CHARLES TAYLOR BIRT

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CHARLES TAYLOR BIRT Charles Taylor Birt, at the age of 95 years, peacefully passed away on August 1, 2007 at the St. Boniface General Hospital. He is survived by his daughter Beverley (Ken) Swanson of Calgary, and sons, Ron (Margaret), Brian (Lina), and William (Sarah) of Winnipeg; brother Fred, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. He was predeceased by his wife Maree in 2002; sister Eileen (Al) Brown; brothers, Gordon, Arthur, and William, and grandson Sean. A life-long resident of Winnipeg, Dad was born January 25, 1912 at home at 4 Scotia Street to Abigail (Taylor) and William Birt. He attended Luxton School and St. John's High School. During the Second World War, he served with the Winnipeg Light Infantry. He married Maree Mathews in 1940. Upon return from his tour of duty, he started his sales and management career in the printing industry with T. W. Taylor Company Limited. He retired in 1977 as a sales representative for Saults Pollard Ltd. Dad was active in the Winnipeg Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Craftmen's Club, Winnipeg Graphic Arts Council, and The Fellowship Club. He was a strong supporter of St. Mark's Anglican Church and a regular volunteer at the Windsor Community Club in St. Vital while his children attended Windsor School. Dad's life was dominated by his love for his family and he gave unselfishly to help us. For over 25 years Dad and Mom spent Christmas in Calgary with Beverley, Ken, Rod, and Gordon to strengthen the family ties. They enjoyed a wide circle of friends. Dad's integrity, humour, craftsmanship, artistry, and commitment to family were held in high regard by all that knew him. A consummate gentleman, he was an extremely creative artist, wood-carver, carpenter, and builder. He loved cottage life, the outdoors, and particularly activities at Lac Lu. With family support, he maintained his single lifestyle following Mother's passing until physical ailments required him to take up interim residence at Misericordia Health Centre in 2005, pending his acceptance at Riverview Health Centre this past May. He was also treated at St. Boniface General Hospital. Dad was very appreciative of all the dedicated, respectful and caring personnel who helped him. A celebration of Dad's life will take place at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2007. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4. THOMSON IN THE PARK FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY 1291 McGillivray Blvd. www.thomsoninthepark.com 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 11, 2007