Richard Oliver Birch passed away peacefully while in hospice care in Gilbert, Arizona on April 2, 2021. He was born on November 2, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Richard grew up in Wisconsin and was known as ‘Dick’ to his friends. As a teenager, he enjoyed playing basketball in the church league and later in his youth, he raced cars. Upon graduating high school in 1965, he enlisted in the Army and served his country proudly in Vietnam in the 25th infantry division. He served in the artillery unit and later as a drill instructor. He was honorably discharged in 1967 and earned such medals as the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service medal, and the National Defense Service metal.
After the Army, Richard traveled with a friend to California and met, on a blind date, the woman who would later become his wife- Della Birch. They raised two boys- Tim and Brian- and moved to Colorado for a few years, and later to Arizona. Della pasted away in 2001.
Richard was a truck driver by trade and hauled many types of freight throughout his career… from turkey feed, lumber, steel, car parts, and tortilla chips. Later in his career, he moved into dispatch and retired from the hard life on the road.
He had a passion for watching sports and drinking Coors Light. He enjoyed watching all sports from NASCAR to Broncos football, to the local Diamondbacks games. He will always be remembered by loved ones as fiercely loyal, always willing to lend a hand, his odd sense of humor, and being rather stubborn/ independent.
He is survived by his two children: Tim Birch (Angie) and Brian Birch (Tameryn). Eight grandchildren: Anna Laszlo, Sara Birch, Garrett Birch, Cameron Birch, Zoe Birch, Chance Schutter, Grace Birch, Abbey Birch and two great grandchildren- Manuel Velazquez and Sebastian Velazquez. He is survived by three siblings, Tom Birch, Nancy Birch, and Joyce Huhnke. He also left behind hosts of other family members and friends.
Richard is to be cremated and his remains to be scattered over the Superstition mountains. The family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers.
Tim, Angie and family,
Carolyn and I wish to send our deepest sympathies to you all. I vividly remember Uncle Dick and Aunt Della coming over to our house with the boys when I was young. In my years growing up and even now, I would often talk about Uncle Dick to my Dad, just asking questions so I knew more about him. I am not sure why he and my Dad weren’t that close. Maybe one day my Dad will elaborate. I am so glad you had the opportunity to share Christ with him. I feel he heard every word spoken to him and trust the Lord has received him home. God bless you all during this time.
Jeff & Carolyn
Rest in Peace, Dick – Condolences to All – Jack and Maureen Kramer
Tim, Angie and family,
Carolyn and I wish to send our deepest sympathies to you all. I vividly remember Uncle Dick and Aunt Della coming over to our house with the boys when I was young. In my years growing up and even now, I would often talk about Uncle Dick to my Dad, just asking questions so I knew more about him. I am not sure why he and my Dad weren’t that close. Maybe one day my Dad will elaborate. I am so glad you had the opportunity to share Christ with him. I feel he heard every word spoken to him and trust the Lord has received him home. God bless you all during this time.
Jeff & Carolyn
Rest in Peace, Dick – Condolences to All – Jack and Maureen Kramer