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Birkley Sanford Winkworth
Visitation

MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg

Friday January 30th, 2026
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Service

St. Peter's Anglican Church
240 College St., Cobourg

Saturday January 31st, 2026
11:30 am

Reception

St. Peter's Anglican Church
240 College St., Cobourg

Following Service

This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.

Birkley Sanford Winkworth

April 15, 1968 - January 22, 2026

Surrounded by his closest family members, who dearly loved him, Birk passed on peacefully, freed from the chains of ALS. After a very short stay at Ed's House, where he was treated with dignity, love and respect, we are left to celebrate and remember his life:

His loving partner, Melissa Morrison and her sons, Daniel and Caleb (Chevelle):
His beloved parents, Dixie and John Winkworth;
His brother Devon (Liz) and their children Courtney (Dean), Olivia (Pat), and Cayden (Darci);
His sister Alyssa McCallum (John O’Brien), and her children, Dane (Alisa), Alex (Ava), Elli (Cole), and Caden and Kennedy O’Brien.

Never to be forgotten by his Uncle Paul and Aunt Mary Winkworth and his Aunt Carol Brown, and his cousins Troy, Christina (Iain), and Charlene (Travis).

Remembered fondly by his Godmother Nancy Hall, honorary in laws Carole and Larry Morrison, extended family, his colleagues and friends.

Visitation will occur at MacCoubrey’s Funeral Home on Friday, January 30th, 6 – 8 p.m.
The service is to be held at The Church of St. Peter, Cobourg, on Saturday, January 31st, at 11:30 a.m.

Thank you to everyone who stood beside our family with kindness, messages, and love throughout Birk’s journey. A special and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Cameron and the compassionate staff at Ed’s House for their extraordinary care and support.

As an expression of sympathy, donations in Birk’s memory may be made to Ed’s House, St. Peter’s Church, or ALS Research (Sunnybrook Hospital).

Message Of Condolence

Note: Your message of condolence will appear at the bottom of the page.
MacCoubrey Funeral Home Ltd. reserve the right to delete or remove any comments we find inappropriate or offensive

MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE / DONATIONS

Beverley Dafoe - January 29, 2026

Sorry very sorry for your loss, your family has my deepest sympathy . My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Janet Tedford - January 29, 2026

John, Dixie, Melissa and family. I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved son and partner. May wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.

Brian Board - January 28, 2026

Melissa, I was so sorry to hear of the recent loss of your partner. I'm at a loss for the proper words but you are in my thoughts at this sad time in your life.

Julius and Louise Varga - January 28, 2026

John, Dixie and family. Our sincere condolences on your loss of Birkley. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may the good memories help you through this difficult time. Julius and Louise

David Fisher - January 28, 2026

John, Dixie, Devon & Alyssa & family. I want to offer my sincere condolences to you at this time. There’s nothing worse than losing a child, however Birk has left you so many cherished memories to reflect back on. He will always be with you all as you continue your journey of life.

Susan Giddings - January 28, 2026

My sincere condolences to all the Winkworth family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very sad time.

Roger Nelson & Betty Rose - January 28, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

ALS Research at Sunnybrook Medical Centre

Paul & Mary Winkworth - January 28, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

ALS Research at Sunnybrook Medical Centre

Michelle Jillings - January 28, 2026

So very sad to hear of Birks passing. My thoughts a prayers are with his whole family during such a difficult time.

Bob and Heather Hardie - January 28, 2026

Dear Melissa, Caleb and Daniel, Bob and I were so sad to hear of Birk's passing. We send you our love and pray that the love you shared with Birk will always be with you. Love to you all Bob and Heather Hardie

Diane Froncz - January 28, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

St. Peter's Anglican Church

Diane Froncz - January 28, 2026

Please accept my sincere condolences at this sad and difficult time. May you be surrounded and strengthened by the love of family and friends. Remembering you in prayer with love and sympathy, Diane

Sandra Bell-Buttars - January 28, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Anne Tryon - January 28, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Barb Dinnage - January 28, 2026

Melissa & family, so sorry to hear of Birk's passing. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Joy Gifford - January 28, 2026

Dixie and John, Melissa, Devon and Alyssa. My sympathy on the passing of Birkley. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you and strength in the cherished memories you hold close.

