Obituary for William Edward Birch
William Edward Birch, 72, of Readsboro, VT died unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at his home.
William was born on November 23, 1948, the son of Clinton & Barbara Ellen (Phelps) Birch Sr. He attended local schools and went on to attend Champlain College, acquiring a degree in computer engineering. William worked as a computer programmer at Sprague Electric; afterwards, opening a Carpentry business with his son, Benjamin. William also served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era, was a member of the American Legion Post 66, and the National Rifle Association.
William, also known as Bill, was an avid hunter and fisherman, who considered the woods and the water his church. Teaching kids how to hunt and fish was his passion. It was important for him to pass on the traditions for the generations to come. Bill’s hunting beagles, Raider and Spade, were a big part of his life, and he loved going hunting with his crew. Captain Bill had a boat slip at Lake Champlain for many years and loved fishing and being with his family and friends on the water. He also ran fishing charters and lead hunting guides to teach others the sport. Bill lived his entire life in the town of Readsboro and loved the community. His kind and giving heart was felt by so many people and he will be greatly missed.
Bill leaves his longtime companion Deborah Schick, his mother, Barbara Ellen Birch of Readsboro, his daughter, Abigail Birch and her partner Mark Long, grandchildren, Nicholas Birch, Casey Pillsbury. He also leaves his sister Bonnie Nadeau & her husband James, sister Sharon Bird, his brother Gary Birch & wife Charlotte, sister Nancy Baker & husband Douglas, sister Martha Mason & husband Richard, sister Sue Lawrence & husband Clive, sister Diane Williams, and brother Clinton Birch Jr. & wife Susan, and many nieces and nephews. Bill also leaves his other grandchildren: Evan & Abby, Taylor, Noah, Baylee, Jayden & Livy. He was predeceased by his son, Benjamin Birch, his father Clinton Birch Sr., and his brother-in-law, Steven Bird.
FUNERAL NOTICE: At the request of the family there will be no services at this time. There will be a Celebration of Bill’s Life in the spring. Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes – CENTRAL CHAPEL 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247 is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Legion Post 66, PO Box 217, Readsboro, VT 05350, and the First Baptist Church, PO Box 333, Readsboro, VT 05350.
William was born on November 23, 1948, the son of Clinton & Barbara Ellen (Phelps) Birch Sr. He attended local schools and went on to attend Champlain College, acquiring a degree in computer engineering. William worked as a computer programmer at Sprague Electric; afterwards, opening a Carpentry business with his son, Benjamin. William also served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era, was a member of the American Legion Post 66, and the National Rifle Association.
William, also known as Bill, was an avid hunter and fisherman, who considered the woods and the water his church. Teaching kids how to hunt and fish was his passion. It was important for him to pass on the traditions for the generations to come. Bill’s hunting beagles, Raider and Spade, were a big part of his life, and he loved going hunting with his crew. Captain Bill had a boat slip at Lake Champlain for many years and loved fishing and being with his family and friends on the water. He also ran fishing charters and lead hunting guides to teach others the sport. Bill lived his entire life in the town of Readsboro and loved the community. His kind and giving heart was felt by so many people and he will be greatly missed.
Bill leaves his longtime companion Deborah Schick, his mother, Barbara Ellen Birch of Readsboro, his daughter, Abigail Birch and her partner Mark Long, grandchildren, Nicholas Birch, Casey Pillsbury. He also leaves his sister Bonnie Nadeau & her husband James, sister Sharon Bird, his brother Gary Birch & wife Charlotte, sister Nancy Baker & husband Douglas, sister Martha Mason & husband Richard, sister Sue Lawrence & husband Clive, sister Diane Williams, and brother Clinton Birch Jr. & wife Susan, and many nieces and nephews. Bill also leaves his other grandchildren: Evan & Abby, Taylor, Noah, Baylee, Jayden & Livy. He was predeceased by his son, Benjamin Birch, his father Clinton Birch Sr., and his brother-in-law, Steven Bird.
FUNERAL NOTICE: At the request of the family there will be no services at this time. There will be a Celebration of Bill’s Life in the spring. Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Homes – CENTRAL CHAPEL 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247 is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Legion Post 66, PO Box 217, Readsboro, VT 05350, and the First Baptist Church, PO Box 333, Readsboro, VT 05350.