Robert Joseph Byrne
October 10, 1940 – June 24, 2020
Bob loved sunsets, especially when sharing those with his beloved wife, Ann. The best times of his life were spent boating at dusk around Ski Island or relaxing with friends on the sands of Sunset Beach. Bob knew how to have a good time, no matter if it was on the tennis court or dancing to a rock-and-roll band. Their home on the lake was a haven of hospitality, warmly welcoming many new and old friends from around the world. As long as he was with Ann and his pals, Bob was happy.
An energetic guy, nobody could ever guess Bob’s true age. At 79, he had a youthful, fun-loving heart that endeared him to everyone. Above all, Bobby Joe was kind. He never missed an opportunity to serve the Lord and help others whether it was through his church family at St. Luke’s, Friendship Force, or The S.E.E.D. Foundation. Bob also served as Chief Diplomat on the OK Ethics Board from 2005 until the organization reorganized under new management in 2019. All of us, regardless of our stage in life, “wanted to be just like Bob when we grew up.” He was deeply admired for his integrity and zest for life.
The U.S. Air Force satisfied his sense of adventure. Originally stationed at Vacaville, California, his tour of duty from 1962 to 1985 included travels as far away as Antarctica and New Zealand. He was a decorated pilot and received many accolades for his service, including his tour of duty in Vietnam. Though the service commanded most of his time, he managed to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1971.
Bob joined Boeing shortly after his retirement from the Air Force. During his tenure with them from March 11, 1985 till he retired on July 24, 2009, Bob was a flight simulator trainer, then worked in quality management until he was asked to serve as an ethics advisor. Among other stellar accomplishments, Bob was a Malcolm Baldrige Award Examiner for the Oklahoma Quality Award Foundation. He was unwavering in his forthrightness and commitment to doing the right thing.
Lucky in love, he met his red-headed wife, Jeanne Chaffee, while they were stationed at Travis AFB in California. They were married in July of 1973, when he was unexpectedly reassigned to Altus AFB. They were married until Jeanne’s untimely death in 2010. Together, they raised two stepsons from Bob’s previous marriage: Bob Jr. and Mickey.
Bob’s passionate Irish heart soared once again when he met “Annie” and they married on March 10, 2012. She lovingly devoted herself to his care and never left Bob’s side during his ongoing battle with cancer. Ann’s daughter, Amber Yost, welcomed Bob with open arms and he delighted in their grandchildren.
Born in Derry, New Hampshire, Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Adrienne McGinnis, father, Robert S. Byrne, and stepson, Michael “Mickey “ Nicholas Byrne. He is survived by his wife, Ann Byrne; her daughter, Amber Yost and husband Josh (Goodyear, AZ); sons, Frank Eichman and wife Di (Thomaston, CT), Bob Byrne Jr and his life-mate Maggie (Alameda, California); and eight grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3 at St. Luke’s Edmond Campus, 900 N. Sooner Rd, Edmond, OK 73034 . Services will also be livestreamed for the benefit of those quarantined.
For those wishing to honor Bob’s life of servant leadership, donations to The American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html are welcomed in lieu of flowers.
Published in part in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sunday, June 28, 2020, Page A23.
October 10, 1940 – June 24, 2020
Bob loved sunsets, especially when sharing those with his beloved wife, Ann. The best times of his life were spent boating at dusk around Ski Island or relaxing with friends on the sands of Sunset Beach. Bob knew how to have a good time, no matter if it was on the tennis court or dancing to a rock-and-roll band. Their home on the lake was a haven of hospitality, warmly welcoming many new and old friends from around the world. As long as he was with Ann and his pals, Bob was happy.
An energetic guy, nobody could ever guess Bob’s true age. At 79, he had a youthful, fun-loving heart that endeared him to everyone. Above all, Bobby Joe was kind. He never missed an opportunity to serve the Lord and help others whether it was through his church family at St. Luke’s, Friendship Force, or The S.E.E.D. Foundation. Bob also served as Chief Diplomat on the OK Ethics Board from 2005 until the organization reorganized under new management in 2019. All of us, regardless of our stage in life, “wanted to be just like Bob when we grew up.” He was deeply admired for his integrity and zest for life.
