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BORN
1949
DIED
2010
Serge Birk Obituary
Serge Birk passed away on November 22, 2010 at his beloved "River Retreat" in Dairyville, CA, with his wife and love of his life, Beth at his side.
A worldly man from the beginning, Serge and his twin sister Catherine were born in Paris, France on March 23, 1949. The family moved to Montreal, Canada in 1952, where, like most boys in Canada, he wanted to grow up to be a professional hockey player. The hockey stick was easily replaced by a surf board however when the family moved to southern California in 1959. Serge's charm was noticed early on in the Golden State when talent scouts visiting his elementary school chose him to appear on the popular Art Linkletter Show.
Serge received his B.S. in Fisheries from Humboldt State University in 1973 and quickly put his education to good use as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines. He lived on the island of Ilo Ilo which was so isolated that he did not learn of Nixon's resignation until he spotted a newspaper headline referring to President Ford in Manila some weeks after the fact.
Serge worked on another global concern after he returned to the United States. Serving as an observer with the NOAA Tuna-porpoise program, he developed his own brand of d‚tente while on Soviet fishing boats months at a time. This program resulted in improved fishing techniques which dramatically reduced mortalities of dolphins in commercial tuna fishing.
Serge then headed back to Palau. Known affectionately as "starfish man" on the island, he developed a program to limit the population of starfish that was destroying Palau's reef. To no small extent, his efforts contributed to Palau remaining one of the most desired and pristine diving spots in the world.
Other public service included working for the Bureau of Reclamation, serving as the Environmental Director for the Central Valley Project Water Association, and most recently as the Natural Resource Manager for U.S. Forest Service at Lassen National Forest. He was a proud member of Class XXXI of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation.
Even those who briefly knew Serge knew his life-long passion was aquaculture. He often joked, "Some people play golf, I grow fish." Serge spearheaded two aquaculture enterprises. In conjunction with the Washoe Tribe in Genoa, Nevada, Serge founded and operated Gourmet Prawnz, Inc. with Dick Butler in the 1980s. Utilizing geothermal resources and innovative techniques, they developed a sustainable system for prawn production. Later he established Redclaw Lobster in Red Bluff, CA and held the only license in California to grow the Australian Redclaw Lobster. His business also included angel fish and koi.
Serge loved scuba diving, salmon fishing, Hawaiian shirts, photography, collecting classic cars, "adopting" palm trees and succulents for his River Retreat, practicing yoga, and listening to the Rolling Stones - all with his trademark enthusiasm. He was also known for hosting an annual "40 - Something" party for his wife.
Serge was a loyal and generous friend, a hardworking and innovative colleague, and a loving, devoted, and protective brother. Most of all, he had limitless love for Beth, his loving wife of 25 years. Together they island hopped, collected ethnic art from around the world, and celebrated every sunrise and sunset together on their piece of paradise on the Sacramento River. One need only look at the numerous joyful photos of Serge and Beth displayed at their home to recognize their love for each other.
Serge is survived by his wife Beth (Dairyville, CA), his twin sister Catherine (Evanston, IL), his sister Natalie (Sacramento, CA), brother-in-law and sister-in-law Del and Donna Whitaker (Elk Grove, CA), nephew Sammy Wayhou, his niece Delany Whitaker, and in-laws Kay and Elbert Whitaker.
A celebration of Serge's life will be held Sunday, December 12 at 1:00 pm, Los Molinos Veterans Hall, 7980 Sherwood Blvd. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Serge may be sent to Tehama County Education Foundation for the SERRF program, P.O. Box 525, Red Bluff, CA 96080 and St. Elizabeth Hospice, 1425 Vista Way, Red Bluff, CA 96080.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Serge Birk
George Senn
November 24, 2020
He was a co-worker and a good friend! He loved and cared for beauty palm trees! May he plant more in God's Kingdom!
Mark Oliver
December 30, 2010
Beth - I am so sorry to hear about Serge, I didn't even know he was ill. Serge and I had a deal that if I ever even thought about selling the '65 Dynamic convertible I purchased from you both on Dec 31, 1999 (the last day of the millinium and a momentous day for he and I both!) he would be the first to know. One of my classic memories of Serge was looking at the car and then him touring me through your home with his notes challenging the Trinity River Restoration environmental document (for which I happened to be the project manager for) strewn across your family room. Serge was a real pleasure to work with as well as in his capacity of former owner of the car that all three of my kids (now 16 and two that are 13) grew up in. Take care and know that Serge touched countless lives professionally and personally.
December 28, 2010
Beth and sister Natalie,
I knew Serge through his work with the Bureau of Reclamation Central Valley Project Improvement Act. We all worked together for the benefit of our resources. I read Serge's obituary and had not realized he had led a life that would have been very accomplished for any 3 people. He certainly did not miss any of what life had to offer and in fact with his passion and enthusiasm made this a better world for everyone.
He once tried to talk me into growing lobster on the ranch I am on SW of Chico. I declined but he fulfilled his dream by probably being the only lobster farmer in California in the Red Bluff area. The world is a better place to live because of Serge's accomplishments.
