To the Byrnes Family - I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Ray.  My story with Ray goes back to Valley High School from 1980-1984 when Ray was the Athletic Director.  I was not fortunate enough to get to know Ray as a teacher but I did get to know him as a person.  I was a die hard basketball player and was constantly wanting to be in the gym.  Myself along with a few friends had many ways of working our way into one of two gyms at Valley.  During the summer we were constantly in the gym or trying to get in and Ray was always around.  After many and many attempts to keep us out of the gyms and our usual successful attempts to get in...Ray finally gave in.  He would just meet us and let us in or leave a door open.  His understanding allowed us to pursue something we loved and no doubt was a part of my career path.  I always appreciated how he understood me and my intentions.  He was a great man who had a tremendous influence on so many people.  He will be missed.  Please accept my condolences in this time of loss.

Sincerely, 

Michael J. Born
Norwalk, Iowa 
Valley High School Class of 1984

I never met Raymond, but my grandmother was a good friend of Gertie Byrnes, his mother.  We stopped by frequently to visit John and Gertie in Ames, even staying overnight on occasion, and Gertie always spoke with so much love and pride of Raymond.  I hadn't thought of the Byrnes family for many years and when I ran across Raymond's obituary, I was struck immediately by the strong resemblance to his parents--I could immediately see both John and Gertie in his face.  He must have been a wonderful man because he had wonderful parents.  God bless him and my condolences to the family.

Matt and Tim, I am sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.  When I think about high points from my high school years in Jefferson and experiences that have served me well in life I remember many experiences with your Dad.  Coach Byrnes challenged me to set high expectations and to meet them.    At the same time he was a consistent source of encouragement and a confidence builder. The confidence and discipline he helped to instill in me early in life has served me well.  It was an honor to have him as my coach in both football and track.  I am certain he has had a similar impact on many other young people in his role as a coach, teacher, and administrator.  Please accept my condolences in this time of loss and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.  

Sincerely,

David Ecklund
Vonore, Tennessee
Jefferson Highschool Class of 1968

Matt and Tim,
Your dad was an honor to the profession. I often go past your old house and think of the Byrnes family. While your  dad and his teams had many successes on the field, I always appreciated the overall positive environment our athletic  department exuded. I remember interviewing him for an article in the student paper about him leaving for Valley.I could tell he had really invested a lot into his  programs and was leaving with many fond memories.  And, I'll always remember how much  he enjoyed talking cars. He and Tony A. were quite a pair and I am so thankful I was able to  be under their guidance. God's blessings to you both.

I had four good years at Jefferson High with Ray instructions, some times smiling and other times not so good. He was always ready to listen when you had a problem and to give an answer and or support of somekind. I remember him coming up to the mile relay team after winning the state relay at Jefferson  in 1969, congratulating us heartily. My condolences. Sincerely, Tom "Legs" Snow, Class of 1969.

Dear Matt and Tim.  I am so sorry learn of your Dad's death.  He was one of my all time favorite teachers. He had 5th and 6th grade PE at Cooper.  He was so laid back. We had a blast. Because at times, I was less than angelic, my punishment was being kept out of PE to relearn the states, capitols and nicknames. When I complained about this to Mr. Byrnes, he advocated, and we only were kept in from lunch recess. I know your hearts hurt now, it does get easier. You and your families will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Carol Puffer-Mandziara

I was saddened when my parents let me know about Ray's passing.  Ray J, as we called him behind his back, or Coach Byrnes, as we called him to his face, is one of those people who left an indelible mark in my life.  He gave me chances that others would never have entertained.  I was part of the Class of 69, I was the wide receiver, and given the nickname "Wheels" by Ray.  Jefferson won the conference football championship that year and my mother still remembers Ray calling (very late at night or early in the morning) to tell us that I had made All Conference.  He wanted me to know before I got to school the next day.  I will never forget Coach Byrnes and for his commitment to sculpting kids like me into adults. Thank you, Ray!

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Raymond J. "Ray" Byrnes

26 septembre 1922 – 27 août 2014

McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery

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