George Birks, Active Member of Woodmont Community, Dies at 92

George F. Birks, Sr., 92 of Milford, went to be with his beloved Eleanor on Feb. 26, 2013 following a short stay in Milford Hospital.

He was born in Bristol, CT on April 30, 1920 to the late Raymond and Hazel Birks (née Griffith). George grew up in Milford, CT, graduating from Milford High School in 1938. He enlisted in the United States Navy, surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, and was honorably discharged in 1945. He was called back to duty during the Korean War, serving on a minesweeper.

George married Eleanor Wade in 1947. They initially lived in Woodmont, and then moved to Brewster Rd, where they spent the rest of their lives together. George and Eleanor always loved the sea and had a series of boats on Long Island Sound over a period of 30 years. Family vacations were usually spent on the water.

George worked at Sikorsky Aircraft for 29 years, retiring in 1985 from the vehicle maintenance dept. He was a longtime member of American Legion Post #196 who were his second family after Eleanor passed away in 2006. George was also active in the Woodmont Bees, Woodmont Volunteer Fire Dept. and he was a member of the Woodmont Farmers & Sportsmen Assoc. He remained an active kayaker on Long Island Sound until he was 91. 

He is survived by children, George Birks (Carol) and Karol Cannon (John); grandchildren, Laurie, Brian and David (Katie) Birks and Christine and Colleen Cannon. Also brothers, Raymond (Ursula) Birks and Lee Birks, sister-in-law Susie Birks and Mimi and Bob Blake and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Birks and mother-in-law Gladys Wade.

He is probably best remembered for maintaining “Birks Pond” on which many generations of Woodmonters learned to skate and fly fish. George will be missed by all who knew him. 

The family wishes to thank Milford Hospital staff, Dr. Flora Zarcu-Powers, and SolAmor Hospice staff for their kind and compassionate care. Also thanks to numerous friends and relatives who visited in his final days to extend their love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Fairway Suite Fund at Milford Hospital, 300 Seaside Ave, Milford, CT 06460.