Les Heringer, Jr.
Marcia Wolfe
December 23, 2010
Beth- I am devastated to just learn of the loss of Serge. He is the "one" who recruited me into the Ag Leadership Program. I also worked wtih him on the environmental committee of the CVPWA back "when". He always was so much fun, so hard working and supportive and I am truly grateful to have had him in part of my life at work and in Ag Leadership! I will miss him! Bless you and yours during this difficult time. You are in my prayers- Sincerely, Marcia H. Wolfe
Shrina Holloway
December 12, 2010
Beth,
A shining example of "May you live all the days of your life"
With Love,
Shrina
George Senn
December 12, 2010
Dear Beth, I am so saddened to hear of Serge's passing. I am at a loss for words. He was a good friend, I will miss him. I always wanted to tour his lobster farm, but never got the opportunity. One should never put off til tomorrow what one can do today! We spent many hours together while working at the Water Association--he always kept our sessions fresh and fun! I would like to add my love to the love of your many friends and family--love that will carry you through your grief.
Sandy Denn
December 11, 2010
Dear Beth, I am so sorry to hear that Serge has left us on this plane. I had the privilege of being his Chairman at CVPWA for many years, and before that in working together on the Stony Creek Task Force. He was always a pleasure to work with and could provide a chuckle when things got a little stormy in a particular meeting. He was a great help to me and to the organization. He will always be remembered. With love for you both
Lupe Green
December 9, 2010
I was so shocked and sad to hear of Serge's passing. He always made me feel so special whenever I saw him. My heart goes out to Beth and his family. You will be in my prayers.
Joe Miyamoto
December 6, 2010
Dear Beth, Margo and I were very saddened to hear about loss of Serge. We will always remember his friendly demeanor and outgoing ways that made everyone feel good. It is hard to imagine a more dedicated and ambitious person which is clearly shown by all of his wordly accomplishments. We are so glad we had a chance to share some good times together. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.
Love,
Joe and Margo
Elise Holland
December 6, 2010
Dear Beth, I am comfounded by this loss...I have thought of you guys so ofter over the last years and missed seeing you at your 40th Birthday parties of late:). You know I had so much respect for Serge and appreciation for his vision, enthusiasm and boundless effort and energy that he brought to everything he did and touched. He will be so missed but his reach was broad and deep and I hope that you will find some consolation in knowing how many people will smile when remembering Serge. Love, Elise
Richard Koenig
December 4, 2010
Dear Beth, Catherine, Natalie and extended family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Serge. I had just found out. Even though we have never met, I have been in contact with Serge for over 15 years. People of our planet will realize that Serge's lifes work is of such a great importance and his research will be carried on. My deepest sympathies go out to all of you.
Sincerely,
Richard M Koenig
Larry Bauman
December 3, 2010
Beth and Family - all of us at or associated with the Central Valley Project Water Assocation office were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. While I only met Serge a few times, he made me feel like I had known him my whole life. And even though I didn't have the opportunity to work with Serge, others here that I have talked to who did were very enthusiastic in thier remembrance of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time with hope that fond memories will assist in healing your pain and sorrow.
Tricia Parker Hamelberg
December 2, 2010
Dear Beth, All of us who work with Battle Ck Salmon Restoration fondly recall Serge's efforts. A beautiful card from us will soon be arriving (it includes a trout watercolor by a Fish Bio's parent). Much Love.
Steven Borchers
December 1, 2010
Beth, Catherine, Natalie and family, I can't express how sorry my staff and I are for your loss. We had so much fun when Serge would come visit. He was the light of our days. Serge was one of the few patients that my retired receptionist (my mom) would ask about. He always had such a twinkle in his eye when he talked about you three and he talked a bunch. We will miss him so much.
Sac River Resort
Mark & Jennifer Glenesk
November 30, 2010
Beth and Family - we are thinking of you every moment and celebrate the joy of having Serge in our life. What an amazing man! We so fondly remember our visits to Gourmet Prawnz in Genoa, the Sacramento River Paradise, and Redclaw. Mostly we loved Serge's stories and hearing about the next great adventure that he was about to bring to life. His incredibly large heart, giving spirit, and enthusiasm is a gift we are all so fortunate to have received. Love,
Tracy Graham
November 30, 2010
Beth,
Thinking you of during this difficult time. Please know you are in our prayers.
With love, your friends at Raley's Pharmacy
Melissa Mendonca
November 30, 2010
Dear Beth and Family,
Since making the "Palau connection" I have had a fondness for Serge and the beautiful love he shared with Beth. You are in my thoughts. Your grief is shared by many.
Amy Henderson
November 30, 2010
Beth: Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Serge was full of joy, life, and love. Leyton and I will miss him and our annual trip to the fish farm.
November 30, 2010
For Beth and family
Always know you are not alone and my love and prayers will help you through this very hard adjustment and life altering time.
Shirley Skinner
Red Bluff, CA
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