Dear Papa [Mike] Its me your grandson Nolan I am just wanted to say that I love and miss you so much. I am now in middle school and have lots of friends. I wanted to mention that I have joined christianity and consider myself a christin [sorry if I spelt that wrong]. I just wanted to share a memory  to whoever is reading this. When I was 5ish me and Papa/Mike would always kick a football/ soccer ball in the hallway almost every time I came over to his house. We countinued to keep doing this until I was about 11. This was probably my favourite memory that I have of him. Mike was a funny, loving guy and the best grandfather you could ask for. I love you Papa, so much.

                                                                               -Nolan  

Having wed into the family i first met Michael on a family get together and we got on like a house on fire, having a beer and listening to the women chat, and as Michael would put it "don't the women chat!". One of our golf days that sticks in my mind was when Michael & Christine stayed with us in England and we went out and played golf sharing my set of clubs. Hole by hole i started to notice that Michael would ask to borrow one of my clubs and put it back in his bag until finally he had all the clubs, he then told me i could borrow his clubs! After the event we stopped off at the 19th hole, the local Ditton pub, where we tucked into a few beers and wine. A few hours later we started getting the phone calls from the ladies asking where we were, with Michael still saying that we were playing golf but on the 19th hole, even though it was dark outside and would be home soon. We finally staggered home a couple of hours later with smiles on our faces and a glint in our eye, how would we get out of this one.  There are so many memories i have of Michael a happy, witty, loving family man who made me chuckle so many times, getting us lost in light house park on my first visit to Vancouver was great fun and looking better than me in my own suit when they went to Ascot races. You will be sadly missed my friend but always in our hearts, Love Paul x

Oh, so much to remember about Mike, friendly warm and entertaining, always looking on the bright side of life! I personally loved my trips to Canada to see to see Mike and his wonderful family. He will be sadly missed by all but I know he will be flip, flop and flying wherever he is! 
Love Pauline xxx

To Erin and all family, I was so sad to learn of Mike's passing. I had corresponded with him only months ago and we shared our usual banter and ongoing jokes. I met Mike when I was in my early twenties and saw him once/month for over a decade ... while I cut and colored his hair at the Ambleside Barber Shop. I always looked forward to Mike coming in. He was hilarious and so easy to please. I once colored his hair black (I was learning) and it was just before a big mediation he had scheduled!  I spent hours trying to fix it but to no avail. He left looking like someone had hit him over the head with a baseball bat, as the top of his head was stained black. A month later he came back to the shop and waited for me (vs. going to another barber). I said, "Why are you waiting for me? I ruined your hair last time before a very important meeting!!" He just laughed and said, "I like talking with you." and then remained my loyal customer until I left my mother's barbershop. That was Mike: kind, funny and never one to take himself or life too seriously. I never wanted to be a barber but worked in my mother's shop only as a means of putting myself through school. He made my 13 years there wonderful! We talked about life, dreams. and how funny human beings were in how they behaved. Mike was my friend. He emailed me awhile back to tell me his daughter Erin was at Best Buy, also doing coaching (for the last 18 years I have worked as an executive coach, facilitator, speaker and writer) and said we should connect. He was always one to connect people, help out, crack a great joke. I really cannot believe he is gone. As soon as Erin messaged me the news I started to cry ... that is how much he meant to me. Mike was my friend for so many years. I will miss him and his humor more than I can say. In my mind, he will always be 40 years old and funny as hell. Mike, thanks for all the conversations and for making my time working in my mother's barbershop so fun. I think you were awesome. 

To Anne and all her family,

Just sending my thoughts to you, my friend, and to Halley,Adem and Dawn,as well as all your family. Michael sounds like a treasure-one you will all hold closely in your hearts. Know that we are thinking of you and sending our love.
Jill Wyatt and Paul Lewis

So many happy memories of sharing good times with Mike. From  him calling  me Scrod, to him catching me out with whoopee cushions, his love of music, his contagious laughter, friendship and his great dad jokes. We all love him so very much and he will be missed. He was one in a million. Much love to all our family in Canada. Lorraine, Ann & Peter xxx

My condolences to the friends and family of Michael, I am very saddened to learn of his passing as I did not realize he was sick.  I used to work with Michael at the Labour Program and have so many good memories of him.  He was always so quick to smile , share a joke and lighten the mood in any room!  His smile was contagious!

I remember my recent visit to Vancouver with fondness and the times I spent with Mike.  We sang together, shared a drink and laughed together and together we sat and discussed life.  Love and peace to all the family, my thoughts are with you all X.

OBITUARY

Michael Gary O'Byrne

April 26, 1948 – March 13, 2019

Hollyburn Funeral Home

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