Obituaries

BIRKER, Terri Lee (nee BUCHANAN)

May 26, 1957 - November 4, 2021

Terri passed away peacefully at the age of 64, after spending meaningful time with her family.

Born and raised in Toronto, Terri was an avid horse rider in her youth and continued on with that passion until she decided to focus on motherhood and business. She graduated with an Arts Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising from the International Fine Arts College in Miami. After working for several clothing stores in Ontario, Terri joined Kettle Creek Canvas Co. and set up stores across Canada. When she came to Kelowna, BC, to scope out the territory, she fell in love with the city and decided to open the franchise for herself. A few years later, she used this step to launch her own brand and clothing store, Drydock & Lee Clothing Co., in Downtown Kelowna.

Terri would go for a Latte (1% of course!!!) at The Boh where she met Hans. He would visit Drydock & Lee and get a pair of pants. A Downtown love story was born! They were together for 30 years and married for 28. After retiring from the fashion industry, Terri took a more active role alongside Hans in growing The Bohemian Cafe into what it is today.

Terri was a consummate businesswoman and entrepreneur, and was also known for being community-minded. She was a director on several boards, including the Downtown Kelowna Association, The BC Retail Council, Community Futures, and Sunshine Theatre. Terri donated her time and expertise to the KGH Foundation and was part of the founding group of the Kelowna Paddle Club. She steered many races with her teammates, the most memorable ones being the Queen Liliuokalani in Hawaii and in the World Seniors Games in Edmonton where the crew became gold medalists. More recently Terri enjoyed riding her bikes and getting outdoors. She will be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know her as a loving, strong, and principled woman who had a unique sense of style.

With so many successes in life, nothing made Terri prouder than her three children who have grown to be strong, independent, and wonderful adults. She took much care in raising and teaching her kids, and enjoyed the rewards alongside them. She loved to help their friends and teams. Katja, Liam, and Quinci are clearly Terri’s legacy and will continue to embody her strength and resilience throughout life. Terri valued the need for daily connection with those she loved and she and Hans would have a standing coffee “meeting” where they would talk and enjoy their time together. The kids joined in when they could and the family will continue the tradition in her honour.

Terri is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Hans; her children Katja (Ethan), Liam, and Quinci; her mother Marj Buchanan; her sister Karen (Brian) Dunning; her brother Rick Buchanan; her parents-in-law Werner and Elisabeth Birker; her three sisters-in-law Franziska, Litti, and Dorothee; her four nephews Ben (Nan), Travis (Violetta), Kyle (Mark), and Zhen; her two nieces Alison and Emily; her grandnieces Emma, Iris, Carmen, Ellie and Jane; as well as her numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Alberta and Florida. She was predeceased by her father, Aubrey Buchanan.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 15, 2021, at 10 AM PST at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Following Covid-19 restrictions, this service will require attendees to show proof of vaccination and a gov. issued photo ID, and the number of attendees will be limited. Terri requested that people please not wear black. If you wish to attend, IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, PLEASE REGISTER (CLICK DIRECT LINK BELOW). If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by livestream. A recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage you to spend time outdoors with loved ones while making sure that you are well dressed, comfortably yet stylishly, as Terri would have wanted you to be.

To register to attend the service, view the livestream/recording, or send the family condolences, please visit www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/birker-terri-lee-nee-buchanan/

Condolence Messages

Nov 21, 2021
Dear Hans and family, Our deepest condolences to you in your loss. May you all find strength in the memories you have of your wife, mother, and friend. She touched all of us through the blessings you bought to all of us. Barrie and Phofi McCullough
Nov 20, 2021
Dear Hans and family,

Christine and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. You were both there for me when I needed friends. I will always remember having dinner with Terri, you, and the children, sitting on tiny chairs at the kiddie's table in your kitchen. It is one of my happiest memories, and I will carry that image of Terri with me. Our deepest condolences.

Dean and Christine
Nov 19, 2021
Dear Hans and family, Sending you love during this painful time of grief. My deepest condolences and hope for peace for all of you. Your love for Terri shines bright. Muriel Kranabetter
Nov 19, 2021
Dear Hans, Katja, Liam and Quinci

We are saddened to hear of your great loss. Remembering all our time spent watching the kids at gymnastics and get togethers. We will hold tight all our memories of times spent together.

Lots of love to you all

Patrice, David, Sasha, Xsania and Emerie xo
Nov 17, 2021
Hans, Katja, Liam, and Quinci; I am so very sorry for your loss. Your wife and mom was truly a wonderful person and I have always cherished my time that I got to live in your little guest house and be a part of your lives. I am at a loss for words with hearing of this news, as I know just how much Teri cherished each of you and was so proud of you, so my heart breaks. Much love to all of you,

Kim Lutz
Nov 16, 2021
Dear Hans and your family I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.

