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Bob Byrne was a hero to all of us. His strength of character, kind and loving spirit towered above most mortal men. While it is difficult for us to let him go, we know that the Lord has embraced him with a love that surpasses our worldly understanding.
Bob loved sunsets, especially when shared with his beloved wife, Ann. The best times of his life were spent boating at dusk around Ski Island, traveling, and any time spent with friends. 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, Bob 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. A graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City, 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 humility, 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 including five awards of the Air Medal for service in the Vietnam War in a combat role. He was also awarded three times the Meritorious Service Medal for distinguished achievement. Though the service commanded most of his time, he managed to achieve a MBA from Southern Illinois University in 1971.
Bob joined Boeing shortly after his retirement from the Air Force. During his tenure with them from 1985 till he retired in 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 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 parents, Adrienne and Robert S. Byrne; and son; Mickey Byrne. We are certain that his favorite pets, Chemaya and Dingo, will be there, wagging their tails to greet him.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Byrne and her daughter, Amber Yost; sons, Frank Eichman and Bob Byrne Jr.; 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.
In Memory of Bob:
God saw you getting tired
And a cure was not to
be.
So, he put his arms around you
And whispered –
“Come to me”
With tearful eyes we watched you,
And saw you pass
away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make
you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands
at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
He only takes
the best.
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