Capt. Peter H. Byrne, age 85, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019. He resided in Canada for almost 50 years, but his heart never left the rolling hills of Scotland’s countryside. Where he was born.
His family was the centre of his universe, and he is survived by his soulmate and loving wife, Olga Byrne, his two children, Peter Byrne (Kathy), and Esther Vardy (Chris), his 5 grandchildren whom he adored, Cara Vardy (Cody), Madison Vardy, Ryan Byrne, Audrey Byrne, Aidan Byrne, his younger sister Margret Johnstone (Duncan), his nephews Gerald Byrne (Felicity), Wallace Johnstone (Gemma), his nieces, Allison Boyd (Brian), and Aileen Johnstone, as well as other loving relatives.
Capt. Byrne was a man of many facets. He joined the RAF in 1952, and eventually left Scotland for Canada in 1965. He enjoyed a lifetime of work in the Canadian Armed Forces, volunteering with youth through cadets, history, painting, writing, and walking, he was also a die hard Celtic FC fan and a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a beautiful man, with a quick wit and sharp sense of humour, old fashioned gentlemanly qualities, the kindest of hearts, and a warmth that you could feel to the core. Words cannot describe how deeply missed he will be by all who knew and loved him.
An interment to be held in the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 2 p.m. The family will be there to greet relatives and friends. Followed by a Celebration of Life at the Lieutenants Pump, 361 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario at 4 p.m.
Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Bruyère Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Esty Vardy
Sean O'Carroll
Good bye Peter. We will miss your humour.
Sean and Anna May
Kevin Dale
My condolences to the whole Byrne family. Through our many long conversations I know how devoted Peter was to all of you. He was a great man to know, so well read and unfailingly helpful. A true friend. I will miss speaking with him on all things Celtic, past and present!
Aileen johnstone and family
We will all forever remember big Peter with endless love and affection
'Glasgow gave me more than it ever took away
The miles may have separated us,
But the memories will continue to bind us together, always
God bless
From us all
Xxx
'
Margaret Johnstone
Remembering Peter fondly,
Dearest brother and brother of the late Gerald (Maureen)
And behalf of all absent friends in Glasgow
Donald J. McGibbon [Cpl]
"My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here; My heart's in the Highlands, a' chasin' the deer; My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go... The birthplace of Valour. " [R. Burns]
Ronnie Campbell
Despite not seeing much of Peter in recent years, he will be sadly missed by Celtic Supporters in Ottawa. Peter was an important part of the Ottawa Celtic Supporters Club. In those early years, with no live television coverage of games, Peter was a wealth of knowledge, regaling us with descriptions of goals scored in years gone by.
Our condolences go out to his family.
Terry Hall
A dear friend of many good times at the National Harbours Board (overstaffed with Scots), Transport Canada where he drafted Canada's Maritime Code, got me into the Cameron Highlanders Regiment where I kept everyone out of step by playing the bass drum (no talent), and lifted more than a few at the Lieutenants Pump. His laugh and perpetual humour will be greatly missed. To the highlands, good friend. Private Terrance Hamilton Hall
tom campbell
A lovely man, and badly missed!
You will be missed more than you know, but I am relieved to know you are now at peace. You will forever be my Daddy Woody and your story will never be forgotten. Forever my angel in the sky. ❤️