We Remember
BIRCHALL, John Fredrick Michael
November 19, 1938 — January 28, 2020
John Fredrick Michael Birchall, born November 19, 1938, died peacefully January 28, 2020 at the Kelowna Hospital from mesothelioma, age 81.
Originally from Pender Island BC, John was predeceased by his parents Peter FV Moore (d. 1939) and Mavis Devlin (née Ferguson) Ross (d. 2012), and his son Robert (d. 2018). John was less than a year old when his father was lost at sea and the family name was changed to Birchall when his mother remarried after the war.
He leaves behind his cherished wife Mary (née Squinas); his sons Richard (Susan) of Deep River, ON and Ron (Bonnie) of Westbank, BC; his daughter-in-law Cathy of Kelowna, BC; and his grandchildren Hannah, Thomas, Isaac and Eric. He will be dearly missed by his sister-in-law Emily Squinas, many of Mary’s cousins, as well as numerous nieces and nephews of the Anahim Lake area.
Many thanks to Drs. Edward Hardy, Allison Rankin and William Lemiski of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital who helped John through this last year, extending his time with us past all expectations. John was able to celebrate his 56th anniversary with Mary on New Year’s Eve 2019 with dinner and musical entertainment at the Chatsworth Retirement Residence in Kelowna. John’s exposure to asbestos occurred during many years working in construction in Kamloops, BC.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation, www.cmfonline.org, or your local food bank would be appreciated by the family.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Ron I’m sorry for your loss. I’m meant to send condolences when Rob passed. Treasure your memories. They will bring happiness when this pain passes.
Mary & family. We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. We certainly enjoyed the days of kamloops and snowmobiling with you all. John was a skilled cement Mason and did beautiful work around our pool in the 70s. R.i.p. john. U mattered, and will be missed by many who were fortunate enough to know you.
Mary & family our deepest condolences. John was a great tradesman & a good friend.
John & Judy Greenall
Sorry to hear about your loss Mary. It was a pleasure to work with John for 25+. Doug
Remember the good times when we snowmobiled up Jamieson Creek and you brought three chubby little boys with you. We’re sorry to hear about John. -From Mary & Merv Hannah