Phyllis Dale Kinnear - January 28, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Nichola Walt - January 28, 2026

I’m so sorry for your loss. Even though it’s been a number of years since I last spoke with Birkley, I have many memories from school and was really saddened to hear this. I fondly remember Birkley as a gentle, quiet person with a killer smile and a wonderful sense of humour. Hopefully all the cherished memories you have of him will help you during this time of healing.

Daniel Emond - January 28, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

ALS Research at Sunnybrook Medical Centre

Ralph Torrie - January 27, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

St. Peter's Anglican Church

Marion Buttars - January 27, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

ALS Research at Sunnybrook Medical Centre

Bryan and Roberta Armstrong - January 27, 2026

John, Dixie, Devon, Alyssa and Melissa - we were so saddened to hear of Birk's passing but glad that he no longer has to suffer from the ravages of ALS. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. May your memories of Birk help you through this difficult time. sincerely Bryan and Roberta

Bryan and Cindy Marjoram - January 27, 2026

Dear John, Dixie, Devon, Alyssa, Melissa and the entire Winkworth family, We have known your family since we arrived to this area. What a loss to your loving and caring family. We thought Birk was the quiet one until we got to know him better. His sense of humour and his smile bring back fond memories. We cant imagine your loss and Birk's battle with ALS. Know that many people were impacted by Birk and he always put a smile on people's faces. The loss of a loved one, especially one so young, must be even more difficult. Please know that you are surrounded by your many friends. Cherish the memories and keep them close to your heart. Sincere condolences to you and your entire family. Birkley Sanford Winkworth April 15, 1968 - January 22, 2026 "Rest in Peace"

Rene Burgess (Bertin) - January 27, 2026

My deepest Condolences to all.

Siobhan McCall - January 27, 2026

How sadden I was to hear of Birk's passing..He always had a smile and always a kind word. Condolences to all whom he loved

Lenna and Allan Broatch - January 27, 2026

Dixie and John One of the hardest life’s happenings is loosing a child regardless of age. Our heart goes out to you. Lenna and Allan

Rick & Lisa Ainsworth - January 27, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Brenda and Colin Turnpenney - January 27, 2026

We were deeply saddened to hear of your dear Birk’s passing.. We send our love and prayers to all of you. May God’s peace surround you at this most difficult time,

Dawna Wakely - January 27, 2026

Dear John and family. My heart is saddened to read of the passing of Birkley. As you make your way through the days ahead, may your memories fill your hearts with love, ease your sadness, and bring you comfort and peace. With sympathy Dawna Wakely

Pat & Carol Doyle - January 27, 2026

Dear Dixie, John, Devon & Alyssa We are so saddened to hear of Birkley's passing. "Those we love, don't go away." They walk beside us every day......" Pat & Carol

Charlene and Travis Doyle - January 27, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Carolynn simpson - January 27, 2026

Dixie ,John and the Winkworth family, I am sorry to learn of the loss of your son Birkley, we extend our sympathy to you at this time. Barry and Carolynn Simpson

Gerry and Nancy (Cockburn) Turpin - January 27, 2026

Dear Winkworth Family….I was very saddened to hear of Birkleys passing. As a teenager and neighbour across the road I was always very happy to babysit your three children. They were very respectful and well behaved so it was always a pleasure and so much fun. I haven’t seen Birkley since he was a child but from the messages of condolence from family & friends it’s evident that he grew up to be a respected and much loved adult that will be greatly missed. May your family take great comfort from that and from your cherished memories. Thinking of you all.

Phil & Lorrie Davey - January 27, 2026

So sorry to hear of Birk’s passing. Our thoughts are with all his family at this difficult time.

Sue Tryon - January 27, 2026

To the whole Winkworth family my deepest sympathy. I have lots of memories growing up beside you.

Marcia Atkinson - January 27, 2026

To the Beautiful Winkworth Family, My Deepest Sympathy on Your loss, May God Bless, and be near all of You at this time. Marcia Atkinson

Margaret Kropf - January 27, 2026

My deepest sympathies on the loss of your son.Thinking of you and the family at this sad time.

