As I approach MY 86th year, I send sincere wishes to Jary and family as we celebrate the life of our forever friends, Hugh and Jean Byrnes.
I will remember them both with love and admiration. They will always be a part of positive memories of Grande Prairie, Alberta.             

July 15, 2014: Bob and I made the trip to Lake Lenore on a beautiful balmy day to remember Dad and the other loved ones at the little cemetery there. It's one year since he passed away. We picked some wild flowers from the roadside and laid them on the gravestone, and we noted with pleasure the wild strawberries growing, along with quack grass and other hardy volunteers, over the graves on that sunny breezy hilltop. Such a fitting place for Dad's burial, as well as Dan's and Mom's. All of them would appreciate those tough little plants, making the best of their environment and sharing their life with others.

April first, 2014. My first "April first" without Dad, and a sad/happy day of remembering him and all his comical and quirky mannerisms. He would have turned 96 today, and perhaps would've had something to say about the quirkiness of the number 96 and how it suited his often-inverted approach to life. His memory is precious and long-lasting. I received several echoes of that thought from family and friends today.

To Jary and family, my condolences on Hugh's passing. What a great long life he had, which you can truly celebrate. Also my condolences on Dan's & Jean's deaths. I have such great memories of time with your family; especially treasured times at The Dunes. How eagerly I awaited invitations & if there was a ride, even better! Hugh was so much fun, a very cool guy & patient with "the dudes."

I remember Hughie from 1947 ,home from the navy. He was my hero and have had great respect for him ever since. May he rest in peace. David Salmond..

Hugh made my first few months and years in Grande Prairie more liveable and enjoyable. After I was introduced to him & discovered his remarkable trail rides I was there frequently, and took many friends with me on our mini adventures in the Dunes. I grew to love that area through his devotion to the unique and special nature of the Dunes.Thank you Hugh & his family for sharing. I miss you.

I remember the treks to the dunes with Mom and Dad to visit with Hugh and Jean, Dad was very fond of the Byrnes cousins, May they all rest in peace and may you find solace in the fact that their lives were well lived.

When I married into the Salmond family, the name of Byrnes and Hugh in particular, was lifted up many times in conversation. He was held in high regard by his Fort St. John, B.C. relatives. We visited Hugh and Jean several times on "the dunes" and once in Creston, enjoying the entertaining character of his company every time. They're not made like him anymore.

Hugh and Jean together again.I've been wanting to write something but didn't know where to start.Hugh and Jean took me under their wings when I arrived in GP in '67 and enabled me to live my dream of being around horses at the Dunes. Winter feedings,summer trail rides.Precious memories.Was saddened to hear of his passing.He will be sorely missed. Till we meet again my friend.on the trail.

As Hugh is laid to rest today, we remember him with much fondness and admiration. He was a remarkable man, full of wit and vitality. Our friendship with Jary (and then Bob) meant that Hugh and Jean became our friends too. We were blessed by that friendship over the years. Jary, your dad was a unique individual - one of a kind - and he will be missed.

It has been many years since I have seen Hugh .. but he was a wonderful person you never forget. Jean, Jary, Bob and family I feel for your loss. He lived a full and meaningful life with such spirit that you can only celebrate his life on earth as he lives on in spirit and his impact on others. I remember Hughs energy,the Dunes barn dances, sleigh rides. The Karr family salutes Hugh!

So long Hugh Byrnes. An unforgettable man, my Best Friend's Dad, who always, always made us feel welcome and part of the family. Take some rest now Hugh, you've been 'On The Trail' a long time - We're all missing you. Last week the 'Swell Fellas' got together up in G.P. and sang your song again and shared some amazing memories...

I always think of your Dad, Hugh Byrnes, as the "Strawberry Roan" the stallion who couldn't be tamed. He was a remarkable man and Jean and you, Jary and Danny were his life. I trluy believe that our lifelong connections happen, not by chance but by divine intervention and I feel blessed to have known and loved you all for over 60 years. We'll meet again, my dear friend.

A rugged individualist with an infectious smile, Hugh Byrnes showed me a side of Canada that remains to this day. Hardworking men with horses made this nation. Whether hiking the mountains around Creston, working on The Dunes with his horses, or walking the dog in his solitary jaunts around Fort Langley, Hugh was his own man. What character! What a character!

What can one say about a lifetime of memories Uncle Hugh and Aunty Jean have always been a given. So many good times with Hughie playing the piano and the violin at the same time waking us up with a trumpet loudly then commencing his signature standing on his head to see how he feels today. What an honour to have had them as family rest peace.