Shocking and sad news from Mount Isa today with the sudden death of the city's most famous monarchist, Barry Byrne. He was 52 years old.
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Mr Byrne died of a suspected heart attack in Mount Isa on Monday
Though a disability pensioner, Mr Byrne was well known around the city for his regular attendance of council meetings and especially his love of the British monarchy especially Queen Elizabeth II.
Every year he would arrange morning teas at the Mount Isa City Library to honour the Queen's Birthday and her Accession to the throne.
Only a few weeks ago he contacted the North West Star to say the morning tea he arranged for this year's Queens Birthday had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
He was regularly thanked by Buckingham Palace for his dedication to the monarchy.
Mr Byrne was also a volunteer at the Mount Isa Underground Hospital and renowned for his love of history.
Last year he donated three books to the library to honour Remembrance Day.
He was a gay man who was delighted with the result of the bill legalising same sex marriage in 2017.
"I'm not a religious person but I've always had the philosophy it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, everyone deserves regards, respect and love," he said at the time.
Former Mount Isa Mayor Tony McGrady said Mr Byrne would be remembered as one of the city's great characters.
"He was fascinating and eccentric but loved by everyone," Mr McGrady said.
"He was a great ambassador to the city".
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
