April 19, 1916 - July 27, 2006 Raymond Birch, 90, "Grandpa Ray" to so many, was born in Whitefish, Mont. April 19, 1916, the fourth son of Lena and Louis Birch (Bjerke). His parents chased elusive dreams to Jefferson, Ore.; Woodbine, Kan.; Blanchardville, Wis. and finally Aitkin, Minn. "Red" as he was known in his youth, was ten when they put down roots. By then three sisters and another brother joined the brood and America's farmers were careening into Depression. Grandpa was a product of harsh circumstances. Yet he met every challenge with an abiding sense of optimism and concern for others. He left school after the eighth grade to help on the farm. At 15 he joined the National Guard for shoes and a paycheck. Throughout life he worked very hard to provide well for those he loved. At various times he was a farmhand, merchant marine, sailor, farmer, steelworker and landlord. While most life-summaries list occupations and milestones, the significance of Grandpa Ray's time on earth can't be measured in events. He was a man of exceptional wisdom, intellect, compassion, and above all love. He loved his family. He loved friends. He loved his home, his city and his country. He always looked for the best in all the "dear people" who crossed his path. When things were bad, he looked for something-anything-to thank the Good Lord for. He was an example of diligence, responsibility, honesty and kindness. Blessed with an even temperament, and patient disposition he was an inherently moral man who adored his daughter and grandchildren-and their friends. However, in his latter years he became acutely aware of the fact that even the best of men fall short of the glory of God. While walking his beloved dog, Sherman, he met a dear Christian who told him about the love of Christ and invited him to Trinity Evangelical Free Church. There, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized during his 90th birthday celebration. His family takes great comfort in the assurance that this humble soul who considered so much in life "just perfect," is finally in a truly faultless place. His absence leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him-his daughter and son-in-law, Tom and Colleen Maile, grandchildren, Becky and her husband Alex Macdonald, all of Eagle; Tucker Maile, Boise, and Bethany Maile, Eagle; his precious great-granddaughter Ella Grace Macdonald, and many, many friends including Terry and Steve Hill, Margo and Jim Hunter, Boise and Alice Hoban, Atlanta, Georgia. Our sadness is tempered by the joy that comes with the privilege of having had him in our lives. His family is especially thankful for the opportunity to see him his final days on earth and delights in the fact that he kissed little Ella "bye-bye" just two hours before his departure. Raymond's life will be celebrated at the Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 1777 Allumbaugh, Boise on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 1 p.m. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Church one hour prior to the service. Internment will follow at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery, Boise. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian 888-5833.


Published in the Idaho Statesman on 8/1/2006.