BYRNE: John “Jack” William of London, formerly of Zurich
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On April 29, 2025 @ 11:34 AM In Obituary,Zurich | 20 Comments
March 13,1925 – February 25,2025
Born March 13,1925 in Sydney, Nova Scotia to parents Jim and Annie Byrne.
Cherished and beloved husband of the late Teresa (McIntosh) Byrne for 69 wonderful years. Loving father of Keith (Lucille) Byrne, Deborah (the late Paul) Walmsley, Kevin (Ivy) Byrne, Denise (Bob), Robblee, John (Julie)Byrne, and son in law Kevin Coulter. He was a proud grandfather to his 11 grandchildren and proud great-grandfather to his 10 great-grandchildren. Dear brother to Jim (the late Lenore) Byrne, Margie (the late Royce) Fowler and Rita (the late Len) Haroldson and brother-in-law of Shirley Pemberton.
Predeceased by daughters; Delores Byrne (2010), and Diane Coulter (2021), grandson Ian Byrne (1991) and his angel great-grandchildren, siblings and their spouses; Ed (Joan) Byrne, Joan (Gary) Connors, Evelyn (Richard) Lewis, and Teresa’s siblings and their spouses; Annie, Jane, Mary, Amelia (Danno), Colleen, Johnny, Tommy, Joe, Angus and Clarence (Toots).
Jack joined the Cape Breton Highlanders in June of 1940 at the age of 15 and shipped out to England with them in 1941. While in England he became an instructor and rose to the rank of Acting Sargent. In the spring of 1944, he gave up his rank and instructing duties and transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. He landed with them at Juno Beach on D-Day. Jack was wounded twice, with the second set of wounds ending the war for him. He still carried a German bullet within him. After the war Jack continued to serve and became a Field Engineer with the Engineering Militia Unit in Sydney. He rose to the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class and became the Sgt Major of the unit.
After the war and recovering from his wounds, Jack returned to his hometown of Sydney where he became involved with a number of Royal Canadian Legions. He held the position of Legion Service Officer for many years where he worked with the legion and Veterans Affairs to ensure his fellow veterans received the support and benefits they had earned. When Jack moved his family to Ontario, he continued to be involved with the Legion. In his later years, Jack was the last surviving World War II Veteran in the Grand Bend Legion. In 2015 Jack was invested as a Knight with the French Legion of Honour.
Sports and recreation were an important part of his life personally and professionally, including football, rugby, baseball, boxing, umpiring and golf. He even had two holes-in-one. Jack and Teresa travelled extensively over the years. They also enjoyed many years wintering in Florida.
Visitation will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 22 Mary Street, ZURICH on Saturday, May 3rd from 10 – 11 AM, where Jack’s Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM. Cremation with interment St. Boniface Cemetery on the Bronson Line. A reception will follow.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_P25W7lF9pI3SnXAyu5KQ
Donations in Jack’s memory to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Parkwood Institute, Level 3 Kent, for the excellent care and support they showed our dad.
IN JACK’S WORDS
“I leave with no regrets and feel that I have fulfilled my destiny. I thank God for the gift of a wonderful wife and family and the time he allowed me to enjoy them. May God’s blessing smile on you all. Thank you for a wonderful life.”
Condolences for the family of “BYRNE: John “Jack” William of London, formerly of Zurich”
Denise and Bob and John and Julie. We are sorry to hear about your Dad. What a rich and varied life he led for almost 100 years. His athletic abilities were passed down to you.
We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to Jack’s family. Jack and Teresa were our backyard neighbours for several years. We often enjoyed a chat in the backyard and were invited to join with the family at various celebrations . Jack and Teresa were proud of all of you!
Jack lived a very full and honourable life. You will miss him , but now cherish all of your wonderful memories.
Denise and Family
So sorry to hear of your dad . I briefly knew him and was delighted to talk with him some time ago . A very nice man he was . By the looks of his career,he served well
When remembering my childhood growing up in Huron Park Jack comes to mind immediately! If my child imagination doesn’t exaggerate,he was a huge man! (but so gentle).He was so great with us kids I am forever thankful! He went above and beyond for us .There was so little to do for us growing up and with him recognizing that I remember being in the rec centre and him throwing long(on target every time) passes with the football with ease! he would let us have the arena and see ourselves out the back door when done and we did it time and time again because we did as he told us as we truly respected him!He gave us purpose and belief in ourselves. He gave us a special gift,his time!All his mentioned accommodations comes as no surprise!Clearly an amazing man that left his footprint where ever he went. He will be forever remembered!
Denise and Family,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days ahead. Hugs to you all.🙏🏻❤️
Denise ,John & Julie
So sorry to read about dads passing . Sending you my condolences.I never met this man with such an amazing storied past and a long life may he RIP .
My sincere sympathy to John and family.
I always looked forward to the many stories and adventures John would tell of his father.
He lived a long life sprinkled with a bit of mischief and an abundance of love for family and friends.
Hold those memories close.
Denise,Bob,John and Julie,
What an interesting life your father lived! This has left you many wonderful memories, May you cherish them!
Sincerely,Donna
Denise ,John & Julie
So sorry to read about dads passing . Sending you my condolences.I never met this man with such an amazing storied past and a long life may he RIP .
We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Comrade Jack. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we honor his memory with gratitude and respect. During this difficult time, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denise, Bob, Pam, Shane, Katie, Scott, Melissa, Jeremy and their families.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Know that we are thinking of you as you mourn the
loss of your father and grandfather. Sending hugs.
Susan and Rick Willert
Your Dad made everyone smile! Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Sending hugs and strength.
Sincerely,
Sandy Somerville
Dear Denise and Family,
Jack and Theresa were our neighbours.They were so friendly,helpful and very strong in their Faith.
Chris enjoyed listening to Jack’s stories.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers
Sending my condolences to Denise and family. Hugs to all the grandchildren and friends. As we get older and lose our older relatives. We see what the journey is all about. Good work ethic , faith, family and good humour. R.I.P. Jack may you fly with your angels.
Extending my heartfelt condolences to Denise and John, whom I knew; but would like to include your other family members. Your dad hosted such a great spirit & impressed upon (atleast me) many what is took to be a great leader and respected soul. May he rest in eternal peace.
Carol (Ross) Coleman
Denise and Family
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. What an impressive man your father was. May you find comfort in knowing he had touched many lives. Sincerely Steve & Audrey
My deepest sympathy Denise, John and your family’s I am very sorry for your loss
Denise,
I am at a loss of words of your father’s passing. I thoroughly enjoyed our chats in the Barbershop and how his laugh made my day.
Cherish those moments, may he fly high and watch over you
To Debbie and the rest of Jack’s extended family.
Just a beautiful obit. I think your dad set the bar pretty high, cherish your memories of your hero, your dad. And a former Cape Bretoner to boot.
RIP Jack.
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Denise, so sorry to see your father has passed away. He lived a long life, but a good life.
May he rest in God’s heavenly home.
Bob & Bernice Boogemans,
The Crossing Apartment, Exeter, ON