Marion Birch, 85, passed away at his home surrounded by family on December 15, 2020, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 30, 1935 in Price, Utah to Lavar and Odessa (Gage) Birch.
Marion enlisted in the Army in 1954 at the age of 18. While in the Army, he fought in the Korean war and then continued to proudly serve his country as an active reservist for several years. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Marion married Ruby Jensen and together they had two daughters, Shelley and Becky. He and Ruby remained married until she passed away in 1996 at the age of 59. He never remarried.
Marion was a strong, independent man who lived life by his own terms. He loved to read and to learn new things. This love of knowledge in combination with his strong work ethic led Marion to become a “jack of all trades.” Throughout his career he worked in many occupations. He was an electrician, geologist, driller and a mechanic. Marion was also an experienced miner; he mined uranium, coal, gold and silver. If it was in the ground Marion knew how to get it out, even creating his own gold leeching process. Whether working for himself in his many businesses or for others, Marion was always a hard worker and out worked people half his age.
After retiring, Marion enjoyed traveling, especially to Arizona, and spending time with his family. Later in life he spent as much time as he could with his daughters and their families. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren often thought of him as a gentle giant, being so large in stature but having such a kind and gentle heart. His family will cherish memories of the time they spent together. He also enjoyed technology and working on computers; not often will you find the grandparent teaching the grandchild how to fix a computer.
Marion was always willing and eager to help anyone who needed it. He spent many of his days with his grandsons teaching them how to fix their vehicles. He dedicated a lot of time helping his daughters with home improvement projects or in their business ventures.
Marion is survived by his daughters, Shelley (Lester) Day and Becky Eastin; grandchildren, Justin (Stephanie) Day, Heather Andrews, Jessica Holderness, Doug Eastin and Kris Russell; great-grandchildren, Anton, Ryann, Courtney, Preston, Sariah, Colton and Dylan; sister, Norma (Darrell) Reiter; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby; siblings, Jerry, Bill, Joann, Betty and his parents.
Graveside service, Friday, December 18, 2020, 2:00 p.m., Price City Cemetery. Family will receive friends at Mitchell Funeral Home one hour prior to service. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a celebration of life will be held in 2021 and announced at a later date.