Welcome to the memorial webpage for Grandmaster Richard Byrne...my husband and my best friend. He was instrumental in the development of my dance studio and it is important for me to remember him in some way. I know this page will be something special with some insight into his life as well as ours. We shared a wonderful life as husband and wife...he often said he was lucky to have me as a wife, but I knew I was the lucky one to have my soul mate with me for as long as I did. He was taken from me way too soon, but his spirit will always be at the Dance Complex as he believed in me and knew this was the way to share my passion and my talents. There is not a day that passes that he doesn't cross my mind. You clicked on the lantern that will always shine in my heart...it will always be lit on the corner of the stage for every recital in the future to remind me he is with me.
"When someone you love becomes a memory...the memory becomes a treasure. "
I treasure all the time we shared and all the memories I have. Thanks for always keeping him in your thoughts.
With Love,
Miss Paula
We met in May of 1983 when he was directing the martial arts movie "When Death Comes Quickly". One of my dance students was going out with one of his students. They were looking for a dance instructor to play his girlfriend in the video movie. I got the part!
We were married on January 7th, 1995 at Hammond Castle in Gloucester.
We loved riding motorcycles and travelled to lots of motorcycle events including our favorite - Sturgis, South Dakota. It was our release from our business where we didn't have to be Grandmaster Byrne and Miss Paula. Over the years he owned several different motorcycles including Harley's(his favorite - the Fat Boy), Boss Hoss, and Indian. He even had a Sportster refurbished to match the Fat Boy when I received my motorcycle license. I actually got my license during a Hurricane at Hansom Air Force Base. I could ride in the rain, go straight, but never got the hang of going around corners. We eventually sold the Sportster and I stayed on the back of his enjoying the ride much more. Not only did he love motorcycles but he loved sports cars. He raced Porsche's and loved his Shelby.
He was the Grandmaster of an International Karate Organization that he developed when he returned from Korea in the Vietnam War...the American Tang Soo Do Organization. Along with running his headquarters school - Byrne's Tang Soo Do in Malden...He travelled all over the world performing and teaching seminars. I was lucky enough to travel with him.
Richard also loved wrestling. He was known as Superstar Richard Byrne and loved being "one of the boys". Although this was not his main occupation, he loved this sport. He also allowed me to get involved as the choreographer of the "Bod Squad" and some of our dancers had fun performing at half time in the wrestling ring.
More than life itself...Richard loved his "boxers". He was definitely an animal lover. When we married he had 3 cats and a dog. As much as I was not a cat lover ...I grew to love his 3 cats. I also loved our dogs...Beau, Bo, Nikki, Hercules, Cody and Jesse. If you wanted to see a big guy melt...you had to watch him cuddle with his animals.
We built a log home in 2004 and decorated it in western and Native American style. I love our home. Many people ask ...where are the ballerina's?? It's okay...really...I love my Native American collection of dolls too. The dance studio has all the ballerina's!
On September 4th,2012... I came home from work to find that he had passed away...quietly and peacefully in his sleep. A day does not go by when I don't think of him. A memory will make me smile and then another memory will make me cry...but each day reminds me that there are new chapters to write. There was peace in performing a tribute in the 29th dance recital that will always be special to me...and all of my dancers who performed beside me to show their support and love. I watch it occasionally and smile.
Thanks for taking the time to read my thoughts and remembering Richard today....he is gone too soon, but never forgotten.
This little blog is like my therapy...it helps to heal. I have saved every movie ticket stub that we went to since the day I met him. I have also saved every card and letter and every flower he ever gave me. I didn't realize he saved the cards I gave him...I find them everywhere as I go through his belongings. I'm sharing some to help me through this. Enjoy!
Ticket Stub - 5/25/1983 - Return of the Jedi - Woburn Theater
Ticket Stub - 5/20/2000 Center Stage -Revere showcase Cinema's
Easter 2009 - " I am truly blessed to have you as my wife. All you have done to look after me...believe me when I say I will be forever grateful" Love Richard
Ticket Stub - 1/16/2010 Avatar 3d - Imax Theater Jordan's Furniture - Reading
Valentine's Day - was given a stuffed puppy to bring to school which sits on my desk..."I know you can't take your "boys" to work, so I found this guy. He looks a little like the both of them. Please take him and maybe he will remind you that there are 3 of us at home that love you very much! "Love Always, Richard, Cody and Jesse
Ticket Stub - 5/28/2011 Thor - Liberty Tree Danvers
Anniversary - I look forward to spending time with you this weekend. We have 8:45pm reservations at Capital Grill. Your bracelet will be ready by then." Love Richard (For those that don't know...Richard gave me a bracelet on our first anniversary with 1 diamond in it. He added a diamond each year on our anniversary. There were 20 spots. He filled 17 of them. I have been adding a black diamond on my anniversary every year and have 1 more year to fill. A special gift I will always treasure.)
Ticket Stub -March 30, 2011 - Floor 2nd row - Rod Stewart/Stevie Nicks Concert - TD Garden