Byrne Benson was the son of Dorothy Byrne Benson identified as the great grand daughter of town founder William Byrne. Her son died February 4, 2018 in Michigan. His obituary makes no reference to Burnsville or his great great grandfather William, but we are certain of his direct connection.
Byrne was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October lrl932. Upon graduation from high school and his marriage to Mary Louise, he began his lifelong love with the homebuilding business by working for his father-in-Iaw, John Donnay, building homes in Minneapolis and its suburbs. He went on to become an entrepreneur and started his own homebuilding companies in both Minnesota and Michigan.
Byrne moved his family to Michigan n 1964 when he joined Bert L. Smokler in Southfield. In 1966, Ortonville became the family address, followed by many years of fond memories. Over the years he also held numerous positions in the NAHB as well as the HBA in Michigan.
