The life of Syd Birrell is a coat of many colours. He was born in Sarnia, Ontario and educated in Canada and England, where he studied at the Royal College of Music. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and in his hometown of Peterborough, Ontario, Director of Music at Murray Street Baptist Church and organist at Lakefield College School. Syd is the founder and conductor of the Peterborough Singers, one of Canada’s top-ranked choral groups. A talented entrepreneur, Syd has interests in real estate and church organ sales, is a published writer and a motivational speaker.

Syd and his wife Pamela, herself a cancer survivor, launched the James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto while their son James was still fighting cancer. Since James’ death, the James Fund has become a major force in the search for a cure for neuroblastoma, in great part due to the drive and commitment Syd pours into the Fund as an ongoing testament to the courageous life of his son. Syd and Pam continue their adventures in living with their surviving children Rebecca and Ben.