William Michael Byrne Sr.

ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN

Known by many, Mike Byrne, a Fine Artist and Teacher, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side. Mike was born in Detroit on September 29, 1940, son of Howard E. Byrne, Sr and Olive Florence Severy. He was brother to Laura McLaughlin (Tom) of Vancouver, WA. and Howard E. Byrne Jr (Mary Ellen) of Traverse City, MI.

Mike is survived by his wife Michele of 60 years and his children William M. Byrne Jr. (Shannon), David T. Byrne, and Catherine J. Byrne. He was the proud and loving grandfather to Erin, Holly, Jakob, Samuel, and Jayne. Proud and loving Uncle to Thomas, Laurie, Michael, John, Kathleen, Virginia, and Howard III.

Mike graduated from Shrine High School, Royal Oak, he also attended Meinzinger Art School, Society of Arts and Crafts and James Cotton Commercial Art School before entering the US Navy proudly serving for 4 years and 4 months during the Vietnam conflict as a Photographic Intelligence Specialist. He spent two years at the US Naval Intelligence Center near Washington D.C. where he met Michele J. Taylor, who was also serving her country at the center. Mike and Michele married August 29, 1964. He was then assigned to the U.S. Navy Pacific Intelligence Center in the Philippines serving on 5 different aircraft carriers.

Upon arriving back from Naval service, Mike joined Burroughs Corporation in Detroit as a graphic artist for several years. He later worked for three different medium sized advertising agencies before landing with Rose Jewelers (Zale Jewelers) as the Advertising Director for ten years and then moved to Highland Appliance as Assistant Advertising Manager. Mike opened his Mike Byrne Advertising Agency for 10 years and retired in 2005.

During his career Mike was heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Master, Boy Scout Master, Leader for the Boy Scout Northridge District and Detroit Area Council. Mike

also was a little league baseball coach and girl’s recreational basketball coach. For several years in the late 70’s and early 80’s Mike was involved with the Spirit of Detroit Hydroplane Boats organization designing and managing the race magazines.

Retirement awakened Mike’s passion for art leading him to join the South Oakland Art Association in September of 2008 later becoming vice-president of the association for five years. Mike also joined the Royal Oak Arts Council in June of 2010 and later served as President in 2013. Mike used his art skills for several years volunteering as an art therapy counselor at Oakland County’s Common Ground organization.

Mike started teaching several art mediums in 2015 including watercolor, pen and ink, acrylics, and pastels at the Royal Oak Senior Center until early 2024 when he retired to enjoy his remaining time with his wife until his passing.

Mike’s artwork is proudly hanging in many homes across the United States.

A memorial mass will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at The National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, located in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Following mass, William will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery.