046

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on May 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Byrnes

22 Entries

Mitch Galane

July 17, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences.

Nicole Carter

June 12, 2019

Ada and Family,
It's hard to find the right words to express how we feel about john's passing.
John was such a solid person, we all feel so fortunate to have had him in our lives. He fulfilled so many roles for so many people, he was an uncle, a brother, a grand pop, a friend, a dad and above all, a wonderful husband!
Out thoughts and prayers are with you right now. You are one of the strongest women I know. This has to be a terrible time but I know you will use your strength to work through this.
You and John have always been, and will continue to be a great example to Shaun and I on how to live our lives.
The impact you and your family have had on all of our lives is priceless and can never be put into words.
We are all so proud to consider ourselves part of the family.
We love you all very much.
Rosaleen, Shaun and Nicole

Dick and Lyn Harter

June 6, 2019

Dear Ada, I was just reading The Seabrooker and saw the obituary for John. We are so very sorry to hear of his passing. We enjoyed the last conversation we had with you two right before we left Seabrook in March. John was a neat person and we would have loved to know him better. We're praying for you and your family that God would heal your grief and provide you with peace. I wish we could be there to give you a big hug. We love you, Ada, and are looking forward to spending time with you when we return to Seabrook next winter. Lyn & Dick

Ron Schildge

June 2, 2019

Dear Ada,
I had the pleasure of first meeting John at one of our Exchange Club dinners and then meeting the two of you at services at Johns Island Presbyterian Church. If there is one word that comes to mind when I think of John it is "warmth". He always had a word of encouragement for my stepson who is also in the advertising business and when we saw each other at church it was always like greeting a long time friend! I am saddened by your loss but comforted in knowing that he has entered the eternal kingdom with our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you and comfort you in these difficult days,

Ron Schildge and Lyn Magee, your friends on Seabrook

Janet Wilson

May 27, 2019

Such a truly good man! We spent many happy times with John and Ada when they lived in Wayne,Pa and also up in Maine. I am so sorry to hear of his death. He was always so kind to us and our girls. He will certainly be missed.

Paul and Janet Wilson

Fran Liautaud

May 24, 2019

Dear Ada and Family,
God bless you at this sad time. John was an amazing man, and he will be missed at Church on the Cape. Sending love and hugs.

Eliza Wampler Scherrer

May 23, 2019

Oh dear Byrnes family, my heart is broken to hear this news. My mind is full of amazing memories of you all living around the corner in Valley Forge. What fun we had! I will always cherish the luncheon you held for me on the day of my wedding. I wish we could do it all again. I am thinking of you every minute and sending so much love. John was a truly wonderful man in every way. He will be so missed. Sending you love and strength. Thanks for the memories. God bless.

Lisa Kelley

May 22, 2019

Aunt Ada and family,Bob and I are so sorry to hear of Uncle John's passing,he was a very kind man.I enjoyed spending time with him.He lived a great life and made a positive impact on everyone .He will be missed.

Tom & Linda Sivert

May 21, 2019

Our condolences, Ada. We'll miss John's warm personality, smile, and humor ... a good man!

Donna MacLure

May 21, 2019

Dear Ada, Ken and I are so so sad to hear about Johns passing. He was a wonderful man, we will always treasure our fun times with him in KPT and our visit to Johns Island. We send you our love and prayers

Carolyn Cutright

May 21, 2019

Aunt Ada, I am so sorry to learn of Uncle John's passing. Summer visits to Montclair are truly my fondest childhood memories. In more recent years, my family always looked forward to an opportunity to sit, talk, and catch up with you and John. We love you.

Richard Bernard

May 21, 2019

So sad to hear about my uncle's passing. He was always so strong I thought he would live forever.
God bless him.

May 21, 2019

My condolences to the family. May you reflect on the fond memories with your loved one. And may the peace of God that excels all thought comfort you.

Matthew Beldner

May 21, 2019

Ada, you and your family are in our prayers. John was a true gentleman and one of the kindest persons I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. His spirit and smile was infectious and he will be deeply missed. I am certain his charisma and passion has been passed down to his children and I know you will see the glimmer of him in the eyes of your grandchildren. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. My deepest sympathies. Matthew and Tara and the boys.

Lee Vancini

May 21, 2019

Ada: I am very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a tower of a man with a solid Downeast accent. I regret not seeing more of him as we both gave up getting frustrated with golf.
He gave it a good fight and now deserves the rest.

Robert Savin

May 21, 2019

John and I had many interesting and humorous conversations at the Lake House gym during the winter months he was on Seabrook.
He was intelligent ,humorous and insightful.
He will be missed.
My deepest condolences.

Rob Savin
Seabrook Island

May 21, 2019

Thank you for your service.

Bruce Jaeger

May 20, 2019

Ada and boys, Clark n Greg, our sincere sympathies over the loss of a wonderful man. I will forever hear his hearty laugh and recall his dry sense of humor on so many past gatherings, that unfortunately were too few of late. He was, and remains, one of my favorite friends from WC days watching our boys together and enjoying the friendship they created. Great days. Wonderful memories. A warm and gentle man. He is missed. Love to all, Bruce n Millie

Richard Farnsworth

May 20, 2019

John's family & friends will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers...Godspeed be with you all. vqnp8Fuzzy & Helen Farnsworth from Church On The Cape, Kennebunkport, Maine

Terri Richards

May 20, 2019

I met Mr. & Mrs. Byrnes, when he came to our practice, as a patient. He was an amazing person, and always had a smile on his face, no matter how much pain he was in. I always offered a hug, and always got one in return, along with a kiss on the cheek. He was my favorite person to see every day, and I will never forget how this kind man touched my heart. He will forever be missed.

I pray for his beautiful family, that they might find peace, knowing he is with the Lord, and no longer in any pain. There will be a day when we will see you again, sir. What a day of rejoicing it will be.

Sincerely,
Terri Richards

George Lambert

May 20, 2019

My sincere condolences to you, Ada, and to your sons. Having just lost a brother, I can relate to the pain that you are no doubt experiencing at this time.

John was a wonderful friend to me and his fellow "gym rats" at the Fitness Nuthouse. We will all miss him. I think back to the great time we enjoyed at lunch just before you and he left for South Carolina last fall. Telling stories and sharing laughs, John was in his element.

I know that words are inadequate to express how we all feel about the death of John, but we can all rest assured that he is now in a better place.

Peace,
George

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