WAYNE (NED) BIRCH

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WAYNE (NED) BIRCH The death of Wayne (Ned) Birch of Brandon, Manitoba, occurred on August 23, 2012 in Thunder Bay, Ontario. His passing was sudden and unexpected, a great shock to family and friends. Ned was born in Winnipeg on October 26, 1954 to Ron and Rita Birch (nee Lamirande). He attended Hastings Elementary, Victor Major School and then Dakota Collegiate Institute. In 1972, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Lisa Forsberg at a social at Christ the King Church. They moved from Winnipeg to Toronto in 1976, where he began an apprenticeship with Bozorth Scafe, a gold and silversmith. Ned then worked in the jewelry and insignia industry where he learned model making, mould making, casting, and finishing techniques. In 1983, Ned decided to strike out on his own and established Cree Fine Pewter Jewelry, and sold his work coast to coast in department stores, galleries and craft sales. During this time Ned and Lisa were married at the University of Toronto; the bells of the carillon rang out over the city on that day, October 9, 1982. Nathan and Tanis were both born in Toronto, and brought so much happiness and fulfillment to Ned. In 1987, a longing to return home brought Ned and Lisa and children back to Manitoba where they settled in Brandon, Manitoba. During the year of their return, they welcomed their second son, Marshall. Ned continued to create and sell his pewter jewelry, while being a wonderful father and husband. Birches Gallery, which exhibited regional art work and handmade jewelry, was established on Rosser Avenue from 1997 to 1999. He was honoured when asked to become a correspondent for the Book Club, for the CBC Saturday Morning Show. At this time, Ned attended Assiniboine Community College and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2000. He worked for six years at Dakota Oyate Lodge, Sioux Valley and then accepted a position at Wawanesa Personal Care Home where he was still employed when he met his untimely end. Ned loved art, music, listening to CBC Radio, nature, gardening, walking, swimming, hiking, but most of all he loved engaging in conversation with others. Ned is survived by his mother Rita and father Ron, his wife Lisa, children Nathan (Jackie), Tanis (Tim), Marshall (Traci), sister Darlene Birch (Kerry Murray) and their children Carmen, Canaan, Jesse (Christina) and Isaac, father and mother-in-law Don and Lois Forsberg, brother-in-law Neil Forsberg (Azizah Mohammed) and their children Amelia and Johan. A funeral service was held on August 30, 2012 at Central United Church, Brandon, MB, with Rev. Shannon McCarthy officiating. Ned was a bright spark who loved life and lived with great energy and passion. His lively person will be missed by all who knew him, and his family will be eternally grateful for knowing his wonderful spirit and enduring love. Donations in memory of Ned may be made to the Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, 111 7th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 3S5. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com Arrangements with Memories Chapel Pre-Planning Centre, 1-888-694-8153.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2012