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Philip Michael Frederick Birnie
Philip Michael Frederick Birnie
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Philip Birnie Obituary
Also mourning their loss are his treasured sisters Heather Birnie (Paul Arthur) and Laurie Birnie, as well as his wonderful and close-knit extended family.
Phil will similarly be missed by friends who unselfishly supported him throughout his often-challenging illness. Our family will always be grateful.
A celebration of Phil's life will be held at the Stanley Park Pavilion on Friday, August 25th. Please arrive at 10:30am; formal program begins at 11am. The venue strongly recommends guests access the site via the Beach Avenue park entrance to avoid traffic congestion.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
27 Entries
January 1, 2018
I just found this and I am very sorry to hear of Phil's passing. While we have not stayed connected I have many memories of family gatherings on Boxing day and other times. I wish to express my heartfelt condolences and prayers. John Wright [email protected]
Paul Collins
August 30, 2017
It's been many years, but we were privileged to spend several occasions with the Birnies and their extended family. Those get togethers were always full of laughter and great conversation. We will always remember Phil for his warmth, sharp wit, great sense of humour and the love that he had for his family. Lynn and family, Heather and Laurie - we are very sad to hear of Phil's passing and we extend our deepest condolences. Phil was truly unique and the world is poorer without him.
- Holly Nicol and Paul Collins
Kevin, Neil, Allan, Irene Black
August 30, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to the Birnie family. Phil was our soccer coach growing up in Coquitlam, and Neil & I have wonderful memories playing alongside his son Steve.
His kindness and encouragement shaped the team to play the game the proper way, and these teachings had a positive impact that stayed with us both on and off the field. Our thoughts are with you.
Mohan Grewal
August 30, 2017
It was my pleasure knowing Phil Birnie. He was a wonderful person and co-worker. My thoughts go out to Lyn and their children.
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Bill and Candcie Davidson
August 25, 2017
Dear Lynn and Family
Even though we only saw you guys periodically over the past few years, Candice and I were very fond of you both and always enjoyed our unexpected encounters, whether on the beach at Tofino or at the grocery store. I still tell the amusing story of the day Phil and I met at SFU. I fondly remember Phil`s stag (who will ever forget that) as well as your wonderful wedding. We will miss him.
Adrian Lau
August 25, 2017
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I was very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jillian Hull
August 24, 2017
To Lynn, Steve, Megan, Laurie, Heather and all of your families, You know this of course, but we just loved Phil. He brought out the best in everyone in his orbit and he held himself to such high standards of decency, kindness and respect. His humour was that rare breed that never poked fun at others, but rather found the funny in the absurdity of life itself. We have so many, many memories of all you over these many years and hold you whole in our hearts forever. The Broberg-Hull Family.
Stacy Hodges
August 24, 2017
Lynn, I am so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. I knew him first as my boss and then knew him and you as friends. His great and quirky sense of humour stands out in my memories. I have been thinking of you and your family through his courageous battle for his health and now that he is gone. Even though we didn't stay in touch I will miss him and I feel so deeply for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Sharon and Terry Ciebin
August 23, 2017
Dear Lynn, Steve, Meghan and family
I got to meet Phil through Terry who had the pleasure to work for and with Phil for many years. Phil became a dear friend to Terry and I both. Phil was truly one of a kind, generous, loving, committed and profoundly appreciative for what he was given. Phil taught us so many things about how to live but we are most thankful for how he taught us to face our own immortality. He accepted what he had been given with grace and love. Til the very end he thought about others - especially you his wonderful family but also allowing his friends to find peace and acceptance with his illness. Phil was a very special person and the world is a much better place because he lived here. You are in our prayers.
Betty Oliver
August 23, 2017
Lynn, Steve, and Megan:
My deepest condolences to you for your great loss. Phil was a wonderful man and I had the privileged to work with him a number of years ago. It's a testament to Phil's bigger than life personality, when his memory still brings a smile after so many years have passed since we last talked. The two things I most remember about Phil was his great sense of humour and his deep love for his wife and children. Phil was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Ann Sihota
August 23, 2017
My thoughts and condolences are with you and your family. May memories help you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. XO
Linda and Stan Gidora
August 22, 2017
Dear Lynn and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. We remember many good times we all shared at Herald Campsite and family gathers.
We know he will be greatly missed. Hopefully keeping him close in heart will lessen the loss.
Alice Cheung
August 22, 2017
Dear Lynn: So sorry to hear of your husband's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Carol Gaudet
August 22, 2017
So sorry to read of your husband's passing Lynn. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. May the memories of your time with him help you through this difficult time.
Phil is the handsome Conehead on the right.
Jeremy Rogers
August 22, 2017
Dear Lynn and family,
While I was aware of Phil's health struggles, we were still shocked and deeply sadden by his passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with you at this
very difficult time. I will always remember working with Phil. His infectious sense of wacky humour was always a highlight of the work day. For example: Phil made his team send away for Cone Head wigs as part of a team meeting project. It was great fun as we all looked like twits. And I have the photo to prove it. Please find comfort that Phil was well liked and respected and he will be remembered by many.
Jeremy and Martha Rogers
Suzanne Chamberlain
August 22, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. My thoughts are with you and your families during this difficult time.
Christopher Barton
August 22, 2017
My deepest condolences to Lynn Birnie and family for your loss. Phil's sense of humour was delightful. Phil will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew him.
Tony Luk
August 22, 2017
Dear Lynn: My condolences to you and your loved ones at this sad time. May you always hold fond memories of your time together.
Marjorie Stevens
August 22, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Phil's passing. He was one of a kind with his humour and love of his family. He brought joy and laughter to any workplace.
Jean Sterling
August 21, 2017
I had the great pleasure of working with Phil for a number of years. He was a wonderful person and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss, and may you find comfort in your memories.
August 20, 2017
Dear Lynn, Steve, Megan, Heather and Laurie. Words cannot express our sorrow for the loss of such a wonderful person as Phil. Although time and distance has separated us from all of you, it does not separate us from your heart breaking loss and the world is less vibrant without him. We were enriched by Phil's humour, insight,friendship and incredible joie de vivre that was infectious and warming. We wish we were able to be in Vancouver next week to share memories however we will be in touch separately to express our deepest condolences. Thinking of you all forever, Peter & Claire Champion
August 20, 2017
So sorry to hear of Phil's passing. Always enjoyed running into him in Coquitlam and catching up. His blue eyes and great smile will be missed. My thoughts are with all his family.
Wendy (Evans) Gigliotti
August 19, 2017
Laurie, please try to find peace in the memories...sending you a great big hug . You and your family will be in my thoughts
August 19, 2017
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for your loss. Just know he will always be with you and watching over all his family, relatives and friends. He is in Heaven with all his loves ones that passed before him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. R.I.P. Phil. Love from Gail, Shaun and Priscilla Zavarise
Lisa Desimone
August 19, 2017
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Nancy O'Brien
August 19, 2017
Dear Lynn and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Phil and I worked together for many years. He always spoke so lovingly about his adventures with his beloved family.
Lynn, the ladies at work used to tease him about his deep love for you that seemed to reach into the depths of his soul. I have seen him blush talking about you. His love for you and your family was amazing. A true love story. My heartfelt condolences.
Words cannot express how badly I feel for you and your family.
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