My fellow Macnamara Field Naturalists’ Club members;

It is with heartfelt sadness that I inform you that Joel Byrne, a long-time member of our club recently passed away in Florida.

Joel has been an active member of our club for many years, participating in numerous events ranging from the historic autumn camping trips in Algonquin Park to our current Owl Prowls. Joel’s trademark wit and knowledge made every field trip and meeting he attended extra special.

Joel also contributed greatly to the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists, and was a stalwart supporter of the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust.

Joel will be greatly missed by all whose lives he enriched.

More details will be forthcoming.

Sincerely,

Michael Runtz

President

MFNC

UPDATE February 28, 2016

The Celebration of the life of Joel Byrne will take place at St Andrews United Church, 2585 County Rd 29 in Pakenham at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2016.

Refreshments and a time of sharing will take place following the service.

In lieu of flowers, it is the wish of family that donations in memory of Joel be made to the Mississippi Madawaska Valley Land Trust, 375 McCulloch Road, McDonald’s Corners, ON K0G 1M0. A memorial bench is planned at High Lonesome Nature Reserve in the Pakenham Hills where Joel enjoyed so many days.