Jesslyn Ellis Byrn

I did not know Jackie well, but she was an inspiration for me and reminded me very much of my own Mum with her passion and energy and joie de vivre. When I was planning on competing in UltraMan Canada in 2005 and wanted to use it as a platform to raise charitable funds and awareness issues for organizations within our Downtown Eastside (Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, Covenant House, etc.), Jackie called me up, spurred me on, inspired and wrote about it. I learned about her son Gordo (whom I've never met, but friends of mine have competed with), and all the athletic achievements of the family. We met a number of times thereafter, often completely coincidental and such. She was always happy and full of laughter. I want to pass on our family's sincerest condolences to the whole extended family. She was a jewel. Cherish the memories.

I so fondly remember our fun and games at Crescent Beach when we were little, and I know my mother was pleased when her god-daughter Jackie reconnected with her in her later years. Love to you Henry, Bob and Janey from Mary Ellen Howard

I was a classmate of Jackie's at LFA and we graduated in 1962. We reconnected over the years .I know that she was a wonderful chef . Despite her personal struggles she was always cheerful.I i am sorry for your loss.

I can't say I was ever close to Jackie but we grew up across the street as kids, where I played with Bob. And I know her nephew Bob from crossing paths in media circles. She resurfaced in my life as a keen and dedicated supporter of my political campaigns. I remember her as a passionate advocate with lots of ideas she was eager to share. I'm sorry to hear of her passing. Peter Ladner

Jackie, my cousin, was only 74 when she died. May her soul now rest in eternal peace. Katheryn and Wilson.

This is a very nice obit, and was printed on the anniversary of my Mother's death. We were also quite surprised on how much she looked like our mother Marjorie. Take care

I’m so sorry to read about Jackie this morning. I often think of her wonderful restaurant on the West Boulevard in Kerrisdale where she was an absolutely brilliant chef and an always gracious hostess welcoming people to her always bustling restaurant. She was truly in the avant-garde of Vancouver’s restaurant scene with outstanding dishes like duck with blueberry sauce....my favourite. Jackie’s was the perfect restaurant in the the perfect location at the perfect time! No one has ever taken her place. She was an icon in this city and it is poorer for her loss. Susan Wood

Condolences and love to all!!

My condolences and love to Henry, Bob and Janey, and to Gordon, Charlie and Sarah. Jackie’s struggle with this world is over, but let’s not forget her many wins, culinary and athletic. She’ll be remembered.

Dear Henry, Bobby and Jane, As you may know Tracy called me with the sad news of Jackie’s passing. And subsequently I had a lovely conversation with Henry who kindly answered the questions that inevitably arise when someone you care about dies. It was a shock, as I assumed with all Jackie’s triathlon triumphs that she would be healthier than anyone. She and I were only 6 months apart in age. Sadly, for me I have had minimal contact with her since we both lived on West 62nd Avenue for reasons I’m sure you understand. But I have always had a place in my heart for her and each of you as well as your parents. So, her death has taken me all the way back to when we first became friends. When I was in Grade 5 at the Convent, Jackie was a new kid in my class and we quickly became friends. She would invite me to your house (well before the pool and family room was built) and I remember the trees in the backyard and the old back porch. From then on, we were close friends at school and Pioneer Pacific Camp and as roommates in University. Even after I returned from two years away in England, she welcomed me back like no time had passed. And then Mary was able to go to school with us and Tracy made us a great foursome. What I want you guys to know is that Jackie’s friendship made it possible for me to be included in your family. I feel so grateful for the kindness of your Mum and Dad who both made me feel cared for. It was wonderful to watch you boys growing up, such endearing and decent young men. Henry’s impression of Ralph Cramden (The Honeymooners) still makes me smile to remember. And Bobby, so handsome and shy. It was very important to me that I became as close to Mary as I was to Jackie. I remember when Jane was born and what excitement there was. And how sweet to watch you in your Jolly Jumper in the living room entrance and watch you grow into such a cute little girl. You were an admirable family. Sitting down to Sunday dinner with Bill carving the roast and your Mum’s great cooking was the closest I came to experience a real loving family. And I know it wasn’t perfect, but it was more than I was used to. And now we are old and wise I hope, but those earlier years of my life were enriched beyond measure by the presence of all you. And Tracy, bless her heart has kept me somewhat in the loop of your lives, so I still feel like I know you. Jackie’s life was full of accomplishments and she was one of the smartest people I ever knew. It was also filled with more than anyone’s fair share of pain. How I wished for her to take advantage of help she needed so badly. I’ve had my own battles and know getting help saved my life. Nonetheless, my life is qualitatively better for having Jackie as a friend when she could be one. My love and gratitude to all of you and know we grieve together. Daphne