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Dr. Michael F. Beirne, 86
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8/21/2012 11:55:00 AM
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Dr. Michael F. Beirne, 86, formerly of Towanda, died peacefully at his residence on Monday, July 30, 2012 in Cathedral City, Calif.
Dr. Beirne was born in Towanda on Nov. 22, 1925. He graduated from Towanda High School in 1942, lettering in football. After graduation, Dr. Beirne helped manage and operate the family farm near Liberty Corners before attending and graduating from the University of Scranton. In 1951, Dr, Beirne received his medical degree from St. Louis University. After graduation, Dr. Beirne returned to Sayre and interned under Dr. Donald Guthrie. Thereafter, Dr. Beirne served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and received additional medical training in Pathology. After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1957, Dr. Beirne and his family moved to Anchorage, Alaska where he established his home and practiced medicine for 54 years.
While in medical school, Dr. Beirne met Corinne Annabelle Roe of Eureka, Mont. They married in 1952 and produced seven children, two daughters, Beverly of Cathedral City, Calif. and Sally of Anchorage Alaska, and five sons, David Michael Beirne of Cathedral City, Dr. Mark Beirne married to Maureen Tschirhart of Symna, Ga., Paul Roe Beirne of New York City, Greg Beirne married to Nga Kim Doan of Houston, Texas, and George Robert Beirne married to Cindy West of Anchorage, Alaska.
Dr. Beirne was a strong believer in community service, While living in Alaska, Dr. Beirne was active in politics, working to help the Territory of Alaska to become the 49th state. He was a forensic pathologist serving as the Alaska State Medical Examiner. He was instrumental in bringing other physicians to Alaska from the "Lower 48." As both an avid small plane pilot and the only pathologist in Alaska, he flew to many of Alaska's villages. He established the Blood Bank of Alaska and functioned as its director. He was the director of laboratories for Providence Hospital, Anchorage Community Hospital and Fairbanks Hospital. He was the founder and director of the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, a consultant to both the U.S. PHS Hospital and Elmendorf Air Force Base Hospital, the owner and director of several medical laboratories in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and as a member of the Anchorage Municipal Health Commission, he served as an advisor to the the Mayor and Assembly. He volunteered in many other activities and programs.
Dr. Beirne served as a member of the Alaska State Legislature. He pioneered the Alaska Homestead Act in an attempt to share some small portion of Alaska's vast government owned land with the Alaska individual.
He was known for giving a helping hand to startup entrepreneurs. Close friends and relatives described him as a deeply caring man, always there in times of need.
During his retirement, Dr. Beirne spent his time at his homes in Anchorage, Cathedral City and Towanda.
Last week, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell ordered the Alaska flags be lowered to half-staff in honor or Dr. Beirne's contributions to that state.
In addition to his children, Dr. Beirne is survived by his longtime partner, Margie St. Anthony; his grandchildren, Anne, Betty, Sean Ryan and Ella; his brother and sister-in-law, Patrick and Carol Beirne of Towanda; his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Patrick Barrett of Towanda; sister-in-laws, Shirley Beirne of Indian Harbor Beach, Fla. and Teresa Carola of Sayre; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Corinne A. Beirne in 1992, parents, Col. John F.A. and Helen Beirne, siblings Lt. John F. Beirne, who was killed in World War II, Attorney Robert J. Beirne, O. Thomas Beirne, Virginia M. Beirne and Dr. Daniel K. Berne.
Condolences can be sent to Dr. Michael F, Beirne Family, c/o Sally Beirne, P.O. Box 91539, Anchorage, Alaska 99509
Pursuant to his wishes, Dr. Beirne's remains were cremated and be brought back to Bradford County.
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