Donald Francis Byrnes

On October 13th, 2024, Donald Francis Byrnes was called home to the Lord. Don was born November 10th, 1931, to James and Florence Byrnes in Terryville, Connecticut, surrounded by the love of his siblings James Jr., Doris, Millicent, and Robert, later to be joined by Barbara. He grew up in Watertown, Connecticut where he graduated high school, and worked in the family garbage business. He expanded that business to include a delivery business, then started a machining business with his brother. Don was a hard worker who found great joy in a job well done. He didn’t know how to sit and rest. As a young man in 1959, Don became a Master Mason with Union Lodge #96 in Connecticut. He was a member in good standing upon his death.

Don met the love of his life, Jacqueline Sinotte while at a hospital after a skiing accident. She was his X-ray technician. From family accounts, it was love at first sight. Don and Jacqueline were married shortly after and added three children to their union, Michael, Jeanne, and Brian.

In the summer of 1971, the couple purchased a motorhome, and the family traveled across the United States and Canada, visiting family and searching for a new home away from the familiar landscape of Connecticut. They found the perfect spot in Sebeka, Minnesota. After heeding the call, “Go west young man and be a cowboy,” they packed up the home and headed west.

They ordered a log home from Vermont Real Log Homes and together they built a beautiful home on the 1,000 acre ranch they had purchased. There, Don spent his time raising cattle, pigs, chickens, horses, and children. After a few years, they decided the severe cold, snow and mosquitoes was more than they wanted to deal with and set out in search of finding a friendlier climate.

Through encouragement from close friends, they found a beautiful valley in Montana. With Jacqueline navigating, the family moved to Ronan, Montana to settle on a beautiful piece of land in North Crow with amazing views of the canyon. Don never left, raising his children and enjoying his life in the valley.

Don developed two successful businesses in the area, Don Byrnes Fencing and Don Byrnes Septic Pumping Service. He had a reputation of being a hard worker and a fair man. He was proud of what he accomplished, being driven by the ability to provide for his family, the most important thing in his life. When asked about his children or grandchildren, Don lit up and told stories of all they were doing. They were the reason he lived. 

Don could be a hard man to know, but he was worth the effort. People who took the time found him to be a great storyteller with a dry sense of humor and a twinkle in his blue eyes. That twinkle was the proud Irishman coming out in him. He and Jacqueline were fortunate to be able to take two trips to Ireland and visit the family homestead. They connected with relatives to share stories and family pictures. He was proud of his history and loved to share what he learned. 

He is survived by his sister, Barbara (Sal) Ganino of Schenectady, NY, his children, Michael (Kai) Byrnes of Hannible, MO, Jeanne (Scott Heinz) Frolander of Polson, MT and Brian (Donna) Byrnes of Sheridan, WY; two grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) Frolander of Summerville, GA and Kaitlin Byrnes of Las Vegas, NV; and three great-grandsons, Henry, Jameson and Collin Frolander.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Jacqueline Byrnes, his parents, James Byrnes Sr. and Florence Byrnes, his siblings, James Byrnes Jr., Doris Sterry, Millicent Keidel and Robert Byrnes and his son-in-law David Alexander. 

And in typical Irish fashion, without notifying anyone, Don left this world to meet Jackie as they set off on their final adventure. Suaimhneas Siorai Air (Eternal Rest Be Upon Him).

A memorial service will be held at 1st Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 am.