Tribute for Terry

Terrence (Terry) David Byrne – Age 63

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Terry, beloved husband and father, in Hants Community Hospital with his loving wife and son by his side on January 18, 2020. The sparkle in his eyes, now at rest.

Terry was born in Dartmouth, NS on November 2, 1956. He grew up in Dartmouth and held many fond memories of his childhood home on Cameron Street and Woodside.

Terry was a visionary and true entrepreneurial spirit. His love for animals and nature is what kept him grounded throughout life. He had the ability to stop and talk to wildlife and they would come to him and sit quietly. They sensed his love and kindness. His sense of humor and laughter would always light up a room.

Terry loved the water and was always “home” around it. He always felt the salt water washed away the day. He loved sunsets and believed they were works of art from Heaven. Music always gave him peace and comfort. He had a firm love of God and spoke to him frequently.

He had a passion for traveling and enjoyed seeing many destinations throughout his life. He loved taking Deanna to new places and sharing those moments. He always felt travel was to be shared.

He was a true entrepreneur. He spent many years building sales teams throughout North America and had a firm understanding of direct sales. Also, he enjoyed being a fish broker in his early years and continued to reflect on his experiences from that time.

He also loved adventure. He hitchhiked across Canada twice, loved jumping out of airplanes, bungee jumping and was always the first person to jump on the most extreme rides at amusement parks. Terry lived his live to the maximum and always said “I never want to be on my death bed and wonder, what if”? While he still had dreams and big adventures to come, sadly his health made that impossible. Him and Sonny Boy put hundreds of miles on while walking some of the most beautiful beaches, trails and parks from here to Ontario. He wanted to introduce both of the kids to these experiences at young ages, from flying airplanes and facing fears, he taught them to breathe, focus and take risks.

Volunteering was also a large part of Terry’s life. He was always willing to lend that extra hand or completely design a full-blown fundraising campaign. He was equally comfortable in both situations.

Up until 2017, Terry also enjoyed a long ride on his Harley. He always said the freedom you get on a bike is not something you can get anywhere else. The wind on his face was a release.

Family was the foundation that kept Terry strong. He is survived by his wife and partner of 20 years Deanna, son Benjamin Byrne (Ashley) of Bedford and stepdaughter Sarah Woodworth (Greg) of Kentville. He was predeceased by his beloved Golden Retriever, Sonny Boy who was waiting for dad to come home. We are sure they are going for a long walk on the beach now.

Terry is survived by sister Josephine (David), brother Michael (Sharon), sisters Michelle (Stephen) and Kimberley, God Son Jay, many nieces, nephews, extended family. He is predeceased by parents Michael and Carmel (Brennan), sister Mary Ellen (Don), Brother William (Billy) (Carmelle), sisters Una, Teresa (Jamie) and brother Edward (Eddy) (Brenda).

Terry added Charlee Girl, our Golden Retriever to our family in 2019 and enjoyed walks, dog park visits and ball catching with her. She is already missing daddy.

Terry fought a courageous battle with Kidney Disease for five years and was a true warrior. His commitment to his health and getting on the list for a transplant was remarkable. Unfortunately, he was never able to get there, however his faith and perseverance was strong. He truly felt he could and always kept pushing.

We would like to thank Dr Roy Harding for his continued and compassionate care, the nurses and doctors in the Renal Unit, Dixon Building, Halifax along with his Cardiologist Dr Bata and the Palliative Care unit at Hants County Memorial Hospital. Also, a special thank you to the staff at Mount Uniacke Pharmacy for their ongoing commitment to his extended care. Terry valued his care team and was thankful for them each and every day.

Terry felt the dash between your birth date and your death is what mattered. He would strive to be loyal, honest, generous and compassionate. He wanted his “dash” to mean something. If he could leave one last legacy, it would be for everyone to consider organ donation.

LORD, you said that once I

decided to follow you, you'd

walk with me all the way.

But I have noticed that during

the most troublesome times in

my life, there is only one set

of footprints. I don't understand

why when I needed you

most you would leave me.

The LORD replied:

My son, my precious child,

I love you and I would never

leave you. During your times

of trial and suffering, when you

see only one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you.

May the light that Terry had, live on in everyone that had the opportunity to be touched by his passion, his kindness and his love. May his laughter ring in your ears during your darkest moments.

His memory will live on in the visionary and entrepreneur in all of us.