John Byrne
One of Queensland's most gifted and passionate
tennis players passed away on 31 January 2008
VALE - JOHN BYRNE - 6.8.1941—31.1.2008
|
John Byrne at the
Australian Seniors Championships, Perth 2007 |
John was born in Brisbane
and attended Nundah Primary School where he
was selected to represent tennis in the
annual interstate competition against New
South Wales. This was a huge honour but
maybe not all that surprising as his Dad was
a fine player. John’s early introduction to
tennis led to a lifetime of passion for the
game and many successes. He was a member of
the 1st IV at Church of England Grammar
School for three years and captain in 1959.
He also won many titles throughout his
career but the highlights were probably
being ranked 10 in Queensland in 1968 and
holding match point against Australian Davis
Cup player Dick Crealy in the Queensland
Open Grasscourt Championship. On
matriculating from Churchie in 1959, John
commenced working full-time and undertook
Accountancy studies at University of
Queensland part-time at night, completing
them in 1966. In 1963 John commenced work at
Payen, Byrne & Blackford the company started
by his father during the war. Unlike the
sons of some well-known media magnates, he
actually worked his way through many
positions before becoming General Manager on
his Dad’s retirement in 1976. He held this
position until 1985 when he resigned
following the takeover of the company.
John seized the opportunity to establish
his tennis coaching academy successfully
merging his passion for the game and his
business skills. John always believed that
sport is a great guide to a successful
lifestyle and it was an attitude he carried
into his coaching business when he left the
corporate world. |
Coaching for him wasn’t just about teaching a
child how to hit a tennis ball, it was also a
philosophy of life and a lesson in psychology. It
was very much about building character that would
last a lifetime. The tennis academy that he ran
operated at over 20 schools and at four tennis
centres at one time or another. He would have taught
in excess of 10,000 students during his 22 years as
coach—no mean feat of patience. He coached a number
of successful players, some who made it into the
professional ranks.
John and Wife, Barbara were married in 1979 and John
found himself father to two teenage daughters. It
became obvious that Barbara possessed the same great
generosity of spirit as John which enabled them to
form a most successful blended family. To this
family was added a son, Christopher who shared with
us some anecdotes of life with his father. John was
loved and respected deeply by his family and was the
first they would turn to for advice, help or
comfort. Tolerance and respect were important family
values and these qualities blended beautifully with
the innate characteristics of an outgoing
personality, generosity of spirit and the ability to
laugh readily, often at himself.
We say farewell to John Byrne and let us remember
him as a GOOD MAN who was a man of passion,
determination and courage who lived life to the
full—a man who earned respect in all walks of life
and a great friend to many. He will be greatly
missed by the tennis community. As an active member
of a range of tennis associations, he contributed
with positive impact at many different levels. Ian
Ruffles also shared his memories of his cousin John
with us and quoted these words of proverbs, “Good
men must die, but death cannot kill their names.”
John Byrne’s name will be forever carried in the
hearts and minds of all those who knew him.
My thanks to Christopher for providing the
information on his father’s life. He is to be
commended for presenting a beautiful eulogy to his
father, not an easy task under the circumstances.
This is a brief outline of a remarkable life and we
thank Christopher & other members of John’s family
for sharing many happy memories with those of us
privileged to have known him.
Coral Vickers
29 February 2008
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