Scott Byrne

February 15, 1948 –  February 16, 2023

Scott Byrne

Scott Byrne, born in Madison, Wisconsin lived the majority of his life, forty years in Kirkland, Washington, with his wife Deborah and their four kids (Todd, Brooke, Spencer, and Blake).  He and Deborah, his wife of 46 amazing years, built a beautiful life for their family, seeking out the unique treasures in the Pacific Northwest and sharing this enthusiasm with their kids.  Scott was an incredible father, grandfather, husband, fisherman, and role model.  His life has been a collage of experiences. He had the honor of serving as a guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Scott was known as a leader, and as a man with incredible dignity and strength. Scott was a father figure to more than just his own children and had the character that all who knew him strove to embody.

Scott lived life with passion.  With his wife at his side, he said “yes” to life at any opportunity.  Together they made life an adventure.  From their annual, Father’s day brew fest, St. Patrick’s day celebration to seeking out the waterfalls on the Columbia River in Oregon.  They would drive hours to experience a new café or see a unique view from the coast.

Scott was an active man.  He eagerly awaited any opportunity to go fishing, from the lakes of the Midwest and Canada, to the flats in Florida, to rowing rivers in the Rockies and his home waters of the Pacific Northwest.  Any day spent on the water was a day well spent.  While it was as much fighting fish, it was the time in the outdoors and the relationships he built with long time friends and guides that drove his passion.  Fishing stories often revolved around what kind of trouble they had gotten into as much as the fish that had been caught. If a day on the river couldn’t be had, Scott would enjoy a round of golf on a nearby course or exploring a new one. Wonderful days could revolve around a day on the course.

Scott was the best father, the man you would call for advice or invite to gatherings with your friends. He loved his children with all his heart and was so proud of them. Scott was the best grandfather, the type who would let the grandkids wrap him up in masking tape as he spun around in circles.  Scott was an awesome friend.  His dry sense of humor and quick wit drew people to him and reminded them to not take themselves too seriously.

Scott Byrne had an amazing life, that mimicked that of a river.  Like a river, his life flowed strong and with purpose. And like a river, Scott connected us, as his family, his friends, and all those met him.  And now Scott flows through all of us, in our everyday experiences, in the continued excursions we all know he’d love (if he hadn’t already been there). He will be with us always.

As Scott’s friend shared with us, “I wish fair seas, calm winds, and hungry fish.” Rest in peace.

Scott was preceded in death by his parents (Evelyn and Robert J. Byrne), his brother (Bruce (Linda) Byrne), his brother-in-law Bill, and his sister-in-law Annette. Scott is survived by his siblings Judy and Kent; his wife Deborah; his son Todd and his children Collin and Mckenna; his daughter Brooke (Patrick) and their children Tatum and Graham; his son Spencer (Kara) and their daughter Sloane; and his son Blake (Naila) and their son Branimir.

“Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.”

Norman Maclean

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow.
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain.
I am the fields of ripening grant.
I am in the morning hush.
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight.
I am the starshine of the night.
I am the flowers that bloom.
I am in a quiet room.
I am the birds that sing.
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.

Mary Frye