We Remember

BIRKBECK, Cyril William “Bill”

October 17, 1932 — March 12, 2017

With sadness in our hearts we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, and friend, Cyril “Bill” Birkbeck. After a short illness in hospital, Bill passed away peacefully on March 12, 2017.  He was 84.  Bill was born to parents Cyril and Helen Birkbeck on October 17, 1932 in Hamilton, ON.  He was predeceased by his sister Barbara, and stepdaughter, Rachael Geisthardt Townsend.  Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Mona (Yelland); children Tammy, Guy, Paul (Krista) of Toronto; Annika (Al), Christina (Paul), stepson Robert (Allison), all of BC.  Bill is also survived by his older brother, Warren, of Burlington, ON.  Bill’s grandchildren, 18 in all, were a special delight when they visited and entertained him.  Bill had a distinguished career as a Chartered Accountant.  He worked with many companies and industries, as well as operating his own business.  He was a mentor to many, and enjoyed sitting with young aspiring business men and women while sharing his knowledge and experience.  Bill’s unique humour, especially his silly jokes, will be missed by all who knew him.  He had a tender heart, and was grateful to God for an abundant and rich life, particularly after the extraordinary success of a double lung transplant 25 years ago.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Okanagan Bursary & Scholarship Society (COBSS), Kelowna, or the BC Lung Association.  A service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 2nd at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 1:00 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Okanagan Bursary & Scholarship Society (COBSS), Kelowna, or the BC Lung Association. Link: www.cobss.sd23.bc.ca, www.bc.lung.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for BIRKBECK, Cyril William “Bill” is scheduled for Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone: 250-860-7077

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Harold & Elsie Thiessen says:
    March 19, 2017 at 3:06 pm

    Dear Mona & family
    So sorry to hear of your loss, we pray Gods comfort and nearness at this time.We have never met Bill but is still part of the family. Take care, we love you all.

    Reply
  • Marie Blazek says:
    March 30, 2017 at 2:34 pm

    Dear Mona & family:
    What a loss to you all.
    Karl and I have always enjoyed Bill and his humor at the lovely gatherings at your home.
    He will be long remembered.
    Please, accept my condolence.
    Love,
    Marie

    Reply
  • Robert and Anne Frame says:
    March 31, 2017 at 9:25 pm

    Please accept our condolences.
    I have known Bill a long time and know he will be missed but not forgotten.

    About 40 years ago, a person at the FBDB branch in Markham Ontario suggested I go to a hotel in Scarborough to attend a presentation by an account for people who were starting a new business. I went and listen to Bill give his presentation. When it was over I introduced myself and explain my situation. We setup a meeting for a couple of days later and Bill became my accountant until he moved to BC.
    Over the years he gave my a lot of good instruction and a lot of laughs. He was proud of his book – Everything I know About Accounting – (It was full of blank pages) and always had some good stories to tell. I still remember discussing right offs with him and how in the end he made his point.
    “Do you have 10 dollars?” he asked. “Yes.” I replied.
    “Give it to me.” he said. I gave him the 10 dollars.
    He then gave me back 5 dollars. “What is this?” I asked.
    “What you get from righting off that 10 dollars.” he said while pocketing the 10 dollar bill. And he kept it and I never forgot the lesson.
    Once when my wife and I were going back to Ontario from a sheep show in Chilliwack, we stopped in to visit Bill. When I asked if the sheep could have a quick meal on his lawn, he declined.
    Bill also introduced me to his son Guy who was going to University. He needed a summer job and I needed someone with his skills. Guy and I worked together on and off ever since and I consider him one of my best friends.

    Reply
  • Gordon Thoburn says:
    April 22, 2017 at 8:17 am

    Sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. It’s been a long time since we worked together yet it seems such a short time ago.
    Great to see his family growth as I recall them as young adults ( or younger ). I’ve heard that Mona has been wonderful for Bill. I’m glad he ” landed” in a good place. Rest in peace.

    Reply

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