RICH BIRKETT

RICHARD JAMES BIRKETT passed away peacefully with family by his side August 6, 2007.  Rich was predeceased by his father, Kenneth George Birkett September 15, 1982.  Rich is survived by his son, Drew of Moose Jaw; daughters: Allison and Whitney of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and their mother, Marion of Moose Jaw, mother, Joyce Clarice, brother, Garry (Crystal) and family, Jeff (Charmaine) and family – all of Moose Jaw; sisters: Karen (Rick) Jukes and family of Saskatoon, Donna (Barry) Watson and family of Moose Jaw, and Rich’s special friend, Chris Hill and daughters: Alissa, Jocelyn, Emily Sagal of Moose Jaw.  Rich was born March 6, 1955.  He attended Queen Elizabeth Public School and Central Collegiate. He started working for C.P.Railway in 1972 and was a 4th generation railroader.  Back surgery didn’t stop him from eventually becoming a Hogger - a career he was very knowledgeable and passionate about.  Rich was very talented with home renovations – a perfectionist doing everything from cement work and framing to finishing work.  He cherished the time he spent with Drew completely gutting and renovating Drew’s new home, working tirelessly to try to complete the back yard up until his death.  He was especially proud of his two daughters, Allison and Whitney and their academic accomplishments.  He was very appreciative and cherished the good friends that he had made and loved to help them out with anything that they had going on or to share a beer. Rich liked music and loved to dance and was known to stay up until the wee hours of the morning for just one more dance.  He was a man’s man, strong, driven and yet had a soft heart, generous, with a wonderful sense of humour and a laugh that would shake his body.  We all love him dearly and will miss him eternally.  A special thank you to the wonderful nurses for their excellent care of Rich and allowing us unlimited access to him during his hospitalization.  The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 2p.m. from the Moose Jaw Alliance Church, (corner of 9th Avenue N.W. and Thatcher Drive).  Dave Moore will officiate. Cremation will take place with memorialization at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palliative Care at Moose Jaw Union Hospital, 455 Fairford Street East, Moose Jaw, S6H 1H3. In living memory of Rich, a tree will be planted by W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Home.     


Guest Book

Sheila White - Moose Jaw, SK: Chris I am so sorry. You two had so much fun when I saw you out dancing or just being together. I know the closeness and love of your daughters will help you through this.. You are in my prayers.

Marvin Maier - Moose Jaw, SK: My thoughts are with his family at this time of sorrow ...

Darrell Hetke - Ennis, Montana: I went to high school with Rich and knew him as one of the nicest people you could meet, my deepest sympathies to Rich's family.

Donna Watson - Moose Jaw, SK: Rich, we miss you and you are forever in our thoughts.

The Dodd Family - Moose Jaw, SK: We remember Rich as being a "swimming dad" and always at the pool watching the kids. Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.

Paul and Maggie Imrie - Saskatoon, SK: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our love to all of you. Please give each other a hug from us.

Blair and Jeannette Jennings - Regina, SK: We had the pleasure to meet Richard while working at Drew's home he seemed to enjoy helping out and we could see the he was a very caring and wonderful person with a great sense of humor. To the family our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you may you always treasure your special memories close to your heart Be Strong and Take Care of Yourselves! Love Blair & Jeannette

Krystol and Randy McDowell - Moose Jaw, SK: Our condole scenes to the family, Rich will be greatly missed, he was one of a kind.  I enjoyed working with him and his nature of a gentleman even while discussing union issues from the opposing side.  He made references about his loved ones in conversations, and you knew how much each of you meant to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Bob and Eileen Blake - Denare Beach, SK: May the many memories you all had of Rich bring you comfort in this time of sorrow .Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Esther Dunn Bayne - Moose Jaw SK: We went to public school together sorry to hear about his passing  He will be in my prayers

Gord and Maureen Paice - Moose Jaw, SK: Remembering your Dad, his laugh and the years we spent living next door to you.  Our thoughts are with all of you at this sad time.

Trevor and Deanna Arnold - Nipawin, SK.: Dear Birkett Family - We are thinking of you during this difficult time. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Although we did not know Rich personally we know he was a big part of your family, and will be greatly missed.

Wayne and Debbie: Rich was a wonderful, brilliant man; and someone that I considered a true friend. He will be missed by all that knew him. And my sorrow goes out to the Birkett Family.

Ron and Debbie Mayson - Moose Jaw, SK: Rich, you were a very special friend and we have a lot of very happy memories that we had shared together and will never be forgotten. We will miss you a lot and you will always be in our hearts and
thoughts.

Krystal Chow  

Donna Paul - Bethune, SK: I was your babysitter when you lived on Marshall Cres. and I remember your Dad as funny, helpful and hard working. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Donna Paul (Langstaff)

Darrell Arnold: I only met Rich about twelve years ago but knew him to be a wonderful and giving person. We worked together in the Union for a number of years when Rich was the Local Chairman for the Locomotive Engineers in Moose Jaw , donating his time for the benefit of his brothers and sisters. We did remain in touch, however, right until the end. My deepest sympathies go to all his family and friends as we have lost a great person but we all know that he is now resting in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Wes and Glenys Richmond - Medicine Hat, AB: To the Birkett Family - Our thoughts and sympathy are with  all of you at this sad time.

Carrie and  Ray Foraie and Family - Regina, SK: To The Birkett Family- Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss.

Sheila  Peterman Moser: To the Birkett Family: your in my thoughts and prayers.

Joel Brand - Moose Jaw, SK: My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.

Brian Montague - Moose Jaw, SK: Rich and I attended Q.E. and Central collegiate schools together, worked out together at Pyle's gym and railroaded together. Lots of good memories. Rich was strong and hard working and will be sadly missed. My sincere condolences to all the Birkett family. Thinking of all of you.

Clive and Muriel Tolley - Moose Jaw, SK: Rich started at the railroad about a year before I did and when I was new he took the time to help me learn the ropes at CP Rail.  I will never forget his kindness and willingness to help.  To the Birkett family, Marion and family, and Chris and family: although no words can ease the loss of Rich, please take comfort in the thought that we and others care.

Ted and Judy Jarvos - Moose Jaw, SK: Our deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. May you find peace in knowing you were loved by a very great man. Our prayers are with you.

Jim and Rhonda Millar - Moose Jaw, SK: Both of us wish to extend our condolences to Marion and the family on the loss of Rich. We both were unable to attend the funeral due to work commitments but you all were in our prayers. We would also like to extend our sympathies to Joyce we know how sad you must be and we hope you find some comfort in the fact his suffering is over. Also to all the rest of the family we offer our sympathy.

Chrissy (Doulias) Wilson  - Swift Current - Jeff:  My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 

Tony and Les Tolley - Moose Jaw, SK: Rich leaves a legacy in our hearts. He was so unselfish, he was willing to spend most of his waking hours helping others. He was so educated on contract matters, company officers would ask him for assistance, the members of the Brotherhood of Loco Engineers are forever reaping the benefits of his efforts on their behalf. I am proud to have walked with him down the road of life. We will meet again on another plane.


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