Michael C. Byrne

Michael C. Byrne, age 51 of Plymouth, passed away August 9, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Beloved husband of 25 years to Mia (Ready). Proud father of Matthew Byrne. Precious son of Ann Byrne and the late John J. Byrne . Dear brother of John J. Byrne III, Thomas Kerwin (Gemma) Byrne, Kathryn Byrne and Gregory F. (Natalie) Byrne. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and close friends.Michael earned a BS in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA, where he met his wife, Mia. Michael was hired by Ford Motor Company and moved to Michigan in 1985, making his home in Plymouth. He worked for Ford for 21 years before moving on to other jobs in the automotive industry. He worked for NPR of America from 2010 onwards. Michael enjoyed golf, mountain biking, cross country skiing, triathlon, and running. In 2004 he ran the New York City Marathon to raise awareness of GIST cancer and The Life Raft Group, which supports GIST research. He was a loyal Detroit sports fan and enjoyed taking his family to Red Wings and Tigers games when not watching his son play youth sports.Michael was a man of very few words, but his quick wit and dry sense of humor left those who knew him laughing. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 10:30am with visitation beginning at 10:00am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church 47650 North Territorial Rd, Plymouth. Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home 280 South Main St, Plymouth on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 from 3:00pm-9:00pm. Rosary at 7pm. Memorials may be made tohttp://liferaftgroup.donorpages.com/Chicagomarathon2014/JenniferHartzler2014/