Mr. Michael Mike Byrne

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Michael (Mike). He is survived by his wife Donna, daughter Kathy, son-in-law Christian, beloved grandchildren Liam & Lauren, son David and daughter-in-law Tara. He is also survived by his brother Patrick, sister-in-law Stephanie and niece Eilish, as well as by Donnas’ brother Bob, sister-in-law Margaret and nieces Robyn and Roslyn.

A Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, specializing in the group and pension fields, Michael worked for thirty four years in the insurance industry where he was a senior executive at Monarch Life, North American Life and Manulife Financial. In 1997 Michael left the insurance industry to join the University of Manitoba (U of M) where he was appointed to the inaugural position of Warren Chair in Actuarial Science, in addition to becoming a professor in the Asper School of Business and Director of the Warren Centre for Actuarial Studies and Research. In these roles, he was tasked with rebuilding the Actuarial Science program into one that is recognized for its excellence. In addition to working at the U of M, Michael worked as an Actuary Consultant for Eckler Partners Ltd for 10 years. He retired from the U of M in 2004, and remained at Eckler Partners until 2009. He rejoined the Asper School at the U of M as Executive in Residence, associated with the Warren Centre, in 2010.

Michael was extremely generous in sharing his time and expertise with family, friends, and the community. He served as a past Chair of the Manitoba Pension Commission, was a long-time member and Chairman of the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD) pension committee, as well as a member of the SMD financial committee. Michael was also a strong supporter of the arts and a variety of charitable organizations. He was known to actively participate in the fundraising efforts of the United Way within the insurance and business communities. In addition to his many contributions to various charities and organizations, Michael was happy to give of himself to help others and was recognized by the Red Cross for his many years of blood donations.

He was a kind, loving husband, caring and supportive father and proud, doting grandfather. Those that knew Michael well will know that he was a voracious reader, an avid Formula 1 racing fan and will be remembered especially for his sense of humour. He was a talented basketball player, who, in his younger years also volunteered his time to coaching and participating in wheelchair basketball. Michael was a long time member of the Church of the Good Shepherd where he was a very active volunteer within the congregation. Although Michael is terribly missed by his loved ones, we take comfort in the fact that he will live on in those who benefit from his transplants.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 16th at 3:30pm at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 933 Summerside Avenue (in the Trinity United Building). The family is extremely grateful for the many compassionate staff members who cared for Michael at the ICU at the Victoria General Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michaels memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Victoria General Hospital Foundation.

THOMSON “IN THE PARK”

925-1120

Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com