Gaye Birch

Simon Brew

A few words about a colleague, friend, and immense human being, who left us last night.

Published on Sep 20, 2011

Whether it’s working with copy, sourcing pictures, coming up with new ideas, writing material, being a pair of ears and having a brain in a crisis, or simply being a strong friend, Gaye Birch has been absolutely instrumental to where Den Of Geek is today.

Much of her work on the site isn’t obvious, but around 95% of the material that we’ve posted on Den Of Geek in the last year alone has her involvement somewhere along the line. It might be correcting grammar, it might be ringing up and chatting enthusiastically about a writer... heck, if I tried to get across to you everything Gaye has done for Den Of Geek over the years, and just how pivotal she has been to the site, I swear it’d be an impossible job.

That's just one of so many reasons why the next words we've got to write are so shitty: we lost Gaye last night.

She died after a short and sudden illness. She’s been taken from us far, far too soon, and we’re struggling to wrap our head around the fact that she’s gone.

She never sought or demanded the limelight, but hopefully she’ll forgive us this once if we give it to her anyway. Because if there’s one person who deserves top billing at Den Of Geek, it’s Gaye.

To a friend, colleague, and bloody decent person, our appreciation, and thanks. Human beings like Gaye Birch don’t come along very often, and we’re immensely fortunate to have known and worked with her. Our thoughts are very much with her husband, Aaron, and her family.

On a personal note, to a friend who has been a rock of support for me, I’m going to miss you, Gaye. I’ve worked with Gaye pretty much every day for the past two to three years (and for several years before that, too), and in that time, we’ve had highs, lows, laughs, arguments, umpteen days chewing the fat about films and TV shows, and a lot more in between.

Words feel so bloody useless right now. Fortunately, Gaye's are better than mine, and you can find just a small fraction of some of the writing and work she did at the site here.

Rest in peace, Gaye. It's a privilege to have known you.

Users Comments

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By RonHogan 1 September 20, 2011 11:28:21 AM

She was always wonderful, so bright and sunny and helpful. Whenever I had a question or concern, Gaye was there to address it. Even when I just wanted to chat and no one else was online (I get up at 5 AM in the States), Gaye would be there, ready to talk article ideas and UK versus US television. More importantly, whenever I screwed something up in a review or article, Gaye would be there to fix it for me and ensure I looked my best. Rest in peace, you wonderful woman. Thoughts and prayers to her friends and family.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By FallenAngel2106 1 September 20, 2011 11:30:47 AM

Thanks for all the reading matter, Gaye. So sorry to hear of her passing - hugs to the DoG clan. x

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By MadProphet 1 September 20, 2011 11:38:07 AM

Gaye was hugely helpful when I was ploughing through the Harry Potter retrospective earlier this year, and proof-read eight slightly overdue articles in the space of a week. We spoke about articles and reviews and the site over email, and I'm gutted that I never got to meet her. My deepest condolences to Aaron, and all of Gaye's family. She will be missed. - Mark

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By paul_m 1 September 20, 2011 11:59:22 AM

I always read her week-in-geek round-ups, and her enthusiasm for the material and for the site always shone through into what could have just been a dry TV listing. She was also always extremely kind, forthcoming, helpful and pleasant when working with me on the articles I have written for the site over the years, and I'm very saddened to learn that she is no longer with us. Her work on the site however will always be there for all to see, and as such she is sure to be remembered fondly by all DoG readers as well as all of us who worked with her.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By jameshunt 1 September 20, 2011 12:40:32 PM

I didn't speak to Gaye a lot, but she always did a great job editing my articles and made them look far better than I could've alone. It always amused me when I'd send in an article at some ridiculous hour, thinking I was probably the only person in the country still awake, and she'd reply instantly. It's sad that I never got to thank her in person, but for what it's worth, I'll say a final thanks to her now.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By nphorton 1 September 20, 2011 01:00:26 PM

Gaye always took the time to look over my articles, especially when I first started writing here, and equally praise and advise on how to improve them. She has made a massive difference to my confidence as a writer and I will miss her a lot. My thoughts are with her family.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By Buxaroo 1 September 20, 2011 01:26:19 PM

Sorry to hear about that :(

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By Holmes 1 September 20, 2011 01:32:49 PM

Sincere condolences for your loss.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By quarky 1 September 20, 2011 02:26:07 PM

Sorry to hear that. It was the "Geek Shows and Movies" articles that made DoG not only drew me to the site, but made it required reading for me, and the week was a sadder place when the article wasn't there. Best wishes for all her friends, colleagues and family. The internet is a poorer place today!

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By stuxmusic 1 September 20, 2011 02:49:31 PM

I hadn't spoken to Gaye a lot, but whenever she replied to my e-mails she always came across like the loveliest person who tried her damnedest to help out. My thoughts go out to her family and everyone at Den Of Geek.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By MLeader 1 September 20, 2011 03:26:20 PM

This is very sad news. My condolences to Aaron. Gaye was always was so helpful and cheerful when we worked together - usually emailing in the early hours of the morning. She was a very important part of the site, scrubbing through our copy and making it readable. I think I'll always be reminded of her if I ever see ':c)' used as a smiley.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By Geordie2004 1 September 20, 2011 03:28:15 PM

Oh god, this is horrible. Sincere condolences to everyone at Den of Geek, her other friends and her family. RIP Gaye.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By Antigreek 1 September 20, 2011 03:47:17 PM

I wasn't aware of Gaye but seeing this wonderful tribute and comments, I now understand that she was a special woman who was instrumental in the success of this website as well as a good friend.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By zoydbond 1 September 20, 2011 06:18:50 PM

A very nice tribute. My sincerest condolences.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By cynet2007@gmail.com 1 September 20, 2011 07:13:52 PM

Sad news, R.I.P Gaye Birch

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By carleykitty 1 September 20, 2011 08:02:32 PM

Gaye was a total one off, she helped me so much when I first started writing for the site and always made sure my words made sense and were spelt correctly, she will be missed - RIP

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By toonmonkey 1 September 21, 2011 08:01:04 AM

A sad loss to the DOG community. RIP Gaye

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By Robmac 1 September 21, 2011 08:08:29 AM

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Gaye in person I had 'spoken' to her numerous times via email, chatting about bits and pieces between sending articles and ideas. Always she had a fun thing to say, a lighthearted witty and positive response and it was always like I was chatting to a friend I had known for ages. My condolences go out to her family and friends Yours Rob Mclaughlin

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By alanj 1 September 21, 2011 08:22:17 AM

So sorry to hear the news. I enjoyed Gaye's writing and she was very friendly and encouraging when I submitted to the site, taking the time to give advice. Thanks, Gaye, and condolences to all for such a sad loss.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By Dundee86 1 September 21, 2011 08:36:42 AM

Big bucket of win.. She will be missed.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By timbotania 1 September 21, 2011 06:45:16 PM

2011 is an asshole! Too many losses of dear people around me, be it my own private life (my grandma), work (a wonderful colleague of mine), friends who lost a parent or writers of websites I frequently visit. Sleep well, Gaye!

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By Matt 1 September 23, 2011 11:27:55 AM

The pictures Gaye made to go with my columns made me laugh so, so much. This is such sad news. My thoughts are with her family.

Re: Gaye Birch
Posted By rassilon 1 January 24, 2012 07:49:35 PM

I never knew her personally but I greatly appreciated her edits to all of my pieces, and the friendly and positive tone of all of her e-mails. A truly sad loss to the DoG family.