Passed away peacefully at the age of 68 with his beloved wife Shirley at his side on November 9, 2011 in Nanaimo, BC. The devoted father of Kevin and Jennifer (Wagner), and loving grandpa of Riley, Brayden, Gabriela and Oliver; only son of the late Benjamin and Isabel Birch; and son-in-law of the late Harold and Evelyn Booth.
He was a warm, generous, and kind-hearted man who will be dearly missed by family and all who knew him. He was a remarkable man of faith who leaves a legacy of love and compassion throughout the world as a minister, teacher, author, and missionary. In 1977, he founded the Pan African Christian University in Nairobi, Kenya and has nurtured churches, clinics, and schools throughout Canada and East and West Africa, on behalf of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.
Donations will be gladly accepted through www.paoc.org/donate/kennethbirch.
A Funeral Service will be held at Glad Tidings Church in Victoria, BC on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
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Gary & Gaylene Hendrick, Calgary, AB
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Klaus Sonnenberg Dear Shirley, Kevin, Jennifer (and family members):
I was saddened to hear about Dr. Ken’s passing. He inspired me with his communication skills when he became the president of the Bible college in Saskatoon. I also received the benefit of his capable leadership 20 years later when he became my boss in the National Home Missions Dept. of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in Mississauga. Dr. Ken has left an admirable international legacy.You, his family, will miss him most. May our Heavenly Father, ‘the God of all comfort’ comfort and strengthen you at this difficult time.
Yours Sincerely in Christ,
Klaus Sonnenberg,
Pastor, Gospel Church, Waterloo, ON
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drew & barbara parkinson Dear Shirley, Kevin, Jennifer and family …
We were very saddened to hear of Pastor Ken’s passing. It has been a privilege to pray for you throughout the years and looked forward to the “Birchbark” or the monthly newletters. We were so grateful to the Lord that He allowed Pastor Ken to come through his life changing operation a couple of years ago. We realize that Pastor Ken’s influence extended throughout Canada and Africa but on a personal note, as our Pastor, he meant so much to us personally as he was the one who extended his love and grace during the days that the “D” word was not an acceptable term in the PAOC. He trained us in marriage counselling and he actually married us – at MGT – the first “D” to be acceptable to be remarried … and what a mountain moved that was! Drew’s mom, Eleanor has lots of hilarious tales of Pastor Ken as she was his secretary for his term at MGT. We have fond memories of Pastor Ken borrowing a winter coat and boots from a fellow Gentle Giant on winter trips back to Canada. One of my fondest memories is when he agreed to play “OmnipotANT” for “Ants’fillvania” and he arrived on stage – towering over the little tiny ants – in his doctorate robes with a large “O” on his chest … and superhero mask. He was our superhero. Our prayers go out to you all for the Lord’s comfort and peace during this difficult time. Love, drew & barb parkinson
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Hugo and Chris Sonnenberg Dear Shirley, Kevin, Jennifer and family,
We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you on Ken’s passing.
Our time shared at MGT holds many memories including Hugo’s serving on the board, Christopher’s baptism and Jeffery’s support from Ken as he prepared for ministry.
May you know Christ’s deep peace in your times of grieving and joyful remembering. Our prayers are with you.
Hugo and Chris
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Marilyn Stroud Dear Shirley, Kevin , Jennifer adn family,
I was saddened to hear of Ken’s passing and know that the world has lost an amazing person. However, Ken made a difference in so many lives over his lifetime, that he actually put two or maybe three lives into his time here. Ken’s leadership, vision, humour, knowledge and every other skill he had influenced thousands of people all over the world. As my pastor at MGT (Portico) , as my “boss” in Canadian Ministries at the International Office and as a friend over the years, I realize I have been blessed to be guided by such a great man of God. He was a gift given to us all and now this “gift” has been returned to the Heavenly Father with thanks! May you all know the comfort and strength from the Lord as you say your good-bye’s today. I know the Lord has said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
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Glenn and Amy Reist Amy and I were deeply saddened to learn of Ken’s passing from this world to a better one,- a graduation!
I’m sure it was Ken’s influence, as our pastor at MGT (Mississauga Gosple Temple – now Portico) that prompted Gen’l Supt. Rev James MacKnight to appoint me as National Coordinator, Social Concerns, (for a 5-year term) when I retired from industry, because of the Social Concerns Committee that Ken had me chair at MGT.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you Shirley, Kevin and Jennifer at this time.
