Lonnie Edward Byrne passed away peacefully in his home on Friday evening, August 23, at the age of 78. Lonnie was born in Washington State on September 22, 1945, to Sylvia Byrne and Walter Byrne. Lonnie lived and was raised in Washington State, where he later met the love of his life, Rebecca Waley, who was hitchhiking home from work (which was common in the 70’s). Her beautiful, fiery-red hair caught Lonnie’s attention and he stopped to pick her up and give her a ride home. From that day on, they were inseparable. They married on June 28, 1975.
In 1979, Lonnie began work for a defense contractor as an engineer, and Rebecca and Lonnie moved overseas to the small island of Kwajalein. There, they built a home and a life together, and in their spare time, they traveled amongst the islands of Micronesia. In 1980, they welcomed daughter Victoria, who lived for one day before succumbing to heart disease. In 1981, they welcomed daughter Lisa, and as a family spent the years enjoying all the activities Kwajalein had to offer. Some of Lonnie’s favorite activities were playing racquetball, roller skating, diving, snorkeling, and sailing. In 2000, they moved for a brief time to Spokane, Washington, and then in 2001 they sold their house in Spokane and packed their belongings into an RV to take a road trip adventure to Huntsville, AL.
Lonnie was an extremely dedicated and loyal husband and devoted father. He dedicated his life to caring for Rebecca once her health started declining, working hard to make sure she was comfortable and happy every day, and making sure she made it to each and every doctor and dialysis appointment. Lonnie was a great lover of problem-solving. There weren’t too many problems he encountered that he couldn’t find an answer for. He was an extremely logical thinker and greatly enjoyed computers and programming. He also enjoyed reading, road trips, traveling, and working in his garden. He could often be found at restaurants around Huntsville peacefully reading his books and enjoying a meal. Lonnie loved to take long drives with Rebecca, spending as much time as they could together. His favorite outdoor activity was working in his beautiful garden. It was clear to see the garden was loved by anyone stopping by their house to visit. He also enjoyed his daily walks around Huntsville and worked hard at keeping himself healthy and active. He loved traveling with his family and enjoyed visiting Bali, Indonesia, Thailand, France, Pohnpei, and Guam, as well as visiting many states across the US. Lonnie held a special place in his heart for all of his beloved kitties that he had over the years, the most recent ones being Pixie and Tao.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Byrne; daughter, Victoria Byrne; son-in-law, Dash Erickson of Anchorage, Alaska; mother, Sylvia Byrne of Spokane, Washington; father, Walter Byrne of Spokane, Washington; brother, Don Byrne of Spokane, Washington; sister, Jean Willard of Spokane, Washington; mother-in-law, Rosemary Eversole of Seattle, Washington; father-in-law, Marvin Waley of Spokane, Washington; and stepmother-in-law, Janis Waley, of Spokane, Washington.
Lonnie is survived by his daughter, Lisa Erickson, of Anchorage, Alaska; sister-in-law, Valerie Waley of Spokane, Washington; brother-in-law, Cole Waley of Seattle, Washington; and nephew-in-law, Colby Waley of Seattle, WA. He also leaves behind his beloved kitties, Tao and Pixie.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 29 beginning at 3 pm at Hazel Green Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will begin at 3:30 pm, Father Joseph Lubrano will speak and pray. Visitation will continue after the service. Further arrangements are being planned and will be announced in Spokane, Washington, where Mr. Byrne will be interred at Riverside Memorial Park.
Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family
