Obituary of Maurice Byrne

It is with great sadness that the family of Maurice Byrne of Moosehorn Creek, NB announce his passing on July 31, 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB.  Born in Southfield, NB on September 22, 1936, he was the son late Thomas & Mary (McGinnis) Byrne.

Maurice was born and lived all his life on the Moosehorn. He spent his bachelor days working and living on the family farm with is dear brother and best friend, Paul. Together and with help from Carolus and Angela they lovingly cared for their ailing parents and their special Uncle John. Many happy years were spent playing music and hosting friends and family on the farm. There was always lots of fun to be had; like teaching Austin how to “mountain clog.” There was never a dull moment, and he remembered those days fondly and often. He had a special gift of teasing, which somehow always made you feel loved and important.

On December 9, 1983, he married the love of his life Carol (Carolyn) Cummings. They spent 40 plus years together, happily married, living in the house he built to raise his family in on the Byrne Road. On Feb 11, 1986, they welcomed twins Maurice John and Meagan (“the boy” and “the girl”) into the world. He was the best father and friend a child could have been given (and helped raise many others). Whether it be working on Maurice’s skidoo or building Meagan a goat shed, he was invested in every adventure. He loved meeting their friends and treated them all as family. As a Dad, he made life on the Byrne Road so wonderful that both Meagan and Maurice John chose to live their lives and start their families alongside him on the Byrne Road.  He took his title of “Grampie” very seriously and was “the best at being silly” (Tess) with Tess and Logan.

Maurice was a skilled carpenter.  He started Byrne Construction in 1984 and retired at the age of 71. He was able to make any job fun. Many friends and family members were commandeered /drafted as employees and apprentices over the years. Not only did he love carpentry work but also loved the socializing it brought with it. Two of his long-time serving employees and friends were Kevin Campbell and Fred Smith. Many happy pranks and laughs were shared on every job site. Maurice was especially proud of his proteges, Lou, Shawn, and Maurice John. Maurice John had the great fortune to apprentice with him and get his red seal of carpentry. Carpentry does come with some risks; Meagan had many opportunities to hone her first aid skills and field dressing abilities.

He was so many things; a plumber, a fixer, a woodsman, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle, a devoted friend, and a loving husband to Carol (Mumzee). And not to mention a great and talented fiddler and accordion player! He could do anything and fix anything, sometimes even a broken heart. He was a constant in many people’s lives, and he was easy to lean on. He was never in a rush or too busy for a talk.  He always had a strong moral compass and stood up for what was right. He was most of all soft hearted with a lot of love and pride for all his family and friends. Maurice was a dog person and his faithful 4 legged companion Lulu never left his side.

Although, we will miss his laughter, his sense of humor, his wit, his reliability, his storytelling and maybe even his whistling too, we will beam with pride whenever his name is mentioned.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff of 3BN for the wonderful care that Maurice received. Also thank you to Dr. James Collings for many years of kindness and compassion as Maurice’s Doctor.

Maurice is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Carol (Cummings) Byrne of Moosehorn Creek, NB; children Maurice Byrne (Alyssa) of Moosehorn Creek, and Meagan Byrne of Moosehorn Creek; sister Angela Monahan of Roachville, NB; grandchildren Tess and Logan Landry; sisters-in-law Clare Byrne and Patricia Byrne; special nephews Shawn and Lou Monahan; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Maurice was predeceased by his brothers Fred (Carolus) and Paul Byrne and brother-in-law George Monahan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center (506-839-2156) 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB where visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00pm. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 11:00AM from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Norton, NB. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Maurice may be made to Heart & Stroke or the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: SherwoodsFuneralHome.com