The U.S. Air Force satisfied his sense of adventure. Originally stationed at Vacaville, California, his tour of duty from 1962 to 1985 included travels as far away as Antarctica and New Zealand. He was a decorated pilot and received many accolades for his service, including his tour of duty in Vietnam. Though the service commanded most of his time, he managed to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1971.
Bob joined Boeing shortly after his retirement from the Air Force. During his tenure with them from March 11, 1985 till he retired on July 24, 2009, Bob was a flight simulator trainer, then worked in quality management until he was asked to serve as an ethics advisor. Among other stellar accomplishments, Bob was a Malcolm Baldrige Award Examiner for the Oklahoma Quality Award Foundation. He was unwavering in his forthrightness and commitment to doing the right thing.
Lucky in love, he met his red-headed wife, Jeanne Chaffee, while they were stationed at Travis AFB in California. They were married in July of 1973, when he was unexpectedly reassigned to Altus AFB. They were married until Jeanne’s untimely death in 2010. Together, they raised two stepsons from Bob’s previous marriage: Bob Jr. and Mickey.
Bob’s passionate Irish heart soared once again when he met “Annie” and they married on March 10, 2012. She lovingly devoted herself to his care and never left Bob’s side during his ongoing battle with cancer. Ann’s daughter, Amber Yost, welcomed Bob with open arms and he delighted in their grandchildren.
Born in Derry, New Hampshire, Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Adrienne McGinnis, father, Robert S. Byrne, and stepson, Michael “Mickey “ Nicholas Byrne. He is survived by his wife, Ann Byrne; her daughter, Amber Yost and husband Josh (Goodyear, AZ); sons, Frank Eichman and wife Di (Thomaston, CT), Bob Byrne Jr and his life-mate Maggie (Alameda, California); and eight grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3 at St. Luke’s Edmond Campus, 900 N. Sooner Rd, Edmond, OK 73034 . Services will also be livestreamed for the benefit of those quarantined.
For those wishing to honor Bob’s life of servant leadership, donations to The American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html are welcomed in lieu of flowers.
Published in part in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sunday, June 28, 2020, Page A23.
Robert Joseph Byrne
October 10, 1940 – June 24, 2020
Bob loved sunsets, especially when sharing those with his beloved wife, Ann. The best times of his life were spent boating at dusk around Ski Island or relaxing with friends on the sands of Sunset Beach. Bob knew how to have a good time, no matter if it was on the tennis court or dancing to a rock-and-roll band. Their home on the lake was a haven of hospitality, warmly welcoming many new and old friends from around the world. As long as he was with Ann and his pals, Bob was happy.
An energetic guy, nobody could ever guess Bob’s true age. At 79, he had a youthful, fun-loving heart that endeared him to everyone. Above all, Bobby Joe was kind. He never missed an opportunity to serve the Lord and help others whether it was through his church family at St. Luke’s, Friendship Force, or The S.E.E.D. Foundation. Bob also served as Chief Diplomat on the OK Ethics Board from 2005 until the organization reorganized under new management in 2019. All of us, regardless of our stage in life, “wanted to be just like Bob when we grew up.” He was deeply admired for his integrity and zest for life.
The U.S. Air Force satisfied his sense of adventure. Originally stationed at Vacaville, California, his tour of duty from 1962 to 1985 included travels as far away as Antarctica and New Zealand. He was a decorated pilot and received many accolades for his service, including his tour of duty in Vietnam. Though the service commanded most of his time, he managed to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1971.
Bob joined Boeing shortly after his retirement from the Air Force. During his tenure with them from March 11, 1985 till he retired on July 24, 2009, Bob was a flight simulator trainer, then worked in quality management until he was asked to serve as an ethics advisor. Among other stellar accomplishments, Bob was a Malcolm Baldrige Award Examiner for the Oklahoma Quality Award Foundation. He was unwavering in his forthrightness and commitment to doing the right thing.
Lucky in love, he met his red-headed wife, Jeanne Chaffee, while they were stationed at Travis AFB in California. They were married in July of 1973, when he was unexpectedly reassigned to Altus AFB. They were married until Jeanne’s untimely death in 2010. Together, they raised two stepsons from Bob’s previous marriage: Bob Jr. and Mickey.
