Helping Each Other: While the AMVETS career center has helped retired First Lieutenant Kenneth Malker, he is also helping them with his voice
February 29, 2024
Like the Shining Sun: This is how bright Susie Apple shines on her husband and children’s lives
February 29, 2024
Written by Kevin & Brenda Byrne
In the colorful tapestry of Michael Byrne’s life, laughter reverberates through the chapters, creating an enduring legacy of love, joy, boundless energy, and striving to overcome challenges in order to be the best.
In the whimsical world of Mike’s childhood, a particularly amusing memory found its place. In grade school, when a pretty girl pin-up poster mysteriously appeared in his desk, it sparked a comedic showdown. His mother was summoned to the school as the teacher deemed the pin-up inappropriate.
In classic Byrne fashion, his mother, quick-witted and unapologetically protective, retorted that maybe if the teacher groomed herself better, Mike wouldn’t need a pin-up for visual entertainment. The exchange left an indelible mark, a testament to the Byrne family’s spirited sense of humor.
From his early years in upstate New York as part of a competitive big Irish family, his childhood escapades with his older brother also painted a humorous picture. To avoid tussles with local kids, the Byrne brothers occasionally took back streets to school, navigating an amusing maze of detours to ensure peace on the playground.
Mike’s humor and good naturedness stood out. When his father died when Mike was only a teenager, he forged ahead to show resilience and strength as the family faced the challenge.
From basketball rivalries with his four siblings in Upstate New York to academic excellence at Hartwick College, where he initially courted basketball glory before academics became the slam dunk, propelling him to Magna Cum Laude honors to go along with his BA degree.
Mike painted a canvas that would one day be adorned with laughter, love, and unforgettable adventures.
Mike’s quest for knowledge took him to the University of Arizona, where he completed a business fellowship and earned an MBA degree.
Driven by an indomitable spirit, he felt a calling to prove to himself and others that he could “hang with the best.” In pursuit of this conviction, he surprised many by joining the Marine Corps, thus adding a new chapter of acquiring discipline, honor and resilience to his already remarkable story.
He recalls those days with mixed feelings due to the extreme physical and mental demands forged not only as a Marine, but a man with an unwavering resolve, ready to face life’s battles head-on. (Luckily, he just missed being drawn into the Vietnam War.)
Returning to civilian life, he pursued a sales career traveling the East Coast, then settling in NYC to pursue the marketing of consumer products with Hoffman LaRoche. Meanwhile his cousin Peter O’Hara introduced him to Brenda, the love of his life and future bride.
On their first date he brought a large bottle of Pepto Bismol, the bemused onlookers couldn’t help but wonder about the culinary adventure awaiting Brenda on their dinner date. They shared the lively scene of music, art and sports, with Mike running the New York Marathon several times.
Mike and Brenda were married in New York in 1965, starting an adventure that included moves across the country and the exciting arrival of Kimberly in 1965 and Kevin in 1968.
The Byrne family’s love of adventure extended to family vacations in New England, Jamaica, Nassau, Naples, Nantucket and Colorado with the cherished “Wilson Crew.” These shared escapades may well have planted the seed for their eventual move out West to the outdoor lifestyle and breathtaking landscapes of Boulder, Colorado, in 1993.
In Boulder, the mountains echoed with the sound of Mike’s accomplishments in real estate. A top producer in the Boulder market, he welcomed his son Kevin and daughter Kim into “The Byrne Group Real Estate Group,” turning business into a true family affair. They all sought to strive to be the best.
The laughter and camaraderie that defined the Byrne family spilled over into Mike’s love for dancing and singing, making every celebration a vibrant affair. Michael’s enduring love for music shines through, especially in his joyous renditions of Harry Belafonte’s classics like “Erie Canal.” Even today, with the same passion that has defined his journey, Mike continues to serenade the world with songs that bring joy and nostalgia to all who have the pleasure of sharing these moments with him.
And it doesn’t stop there. Mike’s heart finds its rhythm in the laughter and smiles of his grandkids—Tyler, Connor and Hudson. With melodies in his heart and the timeless tunes of Harry Belafonte, Neil Diamond and Billy Joel, he serenades them, creating moments of musical magic that become cherished memories, woven into the fabric of a family that knows how to celebrate life’s beautiful symphony.
As we celebrate some of the milestones of Michael’s life, we are thankful that he is still continuing his legacy story that includes joy, caring, laughter and unmistakable vibrancy that is still rocking at 88 years young and with 50 years of marriage. His position at the center of this family remains clear.
He is very much alive and continues to infuse every moment with great energy. His legacy is not just a story of the past, but an ongoing symphony, a melody of laughter, love, and the unmistakable vibrancy that defines the extraordinary life of Michael Byrne. And of course, as we celebrate this memorable milestone, we are reminded Michael’s focus remains firmly on family.
