Byrne, Edward Gerald, 90, passed away peacefully at the QEII Hospital in Halifax on May 14, 2003.

In every possible way he was truly unique. He was born in Chatham, New Brunswick, the son of a medical doctor, but grew up in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, following his father's steps in medicine.

He took his Bachelor of Science degree at St. Francis Xavier University, but switched to law and graduated with his LLB from Dalhousie Law School.

A brilliant legal career,which spanned 34 years, was begun in Bathurst, New Brunswick. From this remarkable career there was a two-year recess during which he served in the RCAF during the Second World War and rose to the rank of Flight Commander.

Following this, he returned to Bathurst where he practised corporate law and particularly focused on all matters related to the lumbering, fishing and mining industries - the lifeblood on New Brunswick's North Shore. He was the youngest lawyer ever to be appointed King's Counsel.

He married fellow New Brunswicker, Ruth Anne Corr - also a veteran, and together they had two children. He served prominently in the Chamber of Commerce and held local, national and international offices. Byrne served two terms as the Mayor of Bathurst.

He distinguished himself when he accepted, on his terms, the task of leading the massive reform of a municipal taxation that had led many New Brunswick municipalities and counties to the brink of bankruptcy.

The following two years revealed his absolute commitment an the resulting Byrne Report (Equal Opportunity Programme) would reveal the power of his amazing intellect, his integrity, the force of his convictions and the depth of his compassion for those less fortunate in life.

Much of the resulting Byrne Report was implemented by Premier Louis Robichaud.

The Robichaud government took over taxation, education and health from the municipalities.

Byrne, and Robichaud, were reviled by many New Brunswickers at the time for the report and the subsequent changes to how the province operated.

It revolutionised the delivery of public services in the province and rocked the province's social establishment.

The breadth of his vision left him to be called the architect of modern day New Brunswick.

In 2001 he was honoured for his tremendous unprecedented contribution to his province and given the Order of Canada.

Mr. Byrne's contribution to his province was recognised by the Ecole de Sacre Coeur, St. Thomas University, St. Francis Xavier university, University of New Brunswick and Dalhousie University in the form of Honourary Degrees.

Mr. Byrne was a former director of the Bank of Canada, Consolidated Bathurst Pulp and Paper Ltd., Gotaas Larsen Shipping and many more.

In the early 1970s he and his wife resided in Bermuda and spent 18 happy years there with various business interests.

He returned to Nova Scotia in1988 and set himself to the task of creating a garden on his south shore summer property - 10,000 daffodils and a thousand rose bushes.

The project was briefly interrupted with trips to the salmon pools.

His wife of 55 years passed away on June 27, 2001 - their 55th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his children (twins), Joseph Ross (Teresa), Toronto; his daughter Anne Furlotte (Marc), Halifax; grandchildren Meaghan and Emily, and stepgrandchild David Thompson.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Augustine's Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 196 Chester, N.S., B0J 1J0.

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