GEORGE BIRCHALL

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GEORGE BIRCHALL On September 3, 2009 we lost a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and heaven gained an angel. George Birchall, 85, left peacefully at Deer Lodge Centre with his adoring family surrounding him. George started his life in Woodnorth, Manitoba in a family of eight. He met his wife Phyllis in Fairlight while on leave. He left for overseas and they kept contact through letters and a promise to be together after the war. They married on August 1, 1946 at the Spring Creek Church in Saskatchewan . They moved to Winnipeg when George found work with Winnipeg Transit. The family later moved to Lorette, Manitoba so George could pursue his love of farming and he did so as a hobby while continuing his career at Winnipeg Transit. George left Winnipeg Transit for a few years to drive big trucks for Paul's Hauling and Rocco, but did not like the long hours from his family so he then returned to Transit and retired at the age of 64. George made friends wherever he was and was loved for his sense of humor as he loved to tell a good joke. He was a very loving, self-sacrificing family man and he will be greatly missed by his loved ones. In respect to his wishes there will be no service and cremation has taken place. George was predeceased by his parents, brothers Doug and Gordon, sisters Florence, Edith and Gladys and son Stanley. Left to mourn his passing is his beloved wife of 63 years, Phyllis and children: Linda, Ken (Heather), Anita, and Tammy (Romeo), and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Stewart and sister, Gertrude. The family would like to thank all the staff at Catherine Place for all the care and friendship over the last four years and the staff at Deer Lodge for all his care in the last year. The measure of a man is made by the number of friends he leaves behind and George was a tall man in that respect. Miss Me But Let Me Go When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long, And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, And each must go alone, It's part of the Master's plan, A step on the road to home. So when you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds Miss me - but let me go. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2009