Death Notices

BIRCH, Thomas H. - it is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Birch Family announce the passing of a loving husband, best dad of seven, father-in-law, cherished grandfather of 16, great grandfather of 20, great great grandfather of 3, a brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend on January 12th, 2022 in his 92nd year.  Beloved husband of Jean (nee Geraldi) 71 years, loving father of Catherine Hatt (Rick), Bill Birch, Bob Birch (Bev), Jack Birch (Michele), Brenda Stephenson Ballam (Peter), Charlie Birch (Charlene) and Paul Birch (Chris).  Survived by his sister Betty Antonio and his sister-in-law Helene Wasson.  Predeceased by his parents Charles and Mary Jane Birch, his brothers Jack, Chuck and George, his sister's Noreen Myers and Mavis Lee, son-in-law Mark Stephenson, great grandsons Justin MacDonald and Baby Blake La Plante.  Tom will be fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends.  Born and raised in Lakefield Ontario, he was a valued employee of Silverwood Dairies for 31 years at the Peterborough, Woodstock and London plants then joined the Beatrice Dairy Company in Simcoe for 15 years before his retirement.  Tom was an avid reader and history buff with particular interest in WW1, WW2, Civil War Battles and Battlefields;  many of which he visited on his travels.  He was boxer, a hockey player and shared his expertise as a coach for many of his son’s teams.  Tom had a love for the Blue and White with particular interest in the Jets and a soft spot for the Leafs and the Blue Jays.  Nothing made him more proud than to cheer from the sidelines at his grandkids hockey, baseball, soccer, swim meets and lacrosse games.  His love for music prevailed to the end!  Memories of him singing at family functions and parties with his guitar or banjo will remain forever!  As per Tom’s request cremation has taken place.  A private family Mass will be held “by invitation only”.  Interment:  Oakwood Cemetery, Simcoe.  Friends near and far are invited to access the live streaming of the service at Catholic Family of Parishes in Norfolk - YouTube on Wednesday, January 26th, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Juvenile Diabetes, Ronald MacDonald House, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice are most appreciated.  The family would like to thank the staff at Woodlands of Sunset, Welland for their care and compassion during the last six months.  Arrangements entrusted to the JASON SMITH FUNERAL CHAPEL, 689 Norfolk St. North, Simcoe N3Y 3R3.  Personal online condolences at www.smithfuneralchapel.com (519) 426-0199