Randall Dennis Birch
March 3, 1962 – August 7, 2015
Randy Birch passed too soon from a world that needed him. He was born in Salinas, CA, but lived most of his life in Felton and Santa Cruz. Twenty minutes after he was born, the hospital staff pronounced him hyperactive and that’s how he lived his life, as if he had too much to do and not enough time.
He was the first non-athlete to be voted Homecoming King at San Lorenzo Valley High School. He navigated a rainy football field in a white tuxedo without collecting a spot of mud.
He was a founding member of San Lorenzo Valley’s Mountain Community theatre. He captivated audiences with his portrayals of Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man, Nathan Detroit in Guy & Dolls, and many others. Even with bit parts, he could steal the show. He coaxed his shyest friends — and even his mother — to join him on stage. He was known for his great singing, but even more for his infectious laugh. Actors loved to have him in the front row.
He worked 70 and 80 hour weeks, first as manager at Color Tile, and later, as a Quality Assurance Manager at several computer technology companies, armed only with a high school diploma, amazing intelligence, and irresistible charm. In addition, he was a regular in a community TV program, The Chick Show, which ran for 8 years.
His real family recently learned Randy was an honorary member of many other families, all of whom miss him terribly. He delivered warm soup when someone was sick, a listening ear when someone was troubled, and the unfailing patience to fix anyone’s computer.
He is dearly missed by his parents, James and Rosemary Birch of Felton, CA, and his three siblings, Kathleen —Dan — Sherman in St. Joseph, MI, Luanne (Paul) Oleas in Cupertino, and William Birch in Cottage Grove, OR. He was adored by his two nieces, Katie Sherman and Natalie Oleas.
If you were lucky enough to know him, his family requests your attendance at “Remembering Randy: A Musical Tribute” which will be held from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Park Hall, 9400 Mill Street, Ben Lomond. Bring a song to share, a picture, or a memory.
