Walter Allan Birtles

Walter Allan Birtles, known to those closest to him as “Al”, passed away peacefully in North Vancouver at the age of 87, surrounded by his family. Al was a man of few words, but his actions reflected his commitment and strength. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, his parents Walter and Elizabeth, and his brother Jim.

Born on April 16, 1937, in Carbon, Alberta, Al grew up in Summerland, BC, where he attended Summerland Secondary School. He went on to the University of Hawaii, earning his Bachelor of Science degree and excelling as an athlete. A dedicated runner, Al completed the Hawaii marathon and, at 6’6”, was a skilled basketball player who represented Team Canada in the 1960 Rome and 1964 Tokyo Olympic Summer Games.

In 1967, Al married Margaret Ashton in Prince George, BC. Together, they raised two children, David and Lesley. Al was a steady and supportive father, grandfather, and husband, remembered for his love of family, passion for sports, his talent for gardening, and his special fondness for cats.

An avid sports fan throughout his life, Al always kept up with the latest in the world of sports, long after his own athletic pursuits. He enthusiastically supported his children, David and Lesley, in their own sporting efforts and later took great joy in being present at his grandchildren’s games, where he was affectionately known as their “number one groupie,” rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on.

Al spent over 30 years working as a Longshoreman. In retirement, he enjoyed dragon boating with his seniors’ team, the False Creek Grandragons, and competed in meets around the world.

Al is survived by his children David (Leigh) and Lesley (Mike), his grandchildren Austin, Paige, and Brooke, and his sister Eileen. He will be remembered for his quiet dedication, his love for family, and his enduring commitment to the things he cared about.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be made in Al’s honor to support his favorite passions: the Canada Basketball Foundation (basketball.ca) or False Creek Racing Canoe Club (fcrcc.com).

A casual gathering to celebrate Al’s life will be held on November 9, 2024 between 11:30am & 2pm at Lynn Valley Town Centre Community Room, 3033 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver.