Obituary of Gary Edward Birch

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Gary Birch in his 82nd year. Beloved husband of Irene in their 60th year of marriage. Proud father of Erin and Kyle, loving grandfather of Aidan and Kiara. Gary is survived by his sister Susan Lusted (Roly), sister-in-law Lynn Maslen (Geoff) and brother-in-law Roy Copeland (Joyce). He will be missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncle, and many good friends. Always a teacher and historian, Gary readily shared historical lessons and significances with all his family and friends. Gary was a dedicated father and grampa, a talented educator and later an administrator with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, a former Glanbrook Councillor and an avid Cottager and Camper. He was equally at home in a suit or a pair of cut-off jeans. Sincere thanks to Dr. Darrell Juriansz our family doctor, Dr. Yaron Shargall, Head of Thoracic Surgery at St. Joseph’s Healthcare and the staff in the I.C.U. units at Juravinski Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A private family celebration will be held at a later date. For those who wish to make a donation in Gary’s memory the family would appreciate if you would consider donating to Hamilton Animal Control or the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health at St. Joseph’s Healthcare. Notes of sympathy and condolence may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca 

“Someday today will seem like a long time ago”