Birt, E. Michael E. Michael Birt died peacefully on Monday, June 15, after five successful years of recovery from open heart surgery, at the age of 87. Preceded in death by his wife, Ann Birt; his father, Lieutenant Colonel Charles J. Birt, his Mother, Dorothy Cotton Benner Birt and his brother, David B. Birt. He is survived by his son Christopher Birt and his wife Pauline, and their two sons, Joseph and Franklin; daughter Wendy Jo Miller, her husband Gregory Miller, and their two daughters, Anna and Celia. Mike was born in Madison WI on June 9, 1933. He later moved to Saint Paul, MN where he graduated from Central High School and met his future wife, Ann Carlson. Mike attended Yale University at the age of 16, graduating in 1954 with a B.E. from the Sheffield School of Engineering. Mike enlisted in the Army after graduation and served two years as a Corporal in Okinawa, Japan. After discharge, he attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduating with an M.S. in Industrial Management. Mike worked as a Marketing and Planning Executive for 3M Company for over 34 years, successfully introducing products to critical overseas markets. This included Ferrania Film to Italy and Post-It Notes and Scotch Tape to Japan, where he also served as The Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce Japan (ACCJ). He retired as Executive Director of Graphic Technologies Sector to begin a second career as a consultant with E.M. Birt Enterprises where he worked full time for 20 more years until his death. In 2020, he completed strategic planning for a new investment in VR Technologies designed to be used in nursing homes and health care facilities. As an art lover, he founded The Asian Arts Council, helped found The Decorative Arts Council, and served as co-chair of the Antiques Show of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA). Ever the engineer, Mike also served as President of the Midwest Chapter of The MIT Alumni Association. He continued to drive high powered muscle cars, cartooned, and painted canoe paddles - a skill he learned as a young wilderness guide - until his death. Like his beloved wife Ann, Mike had a lifelong belief in a merciful God and practiced his faith daily. His legacy was one of service to others and duty to his Family and Country. Private burial will be held for the family at Lakewood Cemetery. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on June 21, 2020