Sidney A. Birch Obituary (2023)

Sid was born on a farm in Mason City, Iowa in 1935. During WWII while his father was serving in the US Navy the family relocated to Southern California. Sid began his construction career in the early 50's mostly in the L.A. basin. Sid visited Beaver County, Utah in the late 50's, hunting and fishing with friends. He fell in love with the area and later purchased land in the Adamsville area. With only a 9th grade education Sid was able to obtain his state contractors license and start his own roofing business in the Southern California area. His business was very successful and included Bel Air Estates movie star clients such as Paul Newman, Jack Lemmon, Redd Foxx, and Ernest Borgnine. He often recalled the story involving a hot summer day and a gentleman climbing his ladder carrying a cold 6 pack of beer. The gentleman was the home owner Ernest Borgnine. Sid politely declined as he had a strict policy on alcohol and the job site. He would say Mr. Borgnine was one of the nicest and most down to earth guys he ever met or worked for. In 1997, at the age of 62, Sid retired, sold his business and moved with his wife Mary Jo to Adamsville, Utah. They built a home and settled down to retired living. Sid took occasional jobs helping local friends with their building projects. In 2006, Mary Jo succumbed to cancer and was laid to rest in the Beaver Cemetery. Sid enjoyed retirement and continued helping with local construction projects and could be seen on rooftops well into his seventies. He had a remarkable mind for fixing and building things and he loved helping people. His last few years were spent mostly at home where he worked word puzzles to keep his mind sharp and watched Fox news 24/7. He insisted on flying the American flag in his front yard and often commented on the need for folks to appreciate this great nation, what it has to offer, and giving thanks for our freedoms. Sid had four children, 12 grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren. Sid's memorial will be at the First Baptist Church of Beaver, 220 East Center Street, Beaver, Utah, on Friday, February 24, 2023 at 11:00AM. All are welcomed to attend.