Orange County has lost a passionate icon with the passing (yesterday) of Ilse Byrnes (age 94). Ever dedicated to her community of San Juan Capistrano, she served on the Parks and Recreation Commission as well as the Open Space, Trails, and Equestrian Commission with land preservation as a key goal. At one point, she was President of the California Trails Foundation, an organization that later awarded her a Lifetime (Volunteer) Achievement Award. Ever the equestrian and trail pioneer, the City named a trail after her (and her late husband, Dr. Roy Byrnes).
Historic preservation was also a passion. She was a longtime docent with the Montanez Adobe on Los Rios Street. Dedicated to helping the City receive national recognition, she facilitated numerous adobes and historic landmarks make the list of the National Register of Historic Places. Born in Switzerland, she had a knack for getting things done. She was a strong supporter of Friends of Harbors, Beaches & Parks (FHBP) and its Green Vision Project.
Ilse, your tenacity and enthusiasm will be missed.