Sunday, August 21, 2022 at 12:00 a.m.
Birch, Anthony "Tony"
With great sadness we announce the passing of Tony (Anthony) Birch, beloved husband to Lorraine and father to Cherie Birch (Colin Illingworth), Lyanne (Robert) Kinniburgh and Joanne (Wade) Feist. Grandpa to Jordan Birch, Kassi (Bryson) Iwaasa, Mercedes (Cody) Burgwal, Kaylee (Jordan) Sailer, Liberty (Darrick) Poersch, Trey Kallen, Lexi Feist and Spencer (Breanne) and Travis Illingworth. He was also Great Grandpa to Kale, Kohen, Madison, Maxtin, Macey, Lola, Charlie, and Marlee.
With great sadness we announce the passing of Tony (Anthony) Birch, beloved husband to Lorraine and father to Cherie Birch (Colin Illingworth), Lyanne (Robert) Kinniburgh and Joanne (Wade) Feist. Grandpa to Jordan Birch, Kassi (Bryson) Iwaasa, Mercedes (Cody) Burgwal, Kaylee (Jordan) Sailer, Liberty (Darrick) Poersch, Trey Kallen, Lexi Feist and Spencer (Breanne) and Travis Illingworth. He was also Great Grandpa to Kale, Kohen, Madison, Maxtin, Macey, Lola, Charlie, and Marlee.
Tony was born June 21, 1942 in Vancouver to Pearl and Tony Birch. Shortly after they moved to Alberta the Birch's welcomed twins Jim and Andy, completing their family of five. A few years later, they bought a farm in Purple Springs, Alberta.
Tony met Lorraine in early 1965. After a whirlwind romance, they married August 7, 1965. They welcomed their first daughter Cherie in September of 1966, followed by Lyanne, and completed their family with their third daughter, Joanne, in 1972.
Tony and Lorraine sold the farm in 1975, and went on a trip of a lifetime. They were blessed with wonderful memories from their travels to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Figi. Ironically, this trip led to Tony's decision to obtain his real estate license in 1976, and a legend was born. Over his 46 years in real estate, he broke many records and achieved numerous awards.
Though he valued his career, family was the most important thing to Tony. Many trips to the Hawaiian Islands with his family was the highlight of his life. He passed these family traditions and values onto his nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Another passion of Tony's was his love for food, both cooking and eating it. His pastimes activities included watching cooking shows, printing recipes and figuring out what he would make for the next family or friend dinner.
Tony was a people person and he treasured the relationships he built with those he came into contact with. Tony was one of a kind and he will be forever remembered and missed.
A Come-and-Go Reception will be held at ITALIAN CANADIAN HALL, 1511 St. Edward Blvd. N, Lethbridge on Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. A short service will take place at 3:00 P.M.
Guestbook (11)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Anthony.
Our hearts and prayers are with you and your families! Tony was always so kind to me as though I was a part of his family! Always a hug and hand shake. And of course his Flinestone smile I would joke. Respect. I have felt so fond and close to all of you for sooo many many years . I am so so sorry to hear of his passing. His family was and is the world to him-, the love and bond that you all have is so special, and special to witness. Not to many families can say that. RIP Tony .
I was so sad to hear about Tony. I know he is in Gods hands now, in peace and without pain. He was very special to me, and I will miss him terribly.
We were all very sad to hear of Tony's passing. He will be missed by both family and friends. When skies are looking cloudy and grey, you can bet it is the smoke from a great bbq steak cookoff with my Dad, his Uncle Jim.
Our deepest condolences to our friends with the loss of a great gentleman. Tony always brightened your day!
So sorry to hear about Tony. Wish we could be there for you but we are in Europe!
Our deepest condolences to Lorraine and the whole family
Dear Lorraine, Cherie, Lyanne, Joanne & family, no words can express our sadness to hear of Tony's passing. He was a true friend and will be greatly missed. With love from the Slovak family
Dear Lorraine and all of Tony's family members. Tony was a very special person as well as a big brother. We will miss his regular phone calls as he always asked what was happening in our lives and with our kids. Thank you for all the great family times that we were invited to share with you over the 42 years that we lived in Medicine Hat. Our memories of you and Tony are very precious as we now reside in Ontario. Love to All! Jim & Cheryl Birch
Lorraine and family .So sorrt to hear of Tony's passing.Our thoughts and prayers are withe you
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tony. I greatly looked forward to our next lunch, or phone call to talk about farming and business, and would end with a conversation about family. I will miss those conversations dearly.
Lorraine and family - Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Tony. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I have a lot of memories of him popping into the shop. Take care.