Herbert William “Sam” Birch, 84, passed away after a long illness on Aug. 17 in Coopers Mills.
Sam was born on Dec. 11, 1932 in New Rochelle, N.Y. 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, Okla. 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 at 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 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, N.Y. 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; wife, Mary Birch; and son, David Birch.
He is survived by daughter, Nancy Birch of Augusta; sons, Peter Birch and wife Carol of Windsor, and Andrew Birch of Augusta; grandchildren, Jason Libby and wife Betsy of New Gloucester, Melissa Birch of Quincy, Mass., Samuel Birch, and Matthew Birch of Windsor; and great-grandsons, Carter and Jackson Libby of New Gloucester.
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.
