Obituary of Gerald Birch

Gerry Birch, beloved husband of Mary Birch, of Calgary passed away peacefully on Monday, January 21, 2008 at the age of 89 years. Gerry was born in Edmonton in 1918. He joined the Royal Canadian Signals Corp and served during WWII in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany from 1942 to 1946. Gerry moved to Calgary following the war and was employed at Inland Cement Company for over twenty-four years. He was active in the Royal Canadian Legion and was a member of the Associated Canadian Travelers for thirty-five years. Despite leaving Edmonton, Gerry continued to be an Edmonton Eskimo fan to the end. He was very friendly to all and never met a dog he didn’t like. In later years, Gerry was an avid member of the Parkdale Nifty Fifties Club where he enjoyed many card games. Besides his loving wife of sixty-one years, Mary, Gerry is survived by his son Murray (Terri) Birch and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Harriett Ruddy and his brother Stuart Birch. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Monday, January 28, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Health Trust, (Carewest Colonel Belcher) Suite 800, 11012 MacLeod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB T2J 6A5, Telephone: (403)943-0615, www.thetrust.ca . The Colonel Belcher Hospital treats patients with respect, kindness and dignity, deserving of those who have served their country. The family thanks Gerry’s many valued friends for their constant support and in particular, Frank Swanberg, for easing his last days. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Gerald Birch, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.