DOUGLAS VERNAL GARNET BIRCH

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

• I am sorry to have recently learned about the passing of Mr. Birch. He was one of the three Canadian teachers who taught me at St. James Secondary, Trinidad. He taught me Physics, and Mr. Harding taught me Mathematics. They both had a significant impact on my life as I migrated to Canada soon after completing my A-levels in Trinidad to study Mathematics and Physics. I tried many times to contact either Mr Birch, or Mr. Harding but since as students we only knew them by their last names, it was very difficult to do so. The lessons he taught us in class were informative, insightful, cherished, and well received by us students. He will be missed. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. Carl (Former student at St. James Secondary, Trinidad) - Posted by: Dr Carl Hassanali (Former student at St. James Secondary) on: Feb 12, 2015

• It was with deep sadness that we, very recently, heard of the passing of Doug Birch. Doug was one of the three teachers assigned to St. James Secondary School, in Trinidad and Tobago, in the CUSO teacher exchange in 1966. He had left his post as Principal at Princess Elizabeth High School on the CFB Shilo in Manitoba to try and experiment in teaching Chemistry and Physics, in a primitive lab, to students who had to be motivated to do the sciences they found "too hard". All this without his trusty teaching aids. Doug was an excellent teacher and a very good life coach. He looked out for his students, especially those who most needed his help. Doug was a humanitarian who loved and respected his students and they returned his love and respect. During the two years he spent with us, his students achieved high grades. Our deepest sympathy to Phlyp and the rest of his family. Thank you, Doug. Rest in peace. St. James Secondary and its students and teachers will never forget you. Hazel Broomes-Colthrust Retired Vice-Principal and Teacher Trinidad and Tobago - Posted by: Hazel Broomes-Colthrust (Friend) on: Jan 21, 2015

• I probably spent more time in his office than anyone at the high school in Shilo. I drove him nuts for years. I had found several ways to enter the school at night, and to roam free in the heating tunnels beneath every room during class time. There was a secret entrance to the heating tunnels underneath the stairs where the pop used to be stored. We kept track suits in there to cover our shirt and tie and pants, so that we did not get all covered with dirt. I would go underneath of one of the classes Doug was teaching and start banging on the pipes a little. It drove him nuts. We could do things like go beneath the library and look at the pretty legs of the librarian who liked to keep her chair right on the grate where the hot air came up. But my fondest recollections of Mr. Birch came from watching him and Raul McKay play hockey. They were damn good players. Raul could skate like the wind and Doug was a wonderful stick-handler. A lot of the girls thought Doug was a "hunk" and they were often a little silly around him. I was quite prejudiced about him in my teens. Of course getting the strap will do that to a student. I had more than my fair share of those. But I must admit that as a teacher he and Miss Sheehan were first rate. I don't know anyone who ever complained about being in his classes. He cared. And it showed. Thank you Doug. - Posted by: Glenn Darling (student at PEHS in Shilo. Manitoba) on: Dec 01, 2014

• Doug Birch was one of my favourite teachers (along with Mary T. Sheehan, Ivan Traill, Harvey McGhie) in Shilo. Strick, but fair, he had a knack for getting you to go somewhere in life. He played a good game of hockey, and bowled along with we students during school led games. I also had the opportunity to attend Brandon U. along with his wife Joyce. Years later, having met him by coincidence in Winnipeg, I asked him what it was that Shilo had that kept many of us so keenly interested in the place. He remarked that it was like being a part of a very large family. To this day I have very close friends from, and fond memories of, that place. Thank you Mr.Birch. - Posted by: Roderick (Rod) MacLeod (Student) on: Nov 30, 2014

• My sincerest condolences to the family on the passing of a truly great man. Mr Birch was highly respected throughout PEHS as a teacher, mentor, and life coach. He instilled in all students a sense of honor and self respect. Mr Birch will always be remembered fondly by we Shilobrats who had the extreme good fortune to have known him and benefited by his teaching and guidance. RIP Sir, you will be remembered. - Posted by: Paul Barker (Student PEHS) on: Nov 29, 2014

• My memories of Mr Birch include his respect for us, as students, as well as his committment to ensuring our success individually! Rest in peace and thank you for believing in me. - Posted by: Gary Paine (Student) on: Nov 29, 2014

• Mr. Birch was the principal at PEHS when I arrived in Shilo in September/65. With deepest sympathy to his son and family. - Posted by: Sally Hamm (nee McColl) (Former Student) on: Nov 29, 2014

• RIP Mr. Birch you taught me well and will never forget you. You said follow your heart in 67 and that I did I joined the navy in 68 for 34 years and never regretted a day. Thank you again. Brian - Posted by: Brian David Hopkins (Student ) on: Nov 29, 2014

• Mr. Birch instilled respect in his students, and always gave respect in return. I remember the day he caught Dave Winters and I smoking outside the back door of PEHS. We expected severe punishment. Rather, we only received a quiet, but stern lecture. Fondly remembered. Rest In Peace Mr. Birch - Posted by: Neil A. MacDonald (Student-1968/69 CFB Shilo, Mb.) on: Nov 29, 2014

• Mr. Birch was the principal at Princess Elizabeth High Scool in Shiloh Manitoba, where I was fortunate to be for all my high school years ending in 1966. I remember Doug Birch with fond memories. He was a fair, dedicated teacher and Principal. I wish to extend heartfelt sympathies to his son and family. Fondly remembered... RIP Mr. Birch - Posted by: Zoe MacKenzie (nee Fowler) (former student) on: Nov 29, 2014

• So sorry to hear of your father's passing Phlyp. I stopped at the Third Crossing Manor this summer and I had a brief visit with him. I'm a former student of his from Westbourne. He was one of my favourite teachers. - Posted by: Joyce (Former student ) on: Nov 29, 2014