Thomas "Tom" Daniel Byrne

Thomas D. Byrne obituary 7-26-15 Husband, father, coach, educator, friend! Thomas Daniel Byrne, 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 25, in his home surrounded by loved ones. Tom was born on January 10, 1924 in Anaconda, Montana, where he grew up and graduated high school. He studied for two years at Carroll College in Helena prior to enlisting in the Marines in 1943. On June 16, 1945 he married his high school sweetheart, Rosalba (Babs) Thibodeau, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Following his honorable discharge he continued his undergraduate education at the University of Montana in Missoula. After graduating in 1947, Tom and family moved to Brewster, Washington where he began his teaching and coaching career. Brewster was home to Tom, Babs, and their three oldest daughters for five wonderful years. Tom then taught for one year at Cle Elum High School. In 1953 the family moved to Wenatchee, which has been home ever since. At Wenatchee High School he taught science and mathematics and was head football coach from 1953 to 1965. In 1962 he became Assistant Principal and in 1968 moved into the Principal’s office and gave up his coach’s whistle for good. Tom had an uncanny ability to forge deep and meaningful relationships with people wherever he went. Committed to service in this community, he was often recognized locally and professionally. Some of his honors include: past President of the Wenatchee Rotary Club and Paul Harris Fellow, Carroll College Basketball Hall of Fame, Wenatchee High School Athletic Hall of Fame, past President of the Washington Association of Secondary School Principals, board member of Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. His 1958 Panther squad was undefeated and recognized by the Associated Press as the number one high school team in the state. Tom was selected as head coach for the 1959 State All Star football game in Everett and was inducted into the Washington State Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988. Tom is survived by his wife of 70 years, Babs; his brother Bernard and sister Alice Ann; his six children and their families: Rosalba (Bill) Hansen, Patricia (Phil) Robinson, Sharon Shaffer, Danielle (Mike) Nicholson, Charlene Blanchard, and Tom (Kim) Byrne Jr. as well as 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Eamon and great grandson Cooper. A celebration of his life will be held Friday July 31st at 2:00 at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wenatchee. The family wishes to thank the staff of Colonial Vista for their compassionate care and also extend a heartfelt thank you to the people of the Greater Wenatchee Valley and the Wenatchee High Family for 62 years of caring support. Interested parties may donate to the Tom Byrne Scholarship Fund for Wenatchee High School graduates. Donations can be mailed to 1580 N. Ashland Ave., East Wenatchee, WA 98802. Tom loved Wenatchee and Wenatchee loved him back. Thank you! Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home.

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Thomas "Tom" Daniel Byrne

January 10, 1924 - July 25, 2015