Dear Ros,
I wanted to record some of my feelings about what John Byrne, Dad, meant
to me.
Dad was always a strong moral compass for what was the right and
honest thing to do. If in doubt as to the correct course, you just had
to ask him and find out. I just wish that I had always taken his
advice and suggestions. He was a man of strong will and absolute
integrity, a man who all those around him could rely upon. He had the
ultimate work ethic and the keenest sense of responsibility I have
encountered to date.
He was also a man of strong but deep running emotions. He never wore
his heart on his sleeve, to the contrary, he often concealed these
deep feelings for the benefit of those around him in order to be able
to offer them his shoulder through hard times. I wish he was here now
for all of us. But he isn't so we have to do that for each other. One
of my deepest regrets is that he never got to meet his beautiful
daughter-in law and his newest grandaughter, but I am sure that he is
looking down on them from above.
Dad and I may not have always gotten along but he was always there for
me, always willing to offer his advice and support or just someone to
talk to. It is difficult to fathom how a man who had such a positive
impact on so may lives, raised 4 sons and was loved by 3 women can be
gone. We are all the poorer for it but so much richer because at
least for a while he was in our lives.
Especially in my thoughts are Ros, his wonderful loyal wife, and his
sons Simon, Michael and Malcolm, I wish I could have been there for
you all.
