Dale Birky
Dale Amon Birky, 94, formerly of Albany, Oregon, died April 20, 2013, in Vanderhoof where he resided.
Dale was the son of Amon (A.W.) and Katie (Troyer) Birky and was born in Shickley, Nebraska, on November 11, 1918. After being assigned to assist with the construction of Wickiup Reservoir at LaPine, Oregon, during World War II, Mr. Birky and his family resided in Albany prior to purchasing his Northside farm in 1966.
Both Dale and his wife, Ruth, sensed a call to assist in the ministries of Northside Church, and to the First Nations people of central BC. They were actively involved in church and building projects both at Northside and First Nations school construction at Tsay Keh Dené (BC). In addition to his farm located on Northside Road, Mr. Birky owned Nechako Sash & Door and a gravel mining operation on Striegler Road until his death.
For nearly forty years, Dale was passionate about serving with the Gideon’s International in their mission of distributing Bibles around the world.
Civic responsibilities included serving on the Board of Directors of the Omineca Hospital Society and the Bulkley-Nechako District Zoning Board.
Dale Birky and his wife of nearly 69 years, Ruth (Gerig), who survives, were married at Fairview Mennonite Church, Albany, Oregon, on May 14, 1944. He is also survived by: a brother – Glen, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; and sisters – Lois (Mrs. Irvin Gerig) and Faye (Mrs. Howard Claassen) of Albany; and Stella Schantz of Kelowna, BC. Six children survive: Nathan – Fishers, Indiana; Marlon (Norma) – Coaldale, Alberta; Lila (Doug) Glenister – Singhampton, Ontario; Lorraine Baker – Mackenzie, BC; Glen (Helen) – Vanderhoof, BC; and Lynda (Dan) Wainwright – Brooks, Alberta. Twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren survive him as well. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.
Memorial services were held at Vanderhoof, British Columbia on Wednesday, April 24, and will be held at Fairview Mennonite Church, Albany, on Saturday, April 27. Interment will be at the Fairview Mennonite Cemetery, Albany, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Dale’s name to Gideon’s International (www.gideons.ca).