It is with deep sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Martin MacLauchlan Byrd at his home on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
Martin was the loving husband of the late Heather Gladys Byrd (for 63 years). Martin is predeceased by his loving mother Iza Holland MacLauchlan, sisters Eleanor and Carol, brothers Douglas and Norman, and is survived by his younger sister Gwen. Martin is also survived by his three children, Steven, Brian (Catherine) and Carolyn (Kenny) and five grandchildren, Jonathan (Chelsea), Robert, Katrina (Wayne), Andrew and Meagan. Martin was born in Montreal on November 15, 1938.
Martin spent his childhood growing-up in Montreal, with occasional weekends spent in the small Town of Hudson Heights, where as a teenager, he met his future wife Heather. Martin and Heather married in November 1959 and raised their young family in Chomedey, before eventually moving to Mississauga in 1976, and Ottawa in 1980. Martin was a lifetime employee of the Bell Telephone Company of Canada, joining Bell immediately after he graduated from Rosemount High School in June 1955, and he remained with Bell (in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa) until his retirement in January 1995. During his time with Bell, Martin worked as a technician on the Mid-Canada Line and a telecommunications advisor in Saudi Arabia. Martin graduated from Sir George Williams University in May 1965 with a Bachelor of Science.
Like Heather, Martin enjoyed family gatherings/celebrations, summer camping with their children and grandchildren. More recently, Martin and Heather travelled extensively, including wintering in Florida. Summers were normally spent at home, where he enjoyed outdoor activities, gardening, etc. Martin was an avid golfer and curling fan, and an active member of the RCN Curling Club for many years.
Within the family, Martin was known to be a devoted sports fan, and in those early years cheered for the Montreal Alouettes, Montreal Expos, and Toronto Maple Leafs (not the Habs!). More recently he supported the Ottawa Senators and Ottawa Redblacks.
Family and friends are invited to attend the Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa) on Saturday, June 10th at 1:00 PM for visitation and interment service. The family will later be hosting a celebration of life from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at a private residence.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice in loving memory of Martin.
Digital Guestbook
Murray Manley
Bob Prasow
To Marty and Heather's family, my deepest sympathies and condolences on your loss.
Golfed many years with Marty and curled both for and against him, also many times. Marty enjoyed the competition in both sports but always was gracious in victory and loss.
Laynes Alphonse
For the last seven or more Marty and I have played golf together every Tuesday in the summer. I will miss you my dear friend. May you Rest In Peace.
Steve Panciuk (Montreal)
To the Byrd family. It is with great sorrow to hear of the passing of Martin, also I did not know Heather had passed. I have fond memories of them. One of them is New Years eve. For many years when they lived in Montreal we would gather at Frank and Betty Knoakes' home and celebrate for many years. On Saturday my thoughts will be with all of you. Time will heal a little, memories will always remain.
Leonard Fluet
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss of Marty. It was a shock to members of his curling team as we had all agreed we would be curling together next year. He will be dearly missed by many of at the Navy Curling Club.
God bless Marty and Heather and may they both rest in peace together.
Rick Turner
So many years have passed but Marty is remembered as a very special man.
Marty as we knew him, was a great guy. Being new to Ottawa, he welcomed me to the golf club to which we enjoyed his company.