Michelle Dugmore
Nov 16, 2021
Hans and family

My family's thoughts and prayers are with you. We fondly remember our shared times at the gym with your family and especially Terry watching the kids with joy and wonder.

Deepest condolences

Cal & Laurel, Ellie Fynn Roan and Tennyson McCarthy
Nov 16, 2021
To all of the Birker family... sending our deepest condolences and saddness of the loss of your beauiful mom and wife. Every time Terri and I saw one another she would just light up when she spoke of how proud she was of all of her children!

She will be missed!

Love Jody and Scott Cronquist and family
Nov 16, 2021
Hans and your family, I just would like you to know how that I am thinking of all of you without Terri in your everyday life. But...know that, for sure, she is watching over you all the time. You will feel it and think of her in peace many times a day.

With affection...Jorin
Nov 16, 2021
Sincere condolences Hans. Such sadness. Your happy home always stood out when I walked through your neighbourhood. Sharron Simpson
Nov 15, 2021
Hans, Katja, Liam and Quincy;

I was shocked and saddened when I heard about the passing of your wife and mother. She was tremendously supportive of her business, her husband and the education and sporting lives of her children. She will be missed. My thoughts are with your family.

Lorne Buna
Nov 15, 2021
Dear Hans and family, you are in our thoughts, sending you our deepest condolences.

Steve, Anita, Stephanie and Rochelle Ott
Nov 15, 2021
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. I vividly remember watching the romance of Terri and Hans unfold. The visits back and forth to The Boh and Drydock&Lee, walking together down Bernard Ave. and what cinched it was going to a play at Kelowna Community Theatre descending step by step and hand in hand. It was official....they were an item! Hans and Terri were are beautiful couple and family. May loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.

Debbie and Keith MacMillan
Nov 14, 2021
My deepest and most sincere condolences Hans to you and your family.

Lilly and Bernie Legatto
Nov 14, 2021
Hans Katcha Quincy and Liam

I am so sorry for your loss and I am sending every ounce of love I can muster towards you and the children. You have been great encouragers and friends to my children and grandchildren. May you be surrounded by love and light

Jack DeGruchy
Nov 14, 2021
Han’s and family

So sorry to hear of Terri’s passing. I still remember all the road trips to the volleyball tournaments and hours on the bleachers and most recently working with her on the renovation. She will be greatly missed. Praying for peace and comfort through this difficult time.

Blessings

Darrel Schutte and family
Nov 14, 2021
Dear Hans, Katja, Liam and Quinci,

We are so sorry to hear that Terri has passed away. Terri was smart, insightful, positive, and brought energy to those around her. She was a bright light in every room she entered. We have so many good memories of time that we spent with Terri especially in gyms and travelling to and from volleyball tournaments. We know that she will be sadly missed by many and in particular by you her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Rob & Irene
Nov 14, 2021
Hans and Family- saddened by the news of Terri's passing. I have so many fond memories of her from D and L and the whole clan of family and friends at the Boh. A classy gal who was always so thoughtful and kind to me. Allan Crowder.
Nov 14, 2021
To All of the Family we extend our deepest & most heartfelt sympathy. Our tears, & thoughts & prayers, are with each & everyone of you.

William & Carol-Ann
Nov 14, 2021
Dear Hans and family Birker,

So sorry to see this today. Terri was a pleasure to have met and known these last ~20yrs. Very sincere condolences on our losing her, God bless and rest in peace Terri.

The Geddes'
Nov 14, 2021
So very sorry for you and your family Hans. Terri and I spent many, many Tuesday or Thursday mornings for many years together in my Pilates studio. Everyone who knew Terri will miss her. My love to you and your family.

Eileen Galarneau
Nov 14, 2021
So sorry to hear of Terri’s passing, Hans. Sincerest condolences.

Hugh Wong
Nov 13, 2021
Hans and family,

So sorry to hear of Terri's passing. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many in the community. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Clara Poitras
Nov 13, 2021
Hans and family, I am so incredibly sorry to hear of Terri’s passing. I am grateful I had the pleasure of knowing her and some of your wonderful family. My heart is with you all.

Kathy Hickson
Nov 13, 2021
The Birker Family,

We loved Terri with all our hearts and will miss her so much. How fortunate we were to have such a beautiful person to call our friend. Hugs to all of you.