Bob’s passionate Irish heart soared once again when he met “Annie” and they married on March 10, 2012. She lovingly devoted herself to his care and never left Bob’s side during his ongoing battle with cancer. Ann’s daughter, Amber Yost, welcomed Bob with open arms and he delighted in their grandchildren.
Born in Derry, New Hampshire, Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Adrienne McGinnis, father, Robert S. Byrne, and stepson, Michael “Mickey “ Nicholas Byrne. He is survived by his wife, Ann Byrne; her daughter, Amber Yost and husband Josh (Goodyear, AZ); sons, Frank Eichman and wife Di (Thomaston, CT), Bob Byrne Jr and his life-mate Maggie (Alameda, California); and eight grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3 at St. Luke’s Edmond Campus, 900 N. Sooner Rd, Edmond, OK 73034 . Services will also be livestreamed for the benefit of those quarantined.
For those wishing to honor Bob’s life of servant leadership, donations to The American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html are welcomed in lieu of flowers.
Published in part in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sunday, June 28, 2020, Page A23.
October 10, 1940 – June 24, 2020
Bob loved sunsets, especially when sharing those with his beloved wife, Ann. The best times of his life were spent boating at dusk around Ski Island or relaxing with friends on the sands of Sunset Beach. Bob knew how to have a good time, no matter if it was on the tennis court or dancing to a rock-and-roll band. Their home on the lake was a haven of hospitality, warmly welcoming many new and old friends from around the world. As long as he was with Ann and his pals, Bob was happy.
An energetic guy, nobody could ever guess Bob’s true age. At 79, he had a youthful, fun-loving heart that endeared him to everyone. Above all, Bobby Joe was kind. He never missed an opportunity to serve the Lord and help others whether it was through his church family at St. Luke’s, Friendship Force, or The S.E.E.D. Foundation. Bob also served as Chief Diplomat on the OK Ethics Board from 2005 until the organization reorganized under new management in 2019. All of us, regardless of our stage in life, “wanted to be just like Bob when we grew up.” He was deeply admired for his integrity and zest for life.
The U.S. Air Force satisfied his sense of adventure. Originally stationed at Vacaville, California, his tour of duty from 1962 to 1985 included travels as far away as Antarctica and New Zealand. He was a decorated pilot and received many accolades for his service, including his tour of duty in Vietnam. Though the service commanded most of his time, he managed to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1971.
Bob joined Boeing shortly after his retirement from the Air Force. During his tenure with them from March 11, 1985 till he retired on July 24, 2009, Bob was a flight simulator trainer, then worked in quality management until he was asked to serve as an ethics advisor. Among other stellar accomplishments, Bob was a Malcolm Baldrige Award Examiner for the Oklahoma Quality Award Foundation. He was unwavering in his forthrightness and commitment to doing the right thing.
Lucky in love, he met his red-headed wife, Jeanne Chaffee, while they were stationed at Travis AFB in California. They were married in July of 1973, when he was unexpectedly reassigned to Altus AFB. They were married until Jeanne’s untimely death in 2010. Together, they raised two stepsons from Bob’s previous marriage: Bob Jr. and Mickey.
Bob’s passionate Irish heart soared once again when he met “Annie” and they married on March 10, 2012. She lovingly devoted herself to his care and never left Bob’s side during his ongoing battle with cancer. Ann’s daughter, Amber Yost, welcomed Bob with open arms and he delighted in their grandchildren.
Born in Derry, New Hampshire, Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Adrienne McGinnis, father, Robert S. Byrne, and stepson, Michael “Mickey “ Nicholas Byrne. He is survived by his wife, Ann Byrne; her daughter, Amber Yost and husband Josh (Goodyear, AZ); sons, Frank Eichman and wife Di (Thomaston, CT), Bob Byrne Jr and his life-mate Maggie (Alameda, California); and eight grandchildren.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3 at St. Luke’s Edmond Campus, 900 N. Sooner Rd, Edmond, OK 73034 . Services will also be livestreamed for the benefit of those quarantined.
For those wishing to honor Bob’s life of servant leadership, donations to The American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html are welcomed in lieu of flowers.
Published in part in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sunday, June 28, 2020, Page A23.
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