Bill & Sharon Gerber - January 27, 2026

John, Dixie and family, We are thinking of you at this time. The loss of a child is devastating and never easy to accept. Sending our heartfelt sympathy and condolences on the loss of your son and brother. Remember the good times and treasure all the wonderful years you shared with Birk. Memories give comfort and last forever Bill & Sharon

RON PETERS - January 27, 2026

Thinking of your family and this tragic loss. You have our sincere condolences. Rin & Sheila Peters

Martha Stewart - January 27, 2026

With sincere condolences with the loos of your son Birkley and to his extended family ,praying for comfort for you all at this very difficult time 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Sheila Archer - January 27, 2026

Jojn and Dixie. I am very sorry for your loss, my prayers be with you.

Pat Westrope - January 27, 2026

My sincere condolences to Dixie, John, and family. It is difficult to lose a child but also difficult to watch them struggle with discomfort and pain. Trust that God's plan is in place and He will provide comfort to you at this most difficult time.

Carmel Scott - January 27, 2026

This one hits hard. Birk and I had soooo many laughs, working together at Columbus McKinnon. His sense of humor was A-1. Heaven is probably rejoicing at his home coming. To us, here, he will be dearly missed.

wendy bowman - January 27, 2026

Sending hugs and love to your family at this difficult time. Cherish all the good memories that you's have shared and hold them close to your hearts. Wendy and Rick

Pat Murphy - January 27, 2026

John, Dixie, and family & especially Melissa and Daniel & Caleb: My condolences to each of you on your loss of Birkley, "a loved one, gone too soon". He will be so missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Diane Cane - January 27, 2026

My condolences to Birk’s family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Birk for many years at Northumberland County - always a smile; always a happy guy.

Ethel Hansen Davey - January 27, 2026

My condolences to the entire Winkworth family. Such a loss of such a young life.

Lynn Peters - January 27, 2026

John, Dixie, and family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Birk. He was always able to make me smile and bring joy to the Buttemilk Cafe even on the hardest of days. I think of you all often and am so sorry for your loss. Love Lynn xo

Bev Leach - January 27, 2026

Mr. and Mrs. Winkworth , I am so sorry to hear of your son's passing. May he rest in peace now. My thoughts and prayers are with you both as well as your family.

Muren Pickering & Kimberley Lander - January 27, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Karen and Jake Vandermeer - January 27, 2026

Dear John ,Dixie and family, So sorry to hear of Birkley's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this very sad time. Bless you all.

Joyce Pollard - January 27, 2026

Dear John, Dixie, Alyssa, Devon and families. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I worked for John at Wildwood Paradigm Travel many years ago and that is where I met Birk. It was a life taken much too soon but obviously he was loved and very well respected. May your memories give you comfort.

Mary(Coyle) and Marvin Harrison - January 27, 2026

So sorry to hear of your sons passing our condolences to all your family may he rest in peace

Audrey McMillan - January 27, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

St. Peter's Anglican Church

Susan Hicks - January 27, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

ALS Research at Sunnybrook Medical Centre

Lee-Anne Evans - January 27, 2026

Dixie, John, Devon, and Alyssa - We are deeply saddened to hear of Birk's passing. Sending you strength to get through this difficult time. Lee-Anne & Kip

Susan Hicks - January 27, 2026

John, Dixie , Alyssa & family. So sorry to hear about Birk.

Mike & Andrea Birney ( McMillan) - January 27, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Kevin and Sheryl (Ferguson) Walt - January 27, 2026

Dearest Paul, Mary, Christina, Charlene, Alyssa, and the rest of the Winkworth Family I don’t know personally but know to be amazing people: please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Birk. From what I have heard about him through the years, it is truly a detriment to me that I never met him. May his humour and integrity live on in all of you who loved him. “A life well loved is a life well lived”, and you should be proud that your nephew, cousin, brother, son, and uncle both loved and lived life to the fullest. May your fondest memories of Birk help bring a smile to your face and help you navigate the difficult time ahead.

