Maralee and Gary, I am so sorry to hear of your father passing. My thoughts are with you.

I received a note in the mail yesterday from my sister. Enclosed was Dr. Birrell’s obituary. The note said: “if it had not been for this man you would not be alive today”.

My twin brother Bob and I were born 69 days premature on December 23, 1949 each weighing 3 1/2 lbs and survived in an incubator under the care of Dr. Birrell.

We grew up and went to Henry Wise Wood and knew Gary Pozzo and Maralee Birrell.

For 60 years Dr. Birrell has been held in the highest regard by our family.

Don and Bob Sandford

Dear Dorothy, Dave, Doug, Susan, Maralee and families:

It was with great sadness that I heard of John’s passing. But what a wonderful life he led and what a beautifully close family he has left behind.

I was always so impressed with John’s zest for learning and ability to succeed in so many pursuits. Two of my children were fortunate to have his care until his retirement.

Mostly I was taken with his super attitude about life and the way he and Dorothy lived it with such zest and wonderful senses of humor.

May your hearts heal soon.

To Dorthy and Family: Donna and I are saddened by John’s passing. Both he and you Dorthy brought much into our lives, particularly setting me on 35 years Musical fun. God be with you. Donna & George

To Dorothy and Family: We are so sorry to hear of the passing of the man we knew as Dr. Birrell, my pediatrician, and dear friend of our family for many years.

Ken Birch and family.

To Dave in Nanton and your extended family, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My dad, Jim Waddell, practiced internal medicine in town at the same time as your father was working. Our families both lived in

Scarboro and went to school together. Dave, you kindly spoke to me at the Lancaster Museum in Nanton, when I was visiting there, and showed me a photo of the members of my father’s RCAF squadron, shortly after he died. Your kind interest in my father’s life and passing meant a great deal to me at the time – I hope to extend the same courtesy to you.

Sincerely, Catherine Waddell

403-244-8614

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Birrell.

It was a pleasure to see his lapidary work and photographs.

He certainly was a man of many talents and interests.

John and Dorothy were great neighbours for many years at Briar Park Estates.

Our thoughts are with the family.

Jan and Glen Myers

From my family to yours please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss.

Very Best Regards

I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He was a wonderful and inspirational man. He has left his mark on many lives, even those he met only briefly.

To Maralee and Gary,

So sorry to hear of the passing of your father and know what a loss it will be to all the members of the family. Take care.

Deepest condolences from me & my family. I often think of John & Dorothy as I did at the recent Calgary Rock Lapidary Club annual show sale. My memories of childhood both with our families together as well as visits to Doctor Birrell for annual vaccines and the tadpole tank are cherished. My warmest thoughts to all of you

Sarabeth Carnat

Pauly and I enjoyed many good times with John–at the associate clinic, and afterwords,during his retirement. He and Dorothy remained good friends for many years, and we will both miss him.

We are all so sorry to hear of the passing of dear Dr. Birrell. He was such a good man. Your description as “a quality man” is exactly correct. He will be greatly missed, but I consider our family so lucky to have had him as a part of our (early) lives. He was the pediatrician for my older sister, my younger brother, and me. (From approximately 1964 to 1974?). I still remember him coming to our house, in the dark of winter – after a full day of work – making a house call! I know my mother was so thankful to find this great man, to be our doctor – he helped her (and us) in so many circumstances. He was so kind and gentle, we all loved him. He really was an amazing man, with a great heart and a great spirit. Thank you to his whole family – for letting Dr. Birrell share some of his time with the rest of us. It was our pleasure to have known this “quality man”. Sincerely, Dawn Ewonus

To Dave and Leslie

Saddened to learn of the loss of your father. Sending sincere thoughts of comfort.

Bev & George Setterington

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Birrell. Our thoughts are with you.

Bob & Sharon Dingle