Obituary of Emma Christine Byrns

Emma Christine Byrns (née Flodin) passed away on July 9, 2019 at the age of 96 after a brief illness.  Born in Snohomish, Washington, to parents Gunder and Christine and sister Anna, Emma could, until the end, recall fond memories of playing in the woods near her childhood home.  She married Fred Byrns in Washington on November 14, 1944 and afterwards they settled on her father’s farm near Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan in 1947.  Fred and Emma’s children were all born in Saskatchewan and the family moved between the prairie and the Washington coast - she called both places home.
Through all of life’s hardships, Emma maintained her independence, an open mind, and a compassion for others that was apparent to all who entered her orbit.  She made friends easily with all walks of life, aided by her disarming sense of humour and sharp wit.  Humble to her core, she proudly told the story of her role in the founding of the first library in Yellow Grass in 1967, wryly describing the effort as “the only thing I ever did in life.” Those that knew her wouldn’t agree, but they also knew better than to argue the point.
She is survived by her five children David, John, Joel, Christine, and Patric, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
A private family memorial is being planned for a later date.