Dennis J. Birch

Birch was born on January 14, 1953 to Jack and Iris Birch in St. Anthony, Idaho. He was the middle child having an older brother and a younger sister.

His parents ran a dude ranch at Jenny Lake, Birch was put on a mare, babysitter, taking him daily on a favorite path to see the Tetons. Growing up in small town America, St. Anthony, Idaho, with his friends swimming in the Snake River by the pump house just up stream from the sand bar. The goal was to stay under water for as long as possible seeing if you could make it to the city park. Riding his Schwinn Sting Ray bike, wrapping twine around the tires to pedal over the snow in winter.

He never struggled in school, got B’s and A’s graduating with South Fremont Class of 71. Enjoyed making model cars, loved sports learning life’s important lessons, playing football, baseball, basketball, working as a team.

He loved work, slitting wood at Birch cleaners his grandparents owned, potatoes, meat department Later’s market, studmill, Birch would choose the same career path, salesman in the welding industry, CR Welding, US Welding, Whitmore, Prax Air. Pride, hard work, Birch loved his people.

Birch and I met when he and his friend knocked on our apartment. Birch invited me to R Skating Rink where they had live bands that night, a wonderful friendship started. I fell in love with him and his sweet moustache, we loved each other, its been a hell of a ride for the last 48 years.

Family, blessed with 5 kids, offered love, blessed with 4 more kids through adoption, life’s storms left nieces and nephews without their parents, letting him love and gather them in, creating the “Birch Crew”, Dennis being the father figure to many showing unconditional love and support to each one, in their individual endeavors. His love was pure. Rare. Priceless. Treasured.

Grandkids, Pops was happiest showing them new skills, hitting and throwing a ball, water and snow ski, shooting guns, smiling at the sight of the Tetons.

Family Recreation, hikes. Put on your shoes we’re going for a run, in the kitchen, chicken, roasts/gravy, pancakes, brownies, fast cars, wiffle ball, snow sledding, ice skating, shooting guns, arm wrestling, cruiser bikes, The Shack, Prax Air, 4th of July barbeque, riding the 50’s, Going North to Twin Lakes Idaho, Early morning water ski at Ririe, Saturday Morning drives to Grand Targhee, X-country skiing. The best of times.

Birch after finding out that cancer had entered his world in March, he spoke with Jeff Hancock his friend and oncologist. Jeff told him “We got this lets get to work.” Cancer and it’s treatments took him down a slippery slope for 10 months.

Birches Example, he believed in God with all of his heart he had a testimony, stick to the principles that you know are true, choose to be supportive, being honest and genuine. He had a large circle of friends who wanted to spend time and be around him, mutual love and respect, a man of principle. He did not give up when it was hard.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the other side where we can continue building what we started here on the earth. Love you so much. XO XO XO