A community's loss

On Jan. 8, Digby lost a dear and treasured friend, Edward Joseph Byrne.

Ed, who chose to retire in the home area of his cherished wife after a distinguished career in the RCMP, dedicated his considerable talents to our community. He worked diligently in his quiet unassuming manner, often behind the scenes, to ensure that problems would not deteriorate into a crisis.

He was gentle yet firm, patient yet pro-active, and incredibly generous. Ed always made time for those in our society who needed his support.

Ed was practical and his works often reflected this philosophy. If something wasn’t working, then fix it; if a situation needed resources, then find the resources. Many who attended his funeral remarked on his ability to repair, renovate and restore almost anything.

For Ed a problem was something for which a solution had not yet been identified and he would find that solution.

Ed’s commitment to family, his communities and his country was forged very early in his native Newfoundland – a tradition that has continued. Many of his immediate family are currently serving as he did in law enforcement (four members), the RCMP (six members) or the Canadian Forces (three members). He delighted in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. He nurtured their talents and supported their dreams.

He personified the virtues of duty, honour and public service. His strength of character, integrity and considerable ingenuity were evident in any interaction. His presence had an aura of competence and profound dignity. Indeed, his Divisional Commendation from the RCMP was for an extraordinary act of courage. He was able to disarm an obviously violent and distressed suspect without drawing his service weapon. He exemplified all the virtues of the ‘Force’ to which he was so dedicated.

In Digby he served on Town Council, volunteered for several charitable organizations including Christmas Daddies, Saint Patrick’s and Bethany Place, and was an active mentor. He ascribed to the mantra that prevention was key to creating a better society. It was for that reason that much of his volunteer effort was focused on youth. I heard him say on many occasions "If you keep the kids busy then they do not have time to get into trouble!" It is for this reason that many localities where he was stationed now have athletic facilities.

Ed was passionate about his commitments. If he agreed to do something then it was done and done well. He was a steady friend to all who knew him. We were indeed fortunate to have him here among us. He will be missed

As I am sure you all realize there are many others in this community who also personify this noble example. Often these are the people that are first to volunteer, the rocks in every organization.

Like Ed, they do not seek overt praise or recognition, yet they contribute greatly to our quality of life. As we move forward into the month in which we focus on our volunteers, perhaps we should be taking stock of those special people and awarding them the praise that they so justly deserve.