JOHN EDWARD BIRNBAUM (JEB)Our beloved John passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017 in Toronto.John was born on September 17, 1943 in New York City. He spent his childhood in Guelph and latter years in Toronto. Cherished husband of Sandra (nee Turner), loving father of Jennie (Ian) and excited Papa-To-Be to Annie. John is survived by his brothers Robert (Michael) and Peter (Peter S.).John was a humorous observer of life. He will be remembered for his extraordinary wit and playful use of words. He often remarked "that a sense of humour, is a sense of proportion".John was the first paid Executive Director of the Georgian Bay Association, a Co-Founder of both the Georgian Bay Land Trust and the GBA Foundation, now Georgian Bay Forever and Director of the Federation of Ontario Cottagers. He also served as manager and volunteer for many municipal, provincial and federal election campaigns.A life well lived, devoted to family, friends and a series of loyal Airdales, he especially loved being surrounded by the rocks and wind-swept pines of Cognashene, on Georgian Bay."In the depths of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring."-Kahlil GibranA private family memorial will take place.Donations may be made to the Georgian Bay Land Trust https://www.gblt.org or The Fauna Foundation-Canada's Only Chimpanzee Sanctuaryhttp://www.faunafoundation.org . www.trullfuneralsyonge.com