H. Etienne Obituary

H. Birt Etienne, M.D.
Birt Etienne passed away quietly on October 11, 2024, with his wife Kay at his side. Birt was born November 23, 1936, and lived a very full 87 years. Birt was a uniquely accomplished person with many talents and interests. He will be missed by friends and family alike.
He is survived in life by his wife of 46 years Kayleen A. (nee Kernstock) and brother William (Karen). He is also survived by his four sons: David (Carmen), John (Melissa), Robert (Kathleen), and Michael (Deena). His ten grandchildren: Andrew (Erica), Eleanor Vels (Jonathan), Sara Caughey (Micah), Ian, Miriam, Charlotte (Brendan Molony), Emory, Natalie, Harrison and Louis. His three great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Luke and Eli. Other survivors include brother-in-law John (Joanna) Kernstock, and his 1st wife, Margaret (nee Wonacott), who is the mother of his four sons. He was preceded in death by parents Harry and Pearl Etienne as well as siblings Jack Etienne and Joan Judd.
Birt, a proud alumnus of Michigan State University, graduated in 1961 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. His passion for learning led him to earn a Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1963 and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Michigan in 1967.
In 1969, he entered the United States Navy as a Lieutenant, proudly serving as a medical officer aboard the USS St. Paul (CA-73) off the coast of Vietnam. His commitment to duty continued as he served as a Medical Officer at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, until his release from active duty in 1971.
After his military service, Birt completed his general surgery residency training at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and then joined private practice at Burns Clinic Medical Center in Petoskey, Michigan.
In 1979, Birt re-entered the United States Navy. He deployed as Head of Surgical Team 6 in Beirut, Lebanon, and served as Ship's Surgeon aboard the USS Independence (CV 62). He held numerous leadership positions, including Commanding Officer of Naval Hospital Charleston, SC, and Executive Officer at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA. He also served as Director of Surgical Services and Program Director in General Surgery at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.
During this time, Birt was appointed General Surgery Specialty Advisor to the U.S. Navy and served as an Attending Surgeon to the President of the United States. Birt completed his remarkable career with a rank of Captain, MC USN and as Force Surgeon for the United States Marine Corps Forces Atlantic, serving at Camp Lejeune, NC, and Norfolk, VA. His dedication to his profession earned him numerous awards and decorations from the Navy, a testament to his exceptional service and leadership.
Birt had many interests outside of medicine. He was an avid outdoorsman, boater and lover of cats and dogs. Birt regularly visited the family cabin in Kalkaska where the family hunted, fished, played games, told stories and got into much mischief. He was able to make one last visit a month prior to his passing. In addition to navy warships, he also spent time on sailboats, motorboats and finally a pontoon boat as he boated on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Chesapeake Bay and Sanford Lake. During his life Birt had many pets with Kay including three dogs, one parrot and countless cats and foster cats. Upon retirement Birt became an active member of the Auburn United Methodist Church.
A visitation time is scheduled for Thursday October 24, 2024, from 3:00PM to 6:00PM at Cunningham/Taylor Funeral Home 312 W. Midland Rd, Auburn, MI 48611. A short visitation is also scheduled for 10:00AM Friday October 25 at Auburn United Methodist Church at 207 S. Auburn Rd., Auburn, MI 48611 followed by an 11:00AM Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Carmen Cook. A reception will follow the Funeral Service at Auburn United Methodist Church.
He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA on a date still to be determined.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Humane Society of Bay County at 1607 Marquette Ave., Bay City, MI 48706. Memorial Contributions may also be sent to the Auburn United Methodist Church at 207 S, Auburn Rd., Auburn, MI 48611. The family would like to thank everyone for their dedication and support.