Obituary of Ervin Birzer

Ervin G. Birzer (Erv) died peacefully at Serenity House on March 29, 2013. Erv was born December 29th, 1933, near Ellinwood Kansas, one of 8 children raised on a farm. In 1952 he enlisted in the Air Force where his service included 2 years in Japan as a radio operator. Afterwards he enrolled and graduated from Fort Hays State with a MS in Science. It was at Fort Hays that he met the love of his life, Jan. In 1966 he moved his family to Santa Barbara to take a teaching job at La Cumbre Junior High school where he shared his love of learning with his students until 1993. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1992, he was determined to live life to the fullest. Retirement did not slow Erv down as he kept busy with his passion for all things mechanical. Erv’s projects took center stage at the Stow House’s 4th of July celebration, including a gas powered bubble machine, the famous Re-Cycle and a restored 1945 Jeep. Erv’s wide range of interests allowed him to touch many lives. He took leadership and volunteer roles in community groups including the Santa Barbara High School District, the BoyScouts, St. Raphael’s Church, the Central Coast Vintage Machinery Assoc., Parkinson Association of Santa Barbara and Encina Royale. Erv is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jan, their children Randy, Brian and Lisa, their spouses Michele, Tracy and Paul and their 3 grandchildren Danika, River and Justin. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Marie Birzer; two brothers, Jerome and Jerry and a sister, Lucille. Surviving siblings are: Theresa, Norm, Marcella, and Sr. Rita, OP The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the support of the Parkinson Association of Santa Barbara, www.mypasb.org , where donations in Erv’s memory can be made in lieu of flowers. A 10 a.m. Memorial Mass and Celebration of Life are planned at St. Raphael’s Church (5444 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara) on June 29, 2013.