The Temmes.
Nov 13, 2021
Hans & Birker Family, We are sorry for your loss.

Cherish the memories of Terri.

Our deepest condolences, Mark & Heidi Peacock
Nov 13, 2021
Sincere condolences to you Hans and your entire family. Edeltraut Hattenbach and Gundie and Ken Volk
Nov 13, 2021
This makes us so sad! We have so many happy memories of Terri over our volleyball years. She was the ultimate fan of her children and did all in her power to support their positive growth. We know the love and respect she and Hans had for each other and their family and we are heartbroken for the Birker family. Sending love and prayers to you all.

The Schell Family
Nov 13, 2021
Hans, Liam, Katja and Quinci,

We were shocked and saddened to hear of Terri's passing and want you to know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. We enjoyed our years getting to know Terri in the volleyball court bleachers and we know you have lost a wonderful partner and mother.

Lance and Michelle Marshall
Nov 13, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss Hans and family. My deepest sympathy.Donna Moyer
Nov 13, 2021
We know there are No words to express the deep sorrow your family is feeling. Just know that we carry you in our hearts and prayers. Stay close to your loved ones and know that you can always reach out to all the wonderful people who are here to support you. Love Theresa and Gordie Frie
Nov 13, 2021
Dear Hans and Family

We are devastated to hear of Terri’s passing. It was always a treat to run into Terri The delightful group of people she assembled. We always enjoyed shopping at Drydock & Lee. Even the Boh won’t be the same without a possibility of a catch up with Terri.Our deepest condolences to the family.

Krys and Steve Vines
Nov 13, 2021
To all the family, you are in our thoughts. Terri was a much loved and admired family member to those remembering her many visits to PEI. We loved meeting Hans and knew how much her children were her passion. She will always be someone we were so happy to know and share time with. We will think of her often and remember all the love she shared with so many. Brenda & Gary Tremere
Nov 12, 2021
Hans and family, my deepest condolences.

Prayers, Marlene Fenton (Fat Cat}
Nov 12, 2021
Hans and family, my condolences to you at this sad time. Terry was an amazing woman.

Betty Storgaard
Nov 12, 2021
Our deepest condolences to all the family: Hans and the kids, Litti, Dorothee and others. This is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. I remember Terri from Kettle Creek and Drydock and Lee -- probably spending my earnings from Pangaea and early days of the Boh! She was very patient and helpful, a gentle woman. She definitely left a legacy in Kelowna with the person she was and how she touched those she left behind. She will be remembered fondly by so many. So sorry for your loss.

Karen K and family
Nov 12, 2021
Dear Hans and family, we are so sorry for your loss, thinking of you at this sad time.

Cam and Patty McIntosh
Nov 12, 2021
Hans and Family, our condolences to all of you. I fondly remember all the Volleyball tournaments with you and Terri as we watched those young ladies of ours play with patio. Joanne and I are very sad to hear of this news and our thoughts are wish you all. Ken and Joanne Hart
Nov 12, 2021
Dear Hans, Katja, Liam and Quinci...

We are deeply saddened to hear of Terri's passing. We always immensely enjoyed our many bleacher chats and the volleyball road trips with the boys. Terri was just a charm to be with, she lit up the gym with her chronic smile and will be missed by so very many. Our sincere condolences and hugs to you all...

Lesley Reid, Mike and Ben Coulthard
Nov 12, 2021
Hans and family,

Our hearts are broken for you and you are in our thoughts. Terri was a very special lady and we were fortunate to call her a friend and to have you all in our lives. So many happy memories, gatherings, game feeds and meals at the Bo. Terri will be greatly missed by so many. Seeing you both with your puppy at the Bean Scene on Pandosy is a memory I will cherish as Terri looked so well, you were both enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company. We are here for you all.

Love, hugs and our sincerest condolences,

Corrine, Brent, Ava & Tess Peacock
Nov 12, 2021
Hans and family

We truly are shocked to hear of Terri's passing. Words cannot express our sincere sympathy to you, your family and extended family. We spent many years together watching our kids on the volleyball court. She was a person full of life with a sense of purpose. Always welcoming you with a smile. She will be truly missed. May memories of happier times be of comfort to you.

Mike & Alvera Pucilowski
Nov 12, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of this. I loved Drydock & Lee - was my favourite place to shop and always found something absolutely fantastic. Wishing you peace and strength as a family.

Marsha
Nov 12, 2021
Dear Hans and Family, We were so very sad to hear of the passing or Terri. You are all very much in our thoughts. Please accept our deepest condolences.

Tony, Robbin and John Roberts.