06/28/2026
To our dear friends, neighbours, and the wonderful communities of York Harbour and Lark Harbour,
It is with a mixture of deep gratitude, a few tears, and a lot of excitement for the future that I am writing this to you all. After 25 incredible years of Robert and I standing behind the counter at Byrne’s Store, the time has come for us to step into retirement and hand over the keys.
As many of you know, this store has been the backdrop to my entire life. More than 60 years ago, my father started it all as a simple games room. Over the decades, it grew, changed, and evolved into the small grocery and hardware store you know today.
Before Robert and I took over ownership in 2001, it was always kept close to the heart as a true family business—run with love by my sister Pauline, Jerry, and Jerry's wife Lana throughout the years. I’ve been walking these floors since I was just a young girl, and the history of this place is woven tightly into who I am.
Saying goodbye to the daily routine is going to be harder than Robert and I can put into words. I am going to deeply miss the simple things: the morning rush, the casual afternoon chats, and the familiar rhythm of our days. Robert and I have had the absolute joy of watching local kids grow up right before our eyes, only to see them walk back through our doors years later as adults, bringing their own children in. That is a gift not many store owners get to experience.
Most of all, we will miss the privilege of serving the people of these two resilient, beautiful communities. You haven't just been customers to us; you have been our extended family. You’ve shared your lives with us, and we are profoundly grateful for it.
As our chapter comes to a close, a beautiful new one begins for the store. Robert and I want to wish the new owners, Donald and Kristy Joyce, the absolute best of luck, success, and prosperity. As they begin their own journey with their family business, we know they will pour their hearts into it, and we ask that you welcome them with the same incredible warmth and loyalty you’ve given us for a quarter of a century.
We don’t want to slip away quietly, so we would love nothing more than to see your faces and share some memories before we go.
Please join us for two special days:
Our Final Day at the Store (Tuesday, June 30th): Please drop by the store throughout the day. We’ll have the kettle on with coffee, tea, desserts, and snacks. Robert and I would love to share one last conversation and a hug as we close out our very last day of business.
Our First Day of Retirement (Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1st): To celebrate day one of the relaxed life, we are opening up our home. Come on by the house anytime after lunch for a BBQ, some cold drinks, and good company. Let’s send us off into retirement the right way!
Thank you, York Harbour and Lark Harbour, the residents and many visitors to the Outer Bay of Islands for a lifetime of support, friendship, and beautiful memories. You will always hold a massive piece of our hearts.
With all our love and appreciation,
Wanda and Robert
