Martin James Byrne

With Marty's sparkling Irish blue eyes, rosy cheeks and hardy laughter this native Seattleite blessed all who knew him through his 96 years. Born on July 11, 1914, he passed away February 10, 2011 peacefully at home with his loving wife of 65 years by his side. He attended St. Mary, St. Edward & graduated from O'Dea High School 1932. He married Dorothy Josephine Pearson in 1945 at Immaculate Conception church. Marty was proud of his Irish heritage. All 4 of his grandparents immigrated to the Seattle area from Ireland. Patrick J. and Mary Ann Byrne settled in Rainier Valley. William A. Murray and Mary McAndrews settled in South Tacoma. Marty loved sports. He played baseball, horseshoes, bowled, lifeguarded at Alki Beach, was an avid fisherman/razor clam digger and loved cribbage. He worked at Lockheed/Todd's shipyards as a ship fitter/supervisor for over 40 years. As a devoted Catholic, he passed on his faith to his 5 children who attended St. Edward, O'Dea & Holy Names. After Marty & Dorothy retired at 70, they traveled extensively around the world. Marty had the ability to make life long friends and was the epitome of strength, generosity & perseverance. He valued his faith, family & friends & will be missed by all who knew him. Preceded in death by his parents Martin Thomas Byrne & Mary Agnes Murray & his siblings Dorothy, William & Nicholas & daughter Maureen J. Sullivan. He is survived by his wife Dorothy and his children Kathleen M. Rees (James), Rosemary Ann Byrne (Thomas W. Friedman), Martin G. Byrne (Eiliene), Stephen L. Byrne (Patricia), 14 grandchildren & 9 great grandchildren. A celebration of Marty's life will begin with a rosary on Wednesday February 16 at 6:30p.m. & funeral Mass on February 17 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 611 20th Ave. South, Seattle, reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. Mary's Church. Please sign our guest book at www.columbiafuneralhome.com