[br][br]Patrick Sheedy Byrne, III, 79, of Boise, Idaho died on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at his home with the love and support of his family and friends. He died of cancer which was complicated by an 11 year battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Pat was born on June 15, 1934 in Spokane, Washington to his parents Helen Ann Cunningham and Patrick Sheedy Byrne II. Pat joined his older sister Helen Marie, and soon his younger brothers Terry, Robert and Peter and his sisters Kathleen and Molly. He attended grade school at St. Augustine's and graduated from Gonzaga Preparatory school in 1952.
Following graduation, Pat attended Washington State University for a brief time and enlisted in the Navy where he served with the Seabees on the Island of Guam for three years. This was followed by further study at Eastern Washington College and Seattle University.
Pat was married to Kathryn Downey in 1956 and had four children John, Kitty, Erin and Barrett. Pat was active in scouting and coaching his children in youth sports. In the years following Pat was a creative visionary and a risk taker. His gifts brought him success as a restaurateur, contractor, inventor, private pilot, salesman, chef, and bus driver for both the Seattle Metro and the Meridian School District.
Pat had a special place in his heart for people with special needs and was an advocate for them on his bus routes as well as through the L' Arche Community.
In 1984 Pat married Janet Sturgeon Spencer and welcomed Jan's children Kristen, Kim and David into his family. Pat and Jan lived in the Seattle area and have resided in Boise for the last 15 years. Boise became a joyous and successful home as they made great connections in their careers, their church and their community.
Pat's Catholic faith was a driving force in his life and gave him great comfort during his final days. He was an active parish member at St. John's Cathedral and most recently at Risen Christ Catholic Community. He and Jan shared two memorable trips to Lourdes where he was inspired by the healing power of faith and hope.
Pat loved an adventure! Long car rides, hunting trips, camping, fishing, boating, skiing and golfing. He and Jan enjoyed many trips to Europe and entertaining at their condo in McCall, Idaho. These activities often brought friends and family together and created many memories. Pat valued time spent with family and friends.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen Marie Sprague; brother, Terry; sister in law, Veda Jo Byrne; brother in law, Donald Carson; step daughter, Kristen Spencer Petersen; mother and father-in-law, Mabel and Harry Hudson.
Pat is survived by his wife, Jan Spencer Byrne at their home; his four children, John Byrne (Erin), Kitty Hennessey (Kevin), Erin Ruehl (Kevin), Barrett Byrne (Karen); grandchildren, Kellan, Brendan Byrne; Connor, Taylor, Shea Hennessey; Marshall, Parker, Paige Ruehl; Lauryn, Peter Byrne;
his step children, Kim (John) Jacobs, David (Crystal) Spencer; grandchildren, Jake, Allie (Luke), Mary, Christopher Jacobs, Zachary Weigt, Gerreson Spencer, Elizabeth Spencer; Jennifer Smith (Tony); great grandchildren, Sean, Nathanial, Isiah; his siblings, Peter Byrne, S.J., Robert Byrne (Jean), Kathy Krueger (Walt), Molly Carson (John Kettle); brother in law, William Sprague; his cherished companion, Beau, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Vigil Service was held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Risen Christ Catholic Community, 11511 Lake Hazel Road in Boise, Idaho.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 also at Risen Christ Catholic Community.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or L'Arche USA.
To share memories with the family please visit Pat's memorial webpage at www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com.