EDWARD MATTHEW BIRKE JR., 89, of Livonia, passed away July 13, 2009 at his son’s home in Stockton Springs, Maine. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan November 19, 1919 to Edward Matthew Birke Sr. and Marguerite L. (Fitzgerald) Birke. Edward attended St. Mary High School in Muskegon, graduating in 1937. He enlisted in the United States Army October 23, 1941 where he served in WWII. Following his service Edward attended The College of Commerce & Finance, University of Detroit graduating with a Bachelor Of Science degree in 1948. He then married Betty Leota Baird on August 21, 1948 in Muskegon. Edward initially worked as a CPA at Lybrand, Ross, & Montgomery Accounting Firm; later at Ralph Center CPA firm; and for the last 55 years, as an accountant for a private extended family, retiring in June of 2009. Edward lived in Muskegon, Detroit, and Livonia, Michigan. He traveled all over the United States and throughout the World and especially enjoyed cruises. Some of his favorite places to visit were Hubbard Lake, Michigan, Big Moose Lake in the Adirondack Mountains, New York State; Sanibel Island, Florida; and Stockton Springs, Maine. Ed was an avid reader, and enjoyed taking online courses to expand his never ending curiosity. Edward was pre-deceased by his wife, Betty Leota (Baird) Birke in 1999; his sister, Marjorie Jean (Donahue) Johnson in 2008. He is survived by his son, Michael E. Birke and wife Kathryn of Stockton Springs, Maine; granddaughter, Kimberly A. Birke and husband Matthew Brennan of Hope, Maine; two great grandchildren (Maya and Lily Birke Brennan); several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Ed's life will be held at his home in Livonia, Michigan at 1:00 pm on July 25, 2009. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made either to: Waldo County Home Health and Hospice Services 19 Northport Avenue, PO Box 407 Belfast, ME 04915 or your local public television station. Online condolences may be made at www.crabielripostafuneralhome.com