George Birch, 73, of Victoria BC passed away in Victoria Hospice on August 22, 2026.
George was born in Victoria to Stanley and Jacqueline Birch at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. After graduating from Oak Bay High School in 1973, George became a much-esteemed marine electrician for 44 years in Victoria. He was the last indentured apprentice at Yarrow’s Shipyards.
In the mid-1990s, George decided to pivot his career to a hobby store, first located on Wharf St and later on, lower Johnson St, where he specialized in kites, darts and POG tournaments at Island Wind & Wheels.
George had a great sense of humour and always loved to laugh. George was a man of many hobbies and interests. A lifelong lover of the ocean and boating, he was an avid sports fisherman and was an avid Shamrocks Lacrosse and Blue Jays fan. Anyone who visited one of George’s 3 garages, knows he was a very handy man. As a skillful motorwinder and electrician, he never met an engine or electrical system he couldn’t fix.
George finished his career as the Chief Electrical Estimator at Canadian Maritime Engineering, forced into early retirement at the beginning of his 10-year battle with cancer.
George is survived by beloved wife, Sue Graham, children Ryan (Katja), Michelle, and Sheena (Dan) and granddaughter, Amelia, and siblings Penny (Larry) and Darla (Brett) and numerous cousins across the island and lower mainland. George was predeceased by brother Kip and parents Jackie and Stan.
George fought the good fight against Cancer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Victoria Hospice or your favourite charity.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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10 Responses
Another person he met online. He gave me encouragement and nonjudgmental friendship during a time of great distress in my life. I was able to make him laugh sometimes. Only words and virtual hugs exchanged but he made a great impact and I miss him. Rest in peace, dear Bear.
Hello, Penny. Just heard from Harold’s wife, Deb, who was told by Kook that she saw George’s obituary in the Victoria newspaper. So sorry to know how Geoge struggled with cancer for 10 years. Another cousin gone to rest. As the oldest cousin in the Polkinghorne family I am still alive and kicking at Silver Kettle in Grand Forks, BC. Fortunately, I have my 4 daughters plus several grandkids and even one great grandson living near so get to see them often. I think that the last time the cousins were all together was at the last Polkinghorne reunion. The only cousin I saw this year was Jackie Frelone who came to Parksville with her daughter, Gail, when my daughters and I were doing some renovations on my unit at Ocean Sands in April. Here’s hoping all is well with you and your family. Love and hugs.
Our condolences to all of George’s Family and Friends .
A pleasure and a treasure to have worked with George at different times as one of my IBEW Journeyman at The Burrard Yarrow’s Shipyard, and as a fellow Journeyman at The City of Victoria.
He was always happy and positive.
George was a great tradesperson, and a gentleman.
I was lucky to have George as a co-worker and a friend.
George was a wonderful man whose presence always brought a sense of ease and good humour. He loved his days on the water, fishing with that quiet patience of his, and he was never happier than when he had a project on the go — tinkering, fixing, building, always creating something with his hands and his heart.
He fought a long and courageous battle, meeting every challenge with strength and dignity. Ten years is a long time to carry such a burden, and he did it with a resilience that inspired everyone around him. Now, after giving everything he had, he is finally at peace.
I will always remember the good times we shared — the laughs, the stories, the easy comfort of being together. George made those moments better just by being himself.
Please know I’m holding you all close in my thoughts. I hope the memories you shared with George bring you comfort, and that you continue to feel the love he gave in the quiet moments ahead.
In a silly little game, you taught me to accept myself, stand up for myself, and be proud of my differences.
You were my confidant; as I was yours. Your presence was a quiet, peaceful, love filled place away from the storms of life.
I was blessed with your presence. Thank you for being you.
As you soar with the angels, please don’t forget a visit…the moth…Rest in Love, George. <3
My heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends.
I also was a player on that silly little little game formally mentioned.. he was always courteous, generous and helpful! He told wonderful stories about his life experiences, and most of all his grand purchases of salmon. He is missed.!
Sue and Dear Family,
Please accept our condolences from Mike and Sandy McClary, George’s neighbours. He fought a long battle with cancer. We know he was an avid fisherman and loved to regale his “fish -tales” with Mike about his “battles” with halibut and salmon.
Much Love,
Sandy & Mike
From myself and the many friends that George had in a silly online game we give our deepest sympathies to the family and other friends. George was a really good guy and would chat endlessly with all of us in the game. We would all have great belly laughs and even learned a thing or two about lacrosse. I, personally, had contact with him outside of the game and would send him clips of me playing guitar and singing to try to get some feedback. lol He touched the hearts of a lot of people around the world. For that we are eternally thankful. RIP friend
Loved this man like a father. A coworker, I believe I was meant to meet. So many laughs – and shared pain. He listened – and I listened. Equal empathy and trust.
What an amazing human.
My condolences to you all. A special, one of a kind human that surrounded himself with the same.
Love and sincere condolences to all of you. ❤️ thank you for sharing him with us.