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.
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