Dale Amon Birky, 94, formerly of Albany, died Saturday in Vanderhoof, British Columbia, Canada, where he resided.

Dale was the son of Amon "A.W." and Katie (Troyer) Birky of Albany, and was born in Shickley, Neb. He was the grandson of Joseph and A. Caroline (Lund) Birky. Joseph was the proprietor of a blacksmith shop in Albany until his death in 1935. After being assigned to assist with the construction of Wickiup Reservoir at LaPine during World War II, Dale resided in Albany prior to moving to a farm on Fish Hatchery Road east of Albany in 1948. He was involved in farming, along with agricultural and residential construction until moving to Vanderhoof, British Columbia, in 1966.

Both Dale and his wife, Ruth, sensed a call to assist in the ministries of Northside Mennonite Church in Vanderhoof, British Columbia, and to the First Nations people of central British Columbia. They were actively involved in church and building projects both at Northside and First Nations school construction at Tsay Keh Dené in British Columbia. In addition to his farm located on Northside Road, Dale owned Nechako Sash & Door and a gravel mining operation on Striegler Road until his death.

For nearly 40 years, Dale was passionate about serving with the Gideon's International in their mission of distributing Bibles around the world.

Civic responsibilities included serving on the board of directors of the Omineca Hospital Society and the Bulkley-Nechako District Zoning Board.

Dale Birky and his wife of nearly 69 years, Ruth (Gerig), who survives, were married at Fairview Mennonite Church in Albany on May 14, 1944. He is also survived by brother Glen of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; sisters Lois and husband Irvin Gerig, Faye and husband Howard Claassen of Albany, and Stella Schantz of Kelowna, British Columbia; six children, Nathan of Fishers, Ind., Marlon and wife Norma of Coaldale, Alberta, Canada, Lila and husband Doug Glenister of Singhampton, Ontario, Canada, Lorraine Baker of Mackenzie, British Columbia, Glen and wife Helen of Vanderhoof, British Columbia, and Lynda and husband Dan Wainwright of Brooks, Alberta, Canada; 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Memorial services were held in Vanderhoof, British Columbia. A local service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Fairview Mennonite Church.

Interment will be at the Fairview Mennonite Cemetery in Albany.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Dale's name to Gideon's International ( www.gideons.org ).