August 18, 2006 Source: :
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2006/08-18-2006.html BYRNE, Cyril Joseph, C.M., Ph.D., Professor Emeritus BYRNE, Cyril Joseph, C.M., Ph.D., Professor Emeritus - 66, passed away in QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, on August 16, 2006, after a 15-month struggle with cancer. He was born in Corner Brook, N.L., the son of the late George and Bridget (Cole) Byrne. He is survived by his former wife, Leona Delvallet, Halifax, who provided valuable care in his final year; their children, John, Joseph, and Marie; by Sibylle Bechtold, Lunenburg, and their children Padraig and Tobias. He is also survived by his sister, Marie (Rupert) Gross, Toronto; his mother's sister, Mary, Newfoundland; and his father's siblings, Florence O'Reilly, Wolfville; Theresa (Walter Wall), Kevin Byrne and Jim Byrne, Newfoundland; and many cousins. He is remembered fondly by Laurie Mireau, Halifax; university colleagues, former students and numerous friends. An alumnus of St. Dunstan's University (Prince Edward Island), the National University of Ireland (Dublin), Oxford University and the University of Toronto, he was named Professor Emeritus last year when he retired from the English Department at Saint Mary's University after 35 years of service. He was instrumental in founding both the Atlantic Canada Studies program in 1975 and the Chair of Irish Studies 10 years later. An unusually gifted oral reader and performer of literary texts, Dr. Byrne was noted for his radio broadcast work as well as his magnetic classroom personality. He could animate Chaucer, Shakespeare, James Joyce, and the centuries of literature and music in between. Decades of students remain in his debt, especially those who took his classes in Shakespeare, Irish Literature and Newfoundland Studies, areas where he also focused his research. He was an outstanding scholar of Newfoundland and its connections with Ireland, and he leaves a rich legacy in this field. Besides numerous publications, he contributed much to the Atlantic Canada Institute and other regional organizations. An energetic convenor of conferences and a leader in national learned societies, including the Canadian Association of Irish Studies, he also served as regional representative on the Social Studies and Humanities Research Council. As Coordinator of Irish Studies at Saint Mary's, he worked unstintingly in a remarkably successful campaign to raise funds for the Chair. His achievements in the study and maintenance of Irish traditions in Canada were honoured in 1993 when he was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada. Cyril had an unflagging enthusiasm and zest for life. His passion for travel brought him abroad, often with his children; he kept his family ties with Newfoundland and conducted lifelong field studies in his native province. At home in Halifax, he loved being surrounded by family and friends, engaging in small talk as well as debates on world affairs. He loved music, the theatre, visiting the market on Saturday, and cooking for a full house. Cyril was at ease with the prominent, but he had the gift of the common touch. He was a generous friend, a stimulating teacher, a loyal colleague, and a devoted and loving parent. He will be missed by all for his warmth and his humour. We shall not see his like again. Visitation hours will be held today from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Cruikshank's Halifax Funeral Home, 2032 Robie St., Halifax. Funeral mass in St. Mary's Basilica on Saturday, August 19, at 10 a.m. Reception will be held in Saint Mary's University Theatre. Burial at a later date. Donations to the D'Arcy McGee Chair of Irish Studies, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS B3H 3C3, would honour Cyril's memory in a way that will continue his legacy. E-mail condolences may be sent to: cruikshankhalifaxfh@alderwoods.com -30-
|