Keren Bradford - January 27, 2026

To John,Dixie and family I am so sorry to read of the passing of your son.You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Brenda Whitehead - January 27, 2026

Sending thoughts and hugs to all who knew and loved Birk… His presence will be dearly missed, but the smiles he inspired will last a long time… 💕🙏🏼💕

Graham & Pauline Stevens - January 27, 2026

We send our deepest condolences and love to our Canadian family at such a sad and difficult time. We pray that you will know comfort and peace beyond yourselves. As my dear Dad would have said ‘Birk, rest in peace and rise in glory’. (From the English family)

Brenda McClelland MacNaughton - January 26, 2026

To all the Winkworth family and to Melissa and your children, I am very sorry for the loss of Birk. We were in the same year at Cobourg DCI West and shared laughs in music class, band practice, the library and the cafeteria. We reconnected over some tech issues I was having a few years ago and he shared a tiny bit of his extensive knowledge with me. He was a really good man. May your memories bring you comfort.

Shawn Flindall - January 26, 2026

Mr and Mrs Winkworth, Devon, Alyssa - I have great memories of the many summers that Devon, Birk, Alyssa and I spent playing together as kids. Although Birk was usually better at all the games we played, Devon, Alyssa and I would never admit it. But Birk always smiled and laughed anyways. So very sorry for your loss. I send hugs and love to you all.

Judi - January 26, 2026

Our heart felt condolences. With the loss of your son. Xo

Jason & Donna Calverley - January 26, 2026

Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the entire Winkworth family. Although our paths have not crossed in many years, there was a time when we were close friends. Birkley was always at his happiest when he could make someone laugh. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. A donation has been made in Birk's memory to Ed's House in Cobourg.

Scott MacDonald & Sandra Timlin - January 26, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre

Janet NcCracken - January 26, 2026

John Dixie and family. So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you all . Janet

Shirley (Bowman) Basinger - January 26, 2026

To all the Winkworth families, please accept my condolences on your loss of Birkley. Keep your memories close.

Susan De Long (Cane) - January 26, 2026

Dixie, John, Melissa & family, Sincere condolences and warm hugs to you all, I know your hearts are full of beautiful memories 💜🌺

Jennifer Gillard and Stephen Della Casa - January 26, 2026

Dear John, Dixie and family, we were so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our sympathy to you and yours.

Susan Hargreaves - January 26, 2026

Sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories.

Trevor and Heather MacDonald - January 26, 2026

RIP Birk. Our deepest condolences to Birk’s family.

Donnie & Marlene Davidson - January 26, 2026

Our deepest sympathy to all.

Wanda (Winkworth) Dingman - January 26, 2026

John & Dixie & family very sorry for your loss Paul & Mary very sorry for your loss my prayers are with you all

Wanda (Winkworth) Dingman - January 26, 2026

John & Dixie & family very sorry for loss Paul & Mary very sorry for you loss my prayers are with you all

Kelly Davis - January 26, 2026

I want to take a moment to remember Burke. He was our go-to computer guy, always ready to fix a problem—but more than that, he brought a quiet humor and a quirky charm that made everyone smile. Soft-spoken, kind, and endlessly patient, Burke had a way of making the workplace feel a little brighter. Everybody loved him, and it’s easy to see why. We’ll miss his presence, his jokes, and the way he made even the smallest moments feel special.

John Cane - January 26, 2026

To Birks’ Family and many friends, my heartfelt condolence's. I had the pleasure to work with Birk during his early time of employment at the County and I want to say it was a pleasure.

Eva Ann Cartwright - January 26, 2026

Paul,Mary & Winkworth Family Sorry for your loss, Cherish the memories. Condolences Eva Ann

Christina Coulter & Iain Mudd - January 26, 2026 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

ALS Research at Sunnybrook Medical Centre

Michelle Baxter - January 26, 2026

So very sorry for your loss please except my condolences. Michelle Baxter

Judy and Fred Pelletier - January 26, 2026

Our condolences Dixie and John. We are thinking of you and your family in this hard time. Sending hugs to both of you.

Christine Potts - January 26, 2026

To the Winkworth family, sending my deepest condolences. Thinking of you all.

Donna Sprague - January 26, 2026

Dixie,John and Family Please except my sincere condolences on your loss of Birkley. May your memories sustain you through this difficult time.

Monty and Shirley Flindall - January 26, 2026

Our deepest sympathies to the Winkworth family for the loss of Birkley.

Cathie Edison - January 26, 2026

Rest peacefully in the arms of the angels

Bill & June Everden - January 26, 2026

Dixie and John. We are so sorry to hear about your son. Our thoughts are with you. Bill and June Everden

Gayl (Winkworth) Nelson - January 26, 2026

John & Dixie, Very sorry to hear of your loss.

