Benjamin I. Birch, 39
READSBORO, Vt. - Benjamin Isaac Birch, 39, of 7053 B Main St. died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011, in a hunting accident in Readsboro.
Born in Bennington, Vt., on July 28, 1972, son of William E. Birch of Readsboro and Jacqueline Adams Howes of Jacksonville, he attended Readsboro Elementary school and also Whitingham High School.
Mr. Birch was a "master craftsman" and he and his father shared ownership of Birch Builders in Readsboro. He also assisted his father in the operation of his charter fishing business on Lake Champlain.
He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Dutch Mountain Hunting Camp. The camp was like a second home, where he was known by his hunting crew as "Buck Shot." He loved the outdoors and had an unspeakable passion for hunting and fishing. Mr. Birch was an amazing and devoted father to his son, with whom he shared all of his knowledge and dedication for the love of the great outdoors. Another one of his cherished hobbies was gardening and spending time with his partner, Brenda.
Besides his father and stepmother, Burdys Crawford, and his mother and stepfather, Jason Howes, he leaves his son, Nicholas Patrick Birch of Readsboro; his beloved companion, Brenda Handy of Readsboro; a sister, Abigail Birch and her significant other, Brad Bacon, of West Brookfield, Mass.,
his maternal grandparents, James C. Adams Jr. and Shirley Brown Adams of Jacksonville; his paternal grandmother, Barbara Phelps Birch of Readsboro; his nephew, Casey Pillsbury; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, and his favorite beagles Jack and Raider.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Clinton Birch Sr.
FUNERAL NOTICE - A Celebration of Life for Mr. Birch and Tim Alan Bolognani will be held Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 70 Marshall St., North Adams, Mass. Burial will be private.
There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nicholas P. Birch Educational Fund in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.