Byard Donnelly

Passed away peacefully at Pickering, ON on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Marlene Power and the late Edna Dixie. Dearest father of Richard (Patti), Sharon (Ed) and Colleen (Tony). Grandfather of Kerry (William), Kyle, Chris (Angela), Jeremy, James and Brianna. Proud Great-Grandpa of Cameron, Ben, Patrick, Sierra, Jake, Madison and Jocelyn. Also step-dad to Michael (Helen), Catherine (Rory), Joanne (Bob), Stephen and Elizabeth (Keith). Papa to Zachary, Alex (Lee), David, Joey, Brian, Sean, Kate, Sarah, Laura, Gillian and Claire. Byard retired from the North York Fire Department in 1987 after 33 years of service. He also proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II aboard the Rayon D'Or and the Runnymede ships, sailing from St. John's, Newfoundland to Londonderry, Ireland. Byard spent many happy years at his beloved cottage on Rabbit Island... his idea of heaven on earth. Byard and Marlene were very fortunate to have a wonderful group of friends through the North York Retired Fire Fighters, together they all had many happy times travelling and cruising. They also had a winter home in Florida with more good friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street (at Goulding, south of Steeles). Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 8th at 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Interment York Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Durham.