Obituary of Herbert William Birch
Herbert William "Sam" Birch passed away after a long illness
on August 17, 2017 in Coopers Mills, Maine at the age of 84.
Sam was born on December 11,1932 in New Rochelle, New
York to Oscar LaMarr and Mary Ann Gertrude Smith Birch. He
graduated from University of Maine at Orono in 1955 with a
degree in poultry husbandry. He proudly served as a captain
in the U.S. Army Reserves stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma
and elsewhere. He met his future wife, Mary Strickland, on a
blind date and married her on June 29, 1957 at Penney
Memorial United Baptist Church in Augusta. He began his
teaching career in 1958. Over the years, he taught science at
Winslow Jr. High, Hodgkins Jr. High, and Cony High School in
Augusta. He retired as chair of the science department in
1991.
Sam was an accomplished gardener and won many blue
ribbons for his vegetables and over 300 varieties of dry beans
entered at the Union Fair, Windsor Fair, and Common Ground
Fair. He gave lectures at the Common Ground Fair about
growing dry beans. He was a member of Maine Organic
Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) and earned
the title of Master Gardener.
He was a generous, witty, and dedicated individual who loved
serving others. He was an active and dedicated member of
the Whitefield Lions Club, Senior Spectrum board chair and
member, a founding board member of the Sheepscot Valley
Health Center, member of the American Cancer society, Relay
for Life, and MOFGA, among many other organizations. He
helped start the ADAPT, an alcohol and drug prevention team
at Cony High School. He was a second-generation lifelong
Scouter. Sam enjoyed hosting the Boy Scout troop from
Mamaroneck, NY each summer. He was a proud member of
the “Old Boys Club” and enjoyed getting together to relive the
old days of teaching with other retired teachers from Cony
high school.
Sam is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Birch
and his son, David Birch. He is survived by his daughter,
Nancy Birch of Augusta, his son, Peter Birch and wife, Carol
of Windsor, and his son, Andrew Birch of Augusta. He is also
survived by his grandchildren, Jason Libby and wife Betsy of
New Gloucester Maine, Melissa Birch of Quincy, Mass.,
Samuel Birch and Matthew Birch of Windsor, Maine. He is
survived by his two great grandsons, Carter and Jackson
Libby of New Gloucester.
The family would like to thank all our caregivers from Maine-ly
Elder Care and the staff of Maine General Hospice for their
excellent care given in order for Sam to live out his remaining
days at home. We would also like to thank his many friends
who have helped him in so many ways by visiting, providing
transportation, and bringing him sweets. Thank you to Rosie
for carrying on his gardening traditions.
At his request there will be a private family graveside service
at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of
your choice.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Herbert
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Direct Cremation of Maine
Contact Us:
182 Waldo Avenue
Belfast, ME 04915
207-338-1433
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