JAMES TAYLOR BIRT

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JAMES TAYLOR BIRT James Taylor Birt, aged 29 years, died suddenly on December 5, 2002, in Toronto. Treasured son of Mary and Charlie, cherished brother of Cameron and Graeme, dear grandson of Joan Birt, and beloved partner of Moya Brown. Taylor was born April 16, 1973, in Winnipeg. He attended St. Johns-Ravenscourt School, where his fine intellect and natural athleticism were honed. Taylor was passionate about the school and all it embodied, challenge, self-confidence, curiosity, and risk-taking. Even as a student, he set his standards high. He defined his goals and his dreams and determined the paths to achieve them. Taylor always sought out the next challenge, the next level. He earned his BA (Economics) from the University of Manitoba and his MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western. Between degrees he had obtained his Canadian Securities certificate, Canadian Options course, and the first level of the Chartered Financial Analyst program. After two years in New York as an associate in mergers and acquisitions with Credit Suisse First Boston, he had returned to Toronto to share his life with Moya, and to rejoin Sherritt International as manager of Corporate Development. At Sherritt, he was challenged beyond his wildest dreams. Taylor held Ian Delaney and Jowdat Waheed in the highest regard, and he felt honoured by their trust. Taylor was unwavering in his commitment to friends and, above all, family. He loved and respected his parents and he adored his brothers. His grandmothers, his aunts and uncles, Doug and Kathie Birt, Jim and Carol Nowell, and Janet and Bob Force, were part of a family tradition that he revered. Taylor and his cousins were a close and loving group, John (Mandy Guest) and Glen (Carly) Nowell; Andrew, Nerissa and Jennifer Birt; and David and Debbie Force. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Gilbert Nowell and William Birt; and his grandmother Margaret Nowell, but they each played a role in shaping his character. Taylor had many dear friends, and each of those friendships was valued. His favourite place was the family cottage at Whytewold, a gathering place for friends and family, and where he first introduced Moya into his family. We are grateful to Ian Delaney, Chairman of Sherritt International for his help through this difficult time, and to Ian and Kiki for opening their home on Sunday, December 8 to Taylors friends and associates in Toronto. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 13 at 5:30 p.m. in Hamber Hall, St. Johns-Ravenscourt School, 400 South Dr., in Winnipeg, with reception following. In lieu of flowers, friends may choose to make a donation to the J. Taylor Birt Scholarship Fund in care of the SJR Foundation (for more information, please call (204) 477 - 2416), or to a charity of their choice. Expressions of condolence may be emailed to leslie@nbardal.mb.ca Subject heading: Birt. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 13, 2002