Richard Birch

Richard Arlynn Birch, 66, of Idaho Falls, passed away March 10, 2016, at Promise Hospital of Salt Lake.

Richard was born September 28, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Oscar Robinson Birch and Norma Lou Irish Birch. He grew up and attended schools in Shelley, Idaho, and graduated from Shelley High School. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Richard had three children, Becky, Joshua, and Brian. He made his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he owned and operated Eagle Rock Fur Company.

Richard loved the outdoors. In his heart he was a true mountain man. During his time in Alaska, when he wasn’t working on the oil rigs, he spent his spare time hunting, trapping, building cabins, and running his beloved dog team. He was always up for an adventure. He loved working with his hands and creating the most complex things from some of the surplus materials like steel and wood.

He was a master furrier and built exquisite fur coats and other fur products for people worldwide. Eventually he also started a tannery which he, his son Brian, and daughter-in-law operated until his time of passing.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Becky Bentley of Rock Springs, WY; son, Joshua Bentley of Rock Springs, WY; son, Brian (Mija) Birch of Idaho Falls, ID; father, Oscar Birch of Idaho Falls, ID; brother, Craig Birch of Hamilton, MT; brother, Gary Birch of Idaho Falls, ID; 6 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Lou Birch; grandfather, Arlynn Irish; grandmother, Ida Evelyn Irish; grandfather, Richard Oscar Birch; and grandmother, Belva Birch.

A Gathering will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road. A private family service will follow. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

Gathering