Birt was born in Coshocton, Ohio, the son of Alva and Ruth (Adriance) Beers. He married Helen Partridge on September 6, 1958, in Redondo Beach, CA. He was a loving husband, affectionate father and father-in-law, and proud grandfather of Turner and Troy. Birt longed for the blue waters of Lake Louise, and the lovely little cabin that he and Helen shared every summer for 53 years. When the spring weather turned warm, they enjoyed watching the beautiful sunsets from their boat, Helena. His favorite times were when he saw the sun shining on the water, heard the snap of the sails on the rigging, and when he ate blueberry sundaes at Whippy Dip during the summer. He was always kind, and was very loved by the church parishioners he served for 58 years in the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church including churches in Montague and Muskegon Crestwood. He baptized hundreds of babies, married many happy couples, counseled and shepherded his congregations compassionately, and gave many last benedictions for loved ones who passed away before him. He was actively involved in the civic groups in the communities where he served. A resident of Grand Haven, he passed away at a local nursing home, and is survived by his loving wife, Helen; two daughters: Lori (Steve) Gillespie of Downington, PA, and Sara (Jon) Parlow of Toronto, Ontario; two grandchildren, Turner and Troy Gillespie; sister, Maxine Gebbie of San Marino, CA; brother, Rev. Alva (Diane) Beers Jr. of Nicholasville, KY; and many extended family, friends, and loved ones. The Funeral Service was held at United Methodist Church of the Dunes with Rev. Dan Duncan officiating.
Birt was born in Coshocton, Ohio, the son of Alva and Ruth (Adriance) Beers. He married Helen Partridge on September 6, 1958, in Redondo Beach, CA. He was a loving husband, affectionate father and father-in-law, and proud grandfather of Turner and Troy. Birt longed for the blue waters of Lake Louise, and the lovely little cabin that he and Helen shared every summer for 53 years. When the spring weather turned warm, they enjoyed watching the beautiful sunsets from their boat, Helena. His favorite times were when he saw the sun shining on the water, heard the snap of the sails on the rigging, and when he ate blueberry sundaes at Whippy Dip during the summer. He was always kind, and was very loved by the church parishioners he served for 58 years in the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church including churches in Montague and Muskegon Crestwood. He baptized hundreds of babies, married many happy couples, counseled and shepherded his congregations compassionately, and gave many last benedictions for loved ones who passed away before him. He was actively involved in the civic groups in the communities where he served. A resident of Grand Haven, he passed away at a local nursing home, and is survived by his loving wife, Helen; two daughters: Lori (Steve) Gillespie of Downington, PA, and Sara (Jon) Parlow of Toronto, Ontario; two grandchildren, Turner and Troy Gillespie; sister, Maxine Gebbie of San Marino, CA; brother, Rev. Alva (Diane) Beers Jr. of Nicholasville, KY; and many extended family, friends, and loved ones. The Funeral Service was held at United Methodist Church of the Dunes with Rev. Dan Duncan officiating.
