Dr. Byrnne Westley Rae Rothwell, 77 was called home January 28th ,2014 at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, following a gallant battle with Wegener’s Immune Deficiency disease. Byrnne was born in Nipawin, SK and spent much of his early life in the Garrick district, near Choiceland, in mill camps and then on the family farm.

Byrnne was involved in 4-H early, as a member and carried through his lifetime. For 65 years he was either a member, a leader, a mentor or part of Saskatchewan 4-H council. He was privileged to be part of the two man judging team at the Toronto Royal Winter Fair 1955 ( going on to be the winning beef judging team for Saskatchewan and then Nationally with his team partner Lynn Biggart). His partner Lynn , introduced Byrnne to his sister and it was through the 4-H experience that he met the love of his life, June. They remained happily married over 54 years.

It was during his high school years that he joined the Air Cadets in Nipawin, and later, enrolled with the Army Reserve in Prince Albert.

After graduation in Nipawin he joined Burns Company in Prince Albert as a cattle buyer, before moving to Guelph Ontario in 1958 to pursue his dream of being a veterinarian which he achieved in 1964. Thus began a rewarding and far reaching career with practises in Mission B.C. ,Wakaw, Birch Hills and Shellbrook Saskatchewan. He joined the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in 1987 and another chapter in a distinguished career which saw him named Canadian Veterinarian of the year amongst over 20 major honours from the dozens of organizations he held positions with. Byrnne loved people more than prestige and was always a reluctant recipient of praise, but was also pleased that he could “make a difference.” A thoughtful and intelligent man, “Doc” also published numerous scientific and information articles and was highly sought after for advice from governments and non-profit organizations alike.

An active stockman and horseman, all his life he loved riding and driving, light and heavy horses, and raising quality Black Angus cattle. Retirement from active practice gave him time for other passions such as restoration of horse drawn vehicles, woodworking (furniture), boat building and painting. A keen wit and avid writer of prose and poetry in his semi-retirement, his works were always in high demand for local readings at special events. He loved time with his family, sailing, canoeing, building projects with grandchildren, teaching them to ride, travelling and remained active in livestock farming with family members.
A great day for Byrnne was the ability to take a walk with his wife June, his Border Collie “Ceildih” and his black cat “Sinbad” and enjoying all that Nature had to offer!

Byrnne is survived by his wife June, sons Jeff (Wendy), children Chance (Fiancé Carlie Smith), Shyla (partner B.J. Verbonac); Kevin (Fiancé Darlene Breen), children Mikayla, Connor, and Kolton; Daughters of his heart Jocelyn (Myles) Williams, children Shelby (Fiancé Dave Cramm), Morgan; Karen (Chris) Clark.

He was predeceased by infant children Alicea and sons Christopher and Kelsey. His Father, Wilfrid Rothwell, Mother, Winowna Rothwell, and Step-Mother, Dorine Rothwell and most other senior members of his family.

At Byrnne’s request there will be no funeral service, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honour his memory may donate to the Shellbrook Integrated Health Care Centre, The Saskatchewan 4-H Foundation or Honeywood Heritage Nursery. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, (306-747-2828).
 

• Date : 2014-01-28 06:00:00