Obituary of Gladys Myrtle Birch

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gladys Birch, longtime resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Saturday, February 6, 2021 in Dawson Creek at the age of 98 years. Gladys Myrtle Holden was born on the Holden farm in Saskatchewan to Anna Louise (Froseth) and John Johanassen Holden, on March 5, 1922. To the heartbreak of her family she left us on February 6, 2021, just one month shy of her 99th birthday. Gladys leaves behind her son Bruce (Sandra), daughter Connie (Kevin) Clark, Grandchildren Jim, Patrick, Steven, Adam, Brennen, Emily, Lara, Alyssa and Great-grandchildren Tyrell, Gabriel, Logan, Jackson, Lily, Nathan, Grace, Gregory, Leah and Liam. She was predeceased by her husband David Jaques, her second husband Tom Birch, her son Clyde and her daughter Sylvia. Gladys grew up on the farm, the youngest of 6 children: Hilmer, Melvin, Alma (Halstrom), Lloyd and Selma (deceased as a child). She was born into a musical family and her first instrument was the guitar, taught by her mother. She went on to play the accordion and banjo as well, but her she loved to play the piano best. The Holden family played their music at every local event and Gladys continued to play in a band and entertain into her 80s. David Jaques came into her life and swept her off her feet. They were married December 14, 1939 and welcomed their first daughter, Sylvia, the next year. Clyde joined the family in 1943 and Bruce arrived in 1950. In 1960 Connie was born and surprised them all. Dave and Gladys raised their children on both coasts of Canada as well as the prairies and loved every mile of the country. They settled in Delta, BC until Daves passing February 7, 1988. Gladys met Tom Birch a few years later when she was playing for an old-time function and Tom was calling a Square Dance. They decided to move to Chilliwack and were married in Yuma, Arizona. Music continued to be a large part of their lives and Mom taught Tom how to play bass guitar so he could join her on stage. It was through Tom, that Gladys expanded her travels. She had been to Hawaii, Jamaica, Mexico and Disneyland, but with Tom she also visited Scotland, New Zealand and made an extended trip exploring the east coast of Canada. She loved to write and published many stories both in BC and Saskatchewan newspapers, and gave her family the gift of her autobiography in 2016. The final paragraph of her book describes her best of all. In closing I will just say that I have had a varied life. I have learned that patience is an important attitude. Kindness is also very important. Dont be ready to judge others. You dont really know what suffering they have gone through. And always remember that each and every one of you is very, very dear to me. You have all made me very rich with your caring and loving understanding. A celebration of life will be held this summer and the internment of Gladys and Tom will be held at the same time at Tuscoola Cemetery, Chetwynd BC. Love you and miss you Mom. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium