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.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2022-08-14
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta