Search by Name
Search by Name
Tom Byrne has rowed his last big wave. He died May 2 at 58 while otherwise trying to have fun, after having been diagnosed with cancer in July 2012.Tom began teaching at Durango High in 1992; he loved developing and teaching alternative courses to the traditional Senior English class. Many students earned credit for their college composition requirements through his classes. As the junior varsity coach for Thespian Troupe 1096, he directed a dozen plays, and was proud of those kids and their continuing success on other stages. Lately, Tom enjoyed performing Celtic music at the Irish Embassy Pub's Sunday Session until he could no longer play and sing. He fronted his own group An Sliabh (The Mountain), Durango's cuddliest Irish band, and performed regionally. Tom earned a master of arts in English and a teaching certification from Northern Arizona University in 1988. While there, he worked for both S.U.N. Entertainment, helping to return contemporary, live music programing to the University, and as adjunct faculty. Before coming to Durango, Tom robbed the Grand Canyon Railway daily, where he was shot and killed during shoot-out reenactments. He also rowed wilderness river trips on the Colorado, San Juan and Salt Rivers. Tom taught English in Page from 1988-1991, but didn't like to talk about it. As a lifelong learner, Tom was interested in diverse areas of study. In 1992, he won a National Endowment for the Humanities independent study fellowship to examine The History and Exploration of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. He won a second NEH fellowship, Shakespeare, Experiencing the Text, in 2001, and was a guest of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. The Education in Ireland Seminar at the National University of Ireland in Galway in 2007 brought him further chances to travel and study. He also visited Scotland and Northern Ireland during that trip, where he developed an interest in Irish literature and history, particularly between 1913 and 1923. At the time of his death, however, he had still not finished Ulysses. After diagnosis of his illness, Tom traveled widely. He visited the Midwest by train, went to New Zealand for a month, and returned to Ireland and Wales. Later, he visited the Gulf Coast and Hawaii, completing his plan to visit all 50 states. Tom is survived by his mother, Ruth Byrne, and sister, Anne Byrne, of Glendale, AZ; brothers, Michael Byrne of Cupertino, CA, and Timothy Byrne of Andersonville, TN; nieces Laura Hamm, Amanda Kim, and Melanie Byrne; nephews Patrick Massaro, Dylan Nadon, and Sean Nadon, and Chaos (Cat, the). His father, George Byrne, and his brother, Patrick Byrne, precede him in death.
An Irish wake will be held at 2 p.m. June 27 at the Irish Embassy Pub in Durango. Family and friends are invited to listen to live music. Memorial contributions may be made to the La Plata County Humane Society, 1111 So. Camino del Rio, Durango 81303.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.
5 Entries
Miss you Tom ! 15 years of wonderful friendship and good advice !
Kandyce Keene-Rice
January 9, 2018
Tom was one of my beloved patients at Southwest Oncology. We shared a love of cats, good books, and Game of Thrones. He always made me laugh, and I wish he had been my high school English teacher! You are very missed, Tom.
Erin McMahon
June 3, 2015
I miss you Tom! I'm so glad your suffering has ceased. Thank you for everything throughout the years. I will remember you always.
Stephanie Simons
June 2, 2015
One of the coolest teachers I had at Durango High School. RIP.
Dave Gallegos
May 31, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a love one is very difficult. May you find solace in the wonderful memories shared. And may the God of all comfort give you peace at this sad time. 2 Cor. 1: 3 and 4.
Phyllis
May 29, 2015
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreSponsored