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Nicholas Birch Obituary
Nicholas died of cancer on June 5, 2015 at the E.W. Bickle Centre, Toronto. A loving, kind man, he leaves behind his wife Ann, sons John and Hugh, their spouses Mandy and Care, granddaughters Frances, Claire and Lee, his brother Fred, sisters-in-law Betty Berch, Jan Lawrence and Mary Shier and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
He taught high school in Ontario for many years and was a life-long supporter of the arts: ballet, symphony, opera and theatre. He was an outspoken political critic and an active member of the Peel Retired Teachers' PAC. He played the snare drum in his youth with the 48th Highlanders Cadet Corps and was the unofficial photographer for the Old Comrades Association of the 48th Highlanders. He gave his time unstintingly to the support of disadvantaged youth. He read widely, went fishing, travelled to many countries, spent his mornings in High Park, tended his beautiful rose gardens and made soup. Family and friends will remember his generosity and empathy.
Friends may visit the Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W., Etobicoke, on Wednesday, June 10th between 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral and interment will be held on Thursday, June 11th at 1 p.m. at St. George's Church, Sibbald Point, 408 Hedge Road, Sutton, ON.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The National Ballet of Canada, the 48th Highlanders Trusts or St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Birch
10 Entries
July 1, 2015
My name is Paul Henry and I am an OCA member of the 48th Highlanders. Nick was a very good friend to myself and daughter Debbie. We met at the city hall for remembrance day for many years. He liked to treat us for lunch at The Bay. We also used to meet at many of the OCA meetings and special functions. He always took my and my families photos and would bring them the next time we met. We will certainly miss him at our meetings and functions. He was a great man! May he rest in peace.
Irene Kleban
June 23, 2015
Dear Ann,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss My deepest condolences to you and your family during this extremely difficult time. You don't know me, but I knew your husband. I worked at Black's Photography at Cloverdale Mall for over 10 years and had the pleasure of getting to know your husband. He was always such a kind and caring person, bringing bread and fruit for the staff. He was a very generous and positive man. He was always happy and interested in how my studies were going. I had the oppotunity to attend two performances of the Nutcracker with him. He always said how important it was for youth to be cultured and develop an appreciation for the arts. Your husband was such a beautiful person. He will be missed very much.I feel blessed to have known him.
Dina and Bill Bosman
June 16, 2015
Dear Ann and family,
Me and my husband, Bill and Dina Bosman from Apeldoorn were friends of Nick and he used to send us foto's ,maple sirup and lately a nice calendar. It is a shock to hear that he passed away.
We herewith send you and your family our condolances
Joan Strathdee
June 11, 2015
Dear Friend,
I was so sad to hear that you had lost your much loved husband, Nicholas. I wish you much peace and comfort at this most difficult time.
David Nicholson
June 8, 2015
Dear Ann: I was one of Nick's High Park 'breakfast friends', and this news has saddened us all. As others who knew him longer have already said, Nick was a kind man, and a lively, intellectually curious man. He and I shared many memories of childhood / youth in the Lakeshore; the only shortcoming of our political discussions was that we shared so many opinions we rarely disagreed! I won't be alone in cherishing memories of him.
June 6, 2015
Dear Ann
I am so sorry to hear of Nick's passing. He was a intelligent, thoughtful man and will be greatly missed at our PAC meetings. My condolences to you and your family.
Pam Sim (RTO PAC committee)
Bill Price
June 6, 2015
Dear Ann,
I arrived at the cottage today, opened an e-mail from Ross and read the terrible news. I am so sorry for your loss, Ann. I will remember Nicholas as such a kind and hospitable man and always ready to serve his delicious home made wine. I have many fond memories of our days working together at Burnhamthorpe and Silverthorn. My heart goes out to you at this time. I know what a help your family will be to you and I know you will find a measure of solace in that. Please know that you are in my thoughts and meditations.
Christina Senkiw
June 6, 2015
Dear Ann - I am deeply, deeply sorry to hear about your beloved husband's passing. I remember Nicholas diligently photographing the launch of your book "Settlement" at Gibson House. I will never forget the beautiful bouquet of roses from Nicholas's garden that you brought over when George passed away. It's a tremendous loss, but somehow we endure.
Tamra Wheeler
June 6, 2015
Dear Ann. I am so sorry to have heard the news of Nicholas passing. He truly was a wonderful man. He was always kind to me every time I saw him at any of the 48th Highlander functions. He will be missed. Tammy Wheeler daughter of Herb Pike xo
Richard Lyle Barlow
June 6, 2015
Ann, I was sorry to hear that you had lost your beloved husband. We have not been in touch for over a decade, but I still have so many happy memories of those days at SCI. You and Nicholas stood for the highest standards and earned my deepest love and respect.
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Memorial Events
for Nicholas Birch
Funeral services provided by:
Turner & Porter Funeral Directors4933 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke, ON M9A 1B6