Predeceased by Joan (Lynch), Des was born in Ottawa, October 2, 1929, to Charles and Mildred Byrne. Des was the middle of three boys, including the late Joe (Marion), the oldest, and the late Charlie (Barbara).
Blessed with a strong work ethic and embracing the importance of public service, Dad was proud of his early exploits in downtown Ottawa selling newspapers at 3 cents each at the corner of Sparks and Metcalfe. He graduated to delivery work for Borden Dairy using real horse power. He also assisted with his father’s volunteer work, fabricating and fitting prosthetic limbs through the Rotary Club.
Dad then earned a CA through Queens University and went into accounting, first with AA Crawley Co., and finally with the Government (Health and Welfare). Later, community work included volunteering his professional services at The Glebe Centre, at a local church, and in supporting several ‘liberal’ minded folk seeking parliamentary seats.
Dad’s need for security spurred his move to the Federal Public Service - coincidentally around the time of his September 24, 1960 wedding to Joan. Kids arrived soon - Phil (Ruth), Pat (Julie), Kevin (Karen), and Kate (Ron). The grandkids (7 in total) started appearing in 1989 – Jake, Allie, Scott, Ryan, Amanda, Claire and John, and a great grandchild joined the group in 2021 (Lewis).
Mom and Dad provided an amazing environment for everyone to grow, learn and explore life in our own ways. Dad never hesitated when it came to providing any form of assistance to his children’s (sometimes protracted) ‘learning’ and ‘exploring’. Dad was a gentle, funny guy who seemed to like the grandkids a little more than the kids, had a vigorous handshake and never let details get in the way of a good story. His greatest joy came with supporting family in any way he could.
Dad’s later years were challenged by the progressive emergence of dementia. To the very end, dad was quick with a joke and dispensing a “thank you” to anyone who came by or called. He died peacefully at St. Patrick’s Home, on Christmas Eve, 2023. Special thanks to the staff of Dublin House who made his final years comfortable and happy.
The family will receive friends at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road (at Albion) Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 5-8 pm. Funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Basilica (220 Kent St.) on Wednesday, January 3, at 10:30 am, followed by a reception in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Des's memory may be made to St. Patrick’s Home
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