JOSEPH BIRKS

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JOSEPH BIRKS Joseph Birks, of Souris, MB passed away on Monday, July 18, 2005 at the Souris Health Centre. He is survived by his wife Elinor, daughters, Betty (Don Schnell), Nancy, Katherine (Glenn Denbow); grandchildren, Geordie (Candis), David Schnell, Michael and Laura Denbow. Also survived by nephew Grant (Femmy) and son Michael, niece Brenda (Jeff) Latta, son Scott and daughter Jane; brother-in-law Bob (Joyce) Brown; nephews, Kent (Teresa), Chris (Cheryl) Brown; niece Krin (Jeff) Hunter. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Maude Birks; brothers, Jack and Bill (Lucy) Birks; sister Betty (Len) Puthoff. Joe was born January 22, 1917 at the farm in the Hayfield district and attended Hebron School and the Brandon Techincal School. He later took over the home farm. Joe played hockey and baseball with the Hayfield teams and was an active memeber of the Hebron Community Club. Joe and Elinor (Brown) were married October 18, 1949. Three daughters arrived to bless their home, Betty, Nancy and Katherine. With Bill, Lucy, Grant and Brenda so close, we all have so many happy memories of everyday activities and community social events and visiting. We skated and tobogganed in winter, went to Oak Lake Beach in the summer, and had social evenings at the school. Joe and Elinor moved to Souris in 1975. St. Paul's United Church has always been special to Joe (despite his Anglican roots ). He often canvassed the Hebron and Riverview districts each fall and he served on the Board of Stewards for two terms. Joe was a very active member of the Souris Curling Club, serving as president of the afternoon club and helping with many senior bonspiels. Joe belonged to the Souris Golf Club, the Royal Candian Legion Branch No. 60 and the Drop-In Centre. The funeral service was held in St. Paul's United Church on July 26. Rev. Beth McLean officiated, organist was Glenda McConnell. Interment was in Rosewood Memorial Gardens, Brandon. Kowalchuk's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 02, 2005