Kenneth Birch

KENNETH BIRCH IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Kenneth Othello "Kenny" Birch, 84, of Idaho Falls, quietly passed away on July 14, 2005, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, surrounded by those who loved him. Kenny was born January 24, 1921, in Rigby, Idaho, to Drexel and Katherine Andrews Birch. He was the oldest of five children. Kenny’s parents divorced when he was five. After his mother remarried, the family relocated to Hooper, Utah, where Kenny spent the majority of his youth. Later, he spent time in American Fork, Utah, attending the American Fork Training Center. This time in Hooper and in American Fork provided Kenny a lifetime of memories and skills that he shared with the rest of us. Kenny returned to Idaho in 1971, working as a custodian at Idaho Falls High School. While there, Kenny touched the lives of many students, faculty and co-workers, becoming a popular figure at the school. Twice, Kenny was selected by the students to be Grand Marshall of the homecoming parade. For the 1984-85 school year, Kenny was honored as Booster of the Year by the student body. Kenny cherished being the Grand Marshall and the Booster of the Year and never forgot the honor that the students had bestowed upon him, even as the close of his life drew near. He continually spoke of all the good that the students had done for him. Though hard to imagine, kenny didn’t forget one of his students. He loved them all. Kenny’s beloved students were not the only ones to recognize him. Governor John Evans awarded Kenny the State of Idaho Certificate of Recognition on June 1, 1986, shortly before his retirement. In 1980, The Post Register printed an article on Kenny, detailing his work ethic, his love of the students, and his desire to help anyone in need. This truly captured the spirit of Kenneth Othello Birch. To keep entertained, Kenny sang what he called “Western Music.” Johnny Cash was his favorite. Many times, Kenny combined his love of singing with his love of riding a bicycle, riding to and from his destination while serenading those around him. When not singing, Kenny was accomplished at putting puzzles together. There was no puzzle that was too much for Kenny’s skills. Oftentimes, Kenny framed his puzzles and gave them to others, who recognized that Kenny was giving a piece of himself when he gave them a puzzle. Kenny also loved his neighbors and was a Good Samaritan to all he met. If you were in need, Kenny was a friend indeed. Kenny is survived by Patricia Duffin, Karla (Monte) LaOrange, Patrick (Tricia) Duffin, each of Idaho Falls, Marty (Melinda) Duffin, of Rexburg, Mike (Nikki) Duffin of West Haven, Utah, and his sister, Elaine (Wayne) Walker of Ogden, UT. Kenny will be missed by all. Kenny would as that each of us remember him by reaching out to our neighbors, family, friends, loved ones, and those less fortunate, to help lighten the burden that each of us carry. The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Kenneth Othello Birch Trust, care of M. Patrick Duffin, 2677 East 17th Street, Suite 500, Idaho Falls, ID 83406, the funds from which will be used to assist the mentally challenged in our community so that they will have the opportunity to affect us as Kenny has. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 19, 2005, at the Idaho Falls LDS 21st Ward, 1155 East First Street, with Bishop Phil Wheatley officiating. The family will visit with friends Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and for one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.