Obituary of Daryl Elmer Birnie

December 28, 1933 - December 24, 2022

Daryl Birnie passed quietly after a brief illness on December 24, 2022, four days before his 89th birthday.

Born in Walpole, Saskatchewan, on December 28, 1933, he was the third of five children born to Harry and Sylvia Birnie. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Ogema, then Hodgeville, settling finally in Saskatoon.

Daryl was most proud of the loving family he had, both immediate and extended. Those who knew him called him a friend. They enjoyed his quick wit, clever humour, deep warmth, and gentle kindness. His generosity of time and energy was legendary.

On August 25, 1956, Daryl married the love of his life, Isobel Constance Erwin, the daughter of Howard and Blossom Erwin in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The couple had four daughters, Kim (Greg Strachan), their children Tanner and Jenna; Sue (Pat Conacher), their children Patrick, Dan, and Cheyenne, plus their partners; Pam (Shawn Sornson) their children Troy and Tristin, plus their partners; and Gillian (Don Kasian), and their children Anika and Chloe Horvath- Kasian. Great-grandchildren include Isobel and Cash Conacher, Myla and Trevor Gilson, and Henry Sornson.

In addition to his beloved wife Isobel, he leaves behind an enormous community of friends and family members, including: his oldest brother Howard Birnie (Maxine, deceased); his brother Jim Birnie (Lois); his sister Beverly Wahl (Bill). Daryl was predeceased by his 2nd oldest brother Ed Birnie (Jean, deceased).

In 1952, Daryl attended the University of Saskatchewan, earning a Bachelor of Honors Degree in Mathematics in 1954 and a Master's degree in Mathematics from the University of Alberta in 1956. Daryl's long and distinguished career in the Petroleum industry started with Amoco Canada as a geophysicist, Exploration Superintendent and Chief Geophysicist. In 1978, he left Amoco to advance his career opportunities with Voyager Petroleum, Encor Energy Corporation/Dome Canada, and finally, as President and CEO of Mark Resources Ltd. Daryl shared his experience, insights and mentorship serving as Director and/ or Chairman on Executive Boards of several oil and gas companies. He was a Past Executive member of the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists; Past Director, Independent Petroleum Association of Canada: Member: Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists; Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta; Society of Exploration Geophysicists.

Daryl's many professional accomplishments and civic contributions were recognized and honored by his inclusion in the 1991 - 1993 editions of "Who's Who in Canada". In 1995 he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Petroleum Industry Hall of Fame.

Daryl volunteered for many organizations, including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Alberta White Cane Foundation, the Calgary Stampeders Football Club, The United Way of Calgary, the Calgary Stampede, and the Calgary Aquabelles Synchronized Swim Club. As well, he served as President of the McMahon Stadium Society. A lifelong United Church of Canada member, Daryl was actively involved at Lakeview United Church in Calgary for 50+ years.

As a charter member of Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, Daryl spent many hours enjoying golf on his home course as well at the Tucson National Golf Course in Tucson, Arizona. Among his golfing achievements, he recorded SEVEN Holes in One! In addition to golf, Daryl also participated in and enjoyed many other sports and activities.

We, his family, cannot express how much he will be missed, but are comforted knowing that he lives on in our hearts. Daryl's greatest attributes - generosity, kindness, and a tremendous sense of humour, will always inspire us going forward. We will miss you, Papa.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the fantastic medical staff, including Dr. Siow, Dr. Shay, Nurse Davis and both the day and night nursing staff of Rockyview Hospital for the amazing care our dad received both in the Emergency Department and on Ward 72. You are all greatly appreciated.

A Celebration of Daryl's life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.