Shelley Munroe - January 26, 2026

Dixie and John, Alyssa, Devon, and Melissa, I’m so sorry for your loss. Birk was truly one of a kind. His genuine good nature and keen sense of humour made him a pleasure to work with, and a true friend to so many. I’m so grateful to have worked alongside him for many years. Sincerely, Shelley Munroe

Faith and Michael Jones and family. - January 26, 2026

Dear Dixie, John and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy. Birkley fought a courageous battle against such a cruel disease. He is remembered with love.

Sharon Campbell - January 26, 2026

My heartfelt condolences to all Birks family! Birk was a great guy and I always enjoyed talking to him when he’d come in to where I worked at the time. Always chipper and such a sweetheart! Melissa’s sole mate! When you’d mention either name in conversation, the others eyes would light up! ❤️ My mom, Terry Brooks would also like to give her condolences to John and Dixie on Birkleys (as mom called him) passing He truly will be missed by many!

Brad and Heather Halls - January 26, 2026

To John, Dixie and all of Birkley's family... Heather and I were very sad to hear of Birkley's passing - he had obviously suffered from a very difficult medical condition, and we must hope that he is now at rest and at peace. The death of one of our children is not the normal order of things, and this can make the feeling of loss to be somewhat overwhelming. But I am sure you are surrounded by the love of your family, and we hope you are comforted by the sincere expressions of sympathy that we all feel for you. All the best to you and yours. Brad Halls Fergus, Ontario

Shirley Sandercock - January 26, 2026

Dixie, John, Alyssa and family, Sending you all my deepest sympathies on the passing of Birkley. Treasure the memories and laughter and keep telling his stories and he will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in peace Birkley.

Tony and Carol Farren - January 26, 2026

Dear John Dixie and family. We were saddened to hear of the passing of Birk. Our deepest sympathy Tony and Carol Farren

Linda Flindall - January 26, 2026

Dear John and Dixie and family, My deepest condolences on the loss of Birk. I always enjoyed his sense of humour and kindness. My whole family is saddened by this loss. Sincerely Linda F,

George and Jackie Kirtley - January 26, 2026

John and Dixie, sorry to hear about Birkley’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Ron McCracken - January 26, 2026

Paul & John and your families My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. So very sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories Ron

Carol and Rejean Manseau - January 26, 2026

Melissa, I am so sorry for your loss. He was truly blessed to have you and your boys by his side. Thinking of you and his family during this difficult time. 🙏😞

Joanne Hall - January 26, 2026

My sincerest condolences to his friends and family. Burke was always cheery at work. He always had a smile He will be missed by many

Brenda Cochrane - January 26, 2026

John, Dixie and Family With my deepest sympathy on Birk's passing. May the wonderful memories of his lifetime help you through the sadness of his passing.

Paul Godawa - January 26, 2026

John, Dixie, and Alyssa My sincere condolences to you and all of your family. Thinking of you during this time.

Mike and Brenda Banks - January 26, 2026

I was deeply saddened to hear of Birk’s passing. While words can never fully capture the loss, I hope you can take some comfort in knowing he left this world surrounded by love and freed from the suffering of ALS. Birk’s strength, courage, and the deep love shared among his family will always be part of his legacy. The care and dignity he received, especially in his final days, speaks to how profoundly he was cherished. May the many memories you hold bring you comfort in the days ahead. Please know that our thoughts are with Melissa, Daniel, Caleb, and the entire family during this incredibly difficult time. Wishing you peace, strength, and moments of gentle remembrance as you celebrate Birk’s life. With heartfelt sympathy, Mike and Brenda Banks

Vicky & Marshal Davis - January 26, 2026

Alyssa, Dixie, John & family, we are so sorry for the loss of your brother, son and Uncle. Thinking of all of you at this sad time. Hugs to you all xo

Carol Buttar - January 26, 2026

I'm so sorry to read of Birks passing.. we knew the girls from playing ball & of course John & Dixie from teaching but didn't know Birk. A lovely family! Cherish your memories. He was loved!

Rick and Kim Goebel - January 26, 2026

Our sincerest condolences go out to you all at this time of great loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Doug Atkinson - January 26, 2026

So sorry for your loss. My condolences.