John McIntosh BYRD

1935 - 2016

BORN

1935

DIED

2016

About

Florida State University

John BYRD Obituary

BYRD, John McIntosh
July 9, 1935 - Sept. 10, 2016
In the early morning hours of Sept 10, 2016, John began his peaceful soul journey into heaven. Being a third generation Floridian, "Johnnie Mac" grew up in Delray Beach and was a graduate of Seacrest High School with the class of 1954, and attended Florida State University prior to being drafted into military service. He served in the U.S. Navy as a crew member in a Helicopter Rescue squadron on aircraft carriers, from Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia. After his military service, he returned to F.S.U. and graduated in 1961. For the next 15 years, he enjoyed teaching Industrial Arts and Aviation to students at his alma mater (Seacrest High School), newly named Atlantic High School. As John's sons were growing up, he made the decision to become an electrical contractor. He founded John Byrd Electrical Contractor in Delray Beach, Florida. He set himself apart in the business by being very prompt, taking on off-the-beaten-path work and doing great work. John had a lifelong interest in flight. He was a licensed pilot and had obtained his instrument rating, multi-engine, and commercial endorsements. He was also a licensed A&P mechanic as well. A lifelong learner, John built his first sailplane (BG-12) in 1968 and flew in his first National contest in 1969 held in Marfa, Texas. In soaring he found his challenge: learning to "read the sky" and fly long distances, returning to the starting-point in the shortest time period possible. Unpowererd flight is never boring. He competed in regional, national and international soaring competition, finding each contest a learning experience. The "Byrdman" was a member of the U.S. Soaring Team in the World Championships in Benalla, Australia, 1987, and in Weiner Neustadt, Austria, 1989, also Uvalde, Texas, 1991, and in Bayreuth, Germany in 1999. He held memberships in the Soaring Society of America and the Experimental Aircraft Association. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ann Byrd; and two sons, John II, and Bill and his wife, Estra; and a younger brother, Clyde Byrd.
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Published by The Palm Beach Post from Sep. 25 to Sep. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for John BYRD

8 Entries

Harold Wilson

September 19, 2024

It was such a long time ago but because of Johnny Mac, Ann, and others, it was a wonderful time. The memories are still present.
Harold Wilson

Harold Wilson

September 19, 2020

It was the last years of high school I believe. Johnny Mac had an old Model A. It had no body really, just the cowling for the engine, a firewall with a dashboard for instruments like the ignition, etc., and seats bolted the frame. There must have been a floor in front of the seats and around the pedals, maybe. We would take it over to the beach and in vacant lots crash through the brush and small tree like we were pushing through the deep woods. On the way home one day, cruising up AIA, a fire, real flames, broke out under the dashboard. Johnny Mac looked down and calmly said, “Oh, fire in the ignition room.” And without slowing down grabbed a rag and snuffed it out. Nerves of steel that made him the great glider pilot he became.

Don Horton

May 28, 2018

It is very sad for me to hear of John's passing. We spent so very little time together, but oh what an impression you made John. I will never forget you. RIP Ship Mate.......

Harold Wilson

October 5, 2016

Ann;

I'm so sorry to hear of Johnny Mack's death. I have so many great memories of him and of you. You're in my thoughts.

Harold

Bob Griffith

October 3, 2016

It is a sad day for me to hear of John's passing. His wife Anne and their children were always the nicest individuals. My sincerest condolences to all. John was the very best in a person and in fact I know of no one better. He was like a father to me and the very best Teacher I ever had. In my young adult life we spent many hours flying and we both shared our aircraft when needed. I remember well the time I towed him in his sailplane to an island in the Bahamas so Toshiba could do a Japanese TV commercial with his sailplane. That was one of many really unique adventures with John. I lost touch with John & family in the late 1980's and could not locate him. Strangely John was very heavy on my mind in the first part of September. Again, he was the very best and I have to say this news of his passing hits hard. In my mind, John was always young and eager for adventure. Rest In Peace my Dear friend. May the Lord give you the best of everything, without question you deserve it.

Clint Moore

October 3, 2016

Ann, I just yesterday learned of Johnnie's passing , and I am so saddened. I remember all the good times flying with him . I still recall the wonderful high school days and the good times back when life seemed so much more simple. Clint Moore 111

Peter Coira

September 26, 2016

I am greatly saddened to read of our loss of Johnny Bryd, one of the most talented individuals I have had the pleasure of knowing. Heartfelt condolences to Ann and his family.
Peter Coira

September 25, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to you and your boys, Ann. You and John were among our first friends in DB many years ago. We have fond memories of times we spent together. John was an interesting man of many talents.
Betty and Fred Devitt

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