Frederick Birkby, 94, Retired Ford Employee

Frederick Birkby, 94, of Westlake, died June 4 at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Olmsted Township.

Birkby was born Jan. 14, 1918, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He came to the United States at seven years old, graduating from Mackenzie High School in Detroit in 1936.

He served in the U.S. Army shortly after World War II, and was stationed in Korea. He was a metal pattern maker for Ford Motor Company's Rouge Plant in Dearborn, Mich., for more than 40 years before retiring.

Birkby was a big sports fan, rooting for the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers and the University of Michigan Wolverines. He played softball in a seniors league in Michigan into the 1980s, and was also liked swimming, ice skating and woodworking.

He is survived by his children,  Stuart J. Birkby (Donna) of Avon Lake, Lisa M. Birkby of Fenton, Mich., and Jason F. Birkby (Elizabeth) of Waterford, Conn.; and granddaughter Cara. 

Birkby was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Frances (Best) Birkby; half-brothers Jim, Bob, and Jack Campbell; half-sister Isabel Campbell; and his mother, Mary Ellen Birkby.

Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, at R.G. and G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Road, Livonia, Mich. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702.