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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Byrne, Robert E.

BYRNE, Robert E. Robert E. Bryne was born April 28, 1936 in Portland, Oregon as the son of Ed and Ruby Byrne.

His Family moved to Spokane in 1946 where Bob’s father started the family business of Byrne Machinery Company.

Their motto was “we buy, sell, rent and finance”.

They were known throughout the Northwest for their honesty, integrity and that came from the day that a contract was formed with a ‘hand shake’.

They remained in the Caterpillar business until 1994 when Jack and Bob retired.

Bob attended W.S.U.

after which he served in the Air National Guard.

He was a member of the Associated General Contractors, Manito Masonic Lodge, Central Lutheran Church, Manito Golf & C.C.

and former member of The Prosperity Club.

Bob was a long time member of the A.G.C.

and served on the Board in the 1980’s and at that time, was pround of raising funds to provide the Spokane Police Department with their first Canine dog.

Bob spent a lot of time and interest in his years of retirement first as a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy and then served on several boards and committees devoted to the Spokane Police department.

He was on the Police Advisory Board, the Chaplains Committee and the Awards Committee.

He took great pride in the Spokane Police Department and was a passionate advocate.

Bob met and married Nina Winslow, the ‘joy of his life’, August 17, 1990.

For years they enjoyed their second home on Lake Pend Oreille, exploring the lake and enjoying family and friends.

Bob had a particular passion for the Oregon Coast, where the family vacationed at Neskowin on an annual basis for the joy of golf, feeding the seagulls, eating fresh seafood and walking the beach.

Later, Nina introduced Bob to cruising and the two of them enjoyed several excursions that took them to the North Sea; London, England; Alaska and Hawaii.

His favorite picture and perhaps proudest moment was when he was able to talk the ‘Bobbie’ guarding 10 Downing Street in London to let he and his buddy, the late Wendel Reugh, have the London Police take their picture on the front porch of 10 Downing Street.

Bob and Nina also enjoyed several years of wintering in Palm Desert.

Bob was a lovable man who made others feel safe and cared for.

He touched the lives of many and will be missed always.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Ruby Byrne; brother, Jack and beloved stepson, John Robert Winslow.

He is survived by his wife, Nina and children, AnnAline (Bruce) Drake of Tulsa, OK and son, William Byrne of Otis Orchard, WA; stepchildren, Robert Forbes Winslow III (Teresa) of Olympia, WA, Kristine (Scott) Boynton of Richland, WA, D.I.L.

‘s Debbie Byrne of Liberty Lake and Kim (Tom) Clark of Wenatchee, WA; his granddaughters, Rachel Drake, Allison Boynton, Katheryne Winslow, Brooke Winslow and Jennifer Boynton; his grandsons, Ian and Andrew Byrne, Ben and Josh Drake, Zachery Winslow, Robert F. Winslow IV (Amanda) and John Boynton; and two great-grandchildren, Maddilynn Kay and David Michael Winslow of Olympia, WA.

Memorial Service will be held at Central Lutheran, Friday, July 10th at 2:00pm, 512 S. Bernard, 99204.

Followed by a reception at Manito Golf and Country Club, 5303 S. Hatch Rd.

99223.

The family would like to thank Bob’s caretakers: sister-in-law, Beth Widby; Mike, Joy and Pam, plus Hospice of Spokane (especially, Lynette, Carlahn and Chaplain Jim).

Upon your discretion, charitable contributions can be made to the Spokane Police Chaplaincy, Inland N.W.

Chapter Alzheimer’s Assn., Hospice of Spokane or Central Lutheran Church.