Robert Gene Birrell, Jr.

Robert “Gene” Birrell Jr. born July 25, 1951, a lifelong Albuquerque native passed on July 22, 2019 at the age of 67 while surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Violet “Sissy” Birrell and his father, Robert Gene Birrell Sr. He was survived by his loving wife of 45 years Dianna Birrell, and their two children - daughter Jennifer Georges and husband Kyle; son- Justin Birrell and wife Kelly. Gene had 4 grandchildren – Ava, Carson, Emmalyn, and Cash Birrell. Gene had two sisters – Sandra Smith and Nancy Cox. He had one surviving uncle, Fred Westerfeld. He had multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends/family that he loved dearly.

Gene was a loving husband, father, and grandad and loved to spend time with his family. He looked forward to Sunday evening dinners at his home where he could watch his grandkids play.

For his career, Gene worked as shop foreman at Noor Manufacturing for over 40 years as a fabricator, skilled welder and expert machinist. There he led a team that worked on a number of projects for clients ranging from NASA to SNL. Gene built the house that he raised his family in. He could build or fix just about anything. He was a perfectionist who believed if you were going to do something, then you took the time to do it right. He took pride in his work and his country.

Gene was always building or rebuilding cars. He built three show cars, a 1955 Chevy Bel Air, a 1977 Ford Bronco and a 1930 Ford Coupe hot rod. He loved to take his hot rod to the local car shows where it was a crowd favorite.

In his youth, Gene was an accomplished racecar driver (#46). He also enjoyed riding dirt bikes, driving his dune buggy that he built, or hunting out of his Willies Jeep or Ford Bronco. He loved to water ski, play horseshoes, and shoot sporting clays.

Gene was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt waterfowl and big game. He was an excellent marksman with his black powder rifle and loved any excuse to be in the great outdoors. He loved fishing the mountain streams in the Jemez and trolling for white bass at Elephant Butte. His hunting and fishing stories were endless and always involved his family and friends.

Gene was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was taking his 1970 blue Ford F250 with his Warn winch to pull you out if you were stuck or helping you fix your vehicle if it broke down. Gene was quiet by nature, but you knew to listen when he spoke because he passed on wisdom in every sentence. He was regarded by all who knew him as a true friend and the smartest and toughest man they knew.

The last few years of Gene’s life were tough on him physically, but he showed us what perseverance meant. He never complained or placed blame, he was an example to us all.

Gene fought the good fight until the very end and got every last ounce out of his earthly body, but ultimately went to be with his Savior Jesus Christ. Gene will truly be missed by all. Everything from his firm handshake with his calloused hands, to his sweet sense of humor that everyone loved.

A celebration of his legacy will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Vineyard Church Albuquerque, 4616 Second St. NW, with interment to follow at Sandia Memory Gardens. A reception to share stories and memories will conclude the service.

Pallbearers will be Justin Birrell, Kyle Georges, Pete Argo, John Ports, Lane Cox, Cory Brown, Ace Roberts, and Trevor Davidson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Carson and Cash Birrell.