Glenn and Amy
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Renatta Walton Dear Shirley and family,
What a loss to our fellowship…but what he has gained is immeasurable! I was a student at PACC in 2003-2004 as part of a study abroad program from Master’s College and Seminary. Before leaving Canada, I had ordered a new laptop and it didn’t arrive in time for my departure. I figured I’d be able to get it shipped over somehow. I soon realized how costly that would be for me as a Bible college student. One of the PACC missionaries let me know that Ken was coming back from Canada to Nairobi. I emailed him and asked if he would have room for my laptop in his luggage. He amazed me – not only was he willing to bring it over for me, he also went to London, ON to pick it up for me! My mother is not a Christian but for the few moments she met Ken, she was touched by our Lord’s grace and love. She actually made a point of telling me how much he impacted her in their short interaction. What a testimony of Jesus working through one of the saints! I am thankful to have known Ken in a round-about way and thank him and Shirley for their legacy.
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Gerald and Grace Laing Dear Shirley, Kevin, Jennifer and family,
We have many great memories of working together in the Kenya Field office with Ken as the Regional Coordinator. I still have a blank note paper, that says A MESSAGE FROM KEN BIRCH….. I have this as a marker beside Psalm 46 which was one of his favorite scriptures. We have great love and appreciation for Ken as he was such an encouragement to us during our shared time in Kenya. We were very thankful to have time to visit with Ken in hospital just 2 weeks ago. He will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley, the family and friends who will join in a great celebration of Ken’s life. We would love to be there with you.
Love,
Gerry and Grace Laing.
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Edna Noble ans family Dear Shirley and family: We are so very sorry to here about Ken’s passing. He had a great faith and for this reason we know that he is rejoicing in heaven. May God continue to strengthen all of you through faith and love. Thinking of you, Edna Pat Thelma and families.
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Tom and Judi Snowdon Dear Shirley, Jennifer and Kevin:
We want to express our sincere sympathies to you at this sad time. May God provide you with strength, faith and comfort, now and always.
It has been many years since we greatly enjoyed our time in Saskatoon where Ken (“Dr. Birch”, to us) served as president of CPC when we were there as students. We remember well the welcoming, sensitive, sensible and spiritually warm leadership in the college for which Ken was largely responsible. It was great to get to know you as the delightful family that you are and to study in that environment. While that seems long ago now, we appreciated all of you and Ken’s leadership.
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Tom and Judi Snowdon,
Cairo, Egypt
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Peter and Lillian (Cornelius) Warkentin Dear Shirley, Jennifer and Kevin:
It’s hard to put in words how sad we feel about Ken leaving us so soon. He was deeply loved, and we appreciated especially all he did in Kenya and Africa. He had great skills and a heart to match. And he remembered everyone’s birthday and other milestones. It is a very big loss to the PAOC and to his many friends. I wish we could be there to share our love and respect for Ken, an amazing man and friend. God bless you and may you sense His Spirit as the God of all Comfort.
With love and prayers for all the family,
Peter and Lillian
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Dorothy Watts Dear Shirley and family,
My brother, John, told me of Ken’s death and I was so sorry to hear of it. What I remember most about Ken was his absolute devotion and dedication to Christ. Even at a young age, he was committed in a deeply spiritual way. He also had a lively and engaging sense of humour, quite helpful in the work he did, I am sure.
My thoughts and prayers rest with you today. The good thing is that love never ends.
Warmly,
Dorothy Watts
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Cindy Munro Jennifer, Mrs. Birch, Kevin, and family,
My family and I were saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Birch. I have fond memories of him from visits to your home in Mississauga as a high school student. While I hadn’t seen him in some time, I was always interested to hear from Jenn about your travels in Africa. I wish you my sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Love,
Cindy
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Dr. Bill Hamilton To Shirley and family,
I was shocked and saddened to see Ken’s obituary online today. I appreciated his friendship and spiritual leadership at Victoria College/UVic and at Glad Tidings in the 1960s. I recall his white customized 1949 (?) Ford and his wonderful sense of humour. However, it is his steadfast walk with our Lord which stands out above all his other personal attributes.
Wishing you peace which passes all understanding,
Bill Hamilton
Vernon, BC
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Al & Audrey Saunders Shirley (& Family);
Audrey & I were saddened to hear for the passing of Ken, even though we know he is in a better place.
I considered Ken a very dear friend and mentor. What a privilege it was for me (Al) to be invited to be a part of the Canadian Ministries Department at PAOC National Office and have the privilege of working so closely with Ken. I have great memories of our years together criss-crossing the country together in ministry. Though I had been in ministry 32 years when Ken brought me into National Office, I had a lot to learn about the workings in and through National Office. Ken was a very trusting and patient mentor. I shall forever be thankful for our shared ministry together.
Our prayers are with you as you walk into the future without your best friend at your side.
Blessings,
Al & Audrey Saunders
Dear Shirley and family. Gaylene and I were very sad to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a real blessing to us and our family and was key to our involvement with PACU over the years and our business training programs in Africa.
He has visited in our home. Gaylene and I have traveled with him in Africa on several occasions, as have my daughter Alison and son Ian. We all appreciated his wisdom, knowledge and good humour. We will miss him.
We pray that you are comforted in knowing that he is now with his Lord.
Blessings,
Gary & Gaylene