Carl L. McBirnie
Carl L. McBirnie was born to Tess and Holly McBirnie on January 24, 1927 in Gebo, Wyoming. His beautiful life on this earth ended November 21, 2019.
Carl grew up in a coal mining town and learned the meaning of work at a very young age. He started working in the mines with his father at the tender age of 6, and continued that work until he finished high school, helping to support the family. He also drove the school bus at the age of 14, delivering kids safely to school in Thermopolis.
At 16, he graduated from high school and was tested by the Army to join a select group for intensive training in Engineering. He was accepted into the Army Specialize Training Program and moved to the University of Nebraska where he took 36 hour credit loads with personal tutoring to complete his college experience in just over a year. This program was shut down in 1945 when the few remaining students were shipped off to Japan in WWII.
Carl served in Japan during ’45 and ’46. He was on a water craft ready to invade the main land of Japan when the Atomic bombs were dropped and the war ended. During the post war projects, he served with the Army Corp of Engineers. He designed the first hospital in Hokkaido, and completely laid out the rebuilt city of Sendai, naming all the streets and designing its infrastructure - all at the ripe old age of 18.
When he returned home, he relocated to Butte, Montana with his family, where he continued to work in the mines with his father and attended the Montana School of Mines to finish off his education. During those years working in the mines, he was buried in a mine cave in but luckily was caught in a small air space and survived. His father was not so lucky. After losing his dad, he took over as man of the house, helping his mother, brother, and sister stay afloat.
He met his beautiful wife, Donna, in Butte where they were married in 1949. Shortly after having their first born, Terryl, Carl was recalled by the Army to serve again in the Korean Conflict from 1950-1951. This was when the conflict was at its most aggressive battle. He was part of the 378th Engineers Combat Battalion, building bridges so the Marines could push past the 38th parallel, and then demolishing them during retreat. He was on the front lines and often said he wouldn’t have given a penny for his life. But again, he came back without a bullet hole. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars. Later in life he was invited back to South Korea and honored by the President of Korea for his efforts in preserving their country.
Carl worked for Joy Manufacturing when he returned from Korea. After the death of his mother, he settled his family in Salt Lake City, where he took over the care of his sister and brother as well as Donna’s brother – a large family at a young age. He then found his career employment with Commercial Shearing and Stamping where he designed underground steel support systems for tunnels and mines all across the United States. One of his biggest projects was designing the supports systems for what is now called the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 outside of Denver. It was the largest tunnel in the US until just recently and still is the highest. He also held a patent on a piece of machinery that helped stack cribbing in underground mines. He was an admired man in his field both for his abilities and his fairness in sales.
After raising and getting all his children out of the house and on their own, he was graced with a latecomer, a daughter, Margie – and the whole process started again. Carl was an amazing father and family man, never putting anything above the needs of his children and wife.
After the death of his beloved wife, he found a great friendship with a new companion, Mary Lou Collector. They traveled all over the world together and spent many wonderful times both in Salt Lake City, and in her home town of Washington D.C. She was a great friend who always looked out for his health and happiness.
When his health began to decline, he joined a beautiful community of people at the Abbington Assisted Living facility. He met and developed some wonderful friendships there. Thanks to all these people who helped fill his last years with love and companionship.
Some of his favorite pass times were skiing with friends (hiding a bottle of wine by a special tree at the top of Hidden Splendor), camping with the family, fishing on Yellowstone Lake, making his famous milkshakes for his grandchildren and friends, and following Donna and Mary Lou around on a myriad of social engagements,.
Carl had many health issues that plagued him. Regardless, he always kept a smile on his face and never complained. Even at the end, he remained positive in the face of death. He will be sorely missed by many.
Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Donna McBirnie and his son Terryl McBirnie. He is survived by his daughter, Margie Morrison (John Morrison): brother Lesley McBirnie (Gay McBirnie): sister Elvira Lloyd (Gary Lloyd): grandchildren Troy McBirnie, Sean McBirnie, McIan Morrison, and Zara Morrison.
In lieu of services, a Celebration of Life will be held on December 7, 5 -8 pm, at the home of Margie Morrison. Please come and enjoy an evening of reminiscing a wonderful man.