Birks (family)

Birks (family)

Carl Birks arrived in Jasper in 1957. He had transferred from Athabasca, AB with the Imperial Bank of Canadian (CIBC) and worked for the Jasper CIBC for a few years. Later, he got in to construction and worked for Crawley and Mohr and also managed their lumber yard. Carl has been an avid curler and also sang in the Glee Club for many years. He was involved with the original Jasper Story in which he played three key roles: Baptiste, Will Fortune, and Billy Warren. Carl retired in 1999. Sandra Birks (MacLachlan) 's mother, Retha, was born at Pocahontas and was the daughter of Thornton and Bella Wanamaker. She and Les MacLachlan were married in Hanna, Alberta and came to Jasper in 1943. Les owned and operated a jewellery store and watch and repair business located at the present site of Smittys on Miette Avenue. He was also the Canadian National Railway (CNR) watch inspector. They had three children: Sandra, Geraldine and Jim. Les was a great community supporter and sponsored several trophies for curling bonspiels and Highland Dance competitions. He was an active curler and golfer and was very involved with the original production of the Jasper Story in the 1950's - he played the part of Lewis Swift. Retha did her bit behind the scenes. Both of them were members of the Masonic Lodge and order of the Eastern Star. Music, too, was part of the family life: Les sang with the Glee Club for years. Les, Sandra and Gerry played with the Jasper Park Band and Les also played the drums in a dance band at Pyramid Pines with such people as Frank Darlow, Noni Jones and Jim Wynn. Being a member of Jasper's Volunteer Fire Department was also one of Les' activities. He was one of those that helped fight the fire at Jasper Park Lodge on July 15, 1952. Geraldine (Mrs. David Brodwell) lives in the Shuswap area of B.C. In 1973 Jim married Colleen Balding, daughter of Colleen and George Balding, who was later Superintendent of Jasper National Park. Jim and Colleen have one son, Michael. Les passed away in 1963 and Retha in 1969. Sandra MacLachlan married Carl Birks in Jasper in 1964 and have four children; Maureen, Brenda, Tammy and Linda. Both of them have enjoyed skiing, skating and hiking. Sandy was involved with their daughter's activities. Over the years she volunteered with Brownies and Silver Blades. In 1988 Maureen married Walter Bliault. They live in Abbotsford, B.C. and have one son Mathew (b. 1993.). The other three girls are in Calgary where they completed further education and are now working.

Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives