Made Snowshoes & Loved the Woods
March 31, 1938 - February 1, 2018
Frank “Wayne” Birch, 80, who retired from his job as a senior construction official for Montgomery Township in 2001, died peacefully at home in New Gloucester, Maine on February 1.
Wayne graduated from Princeton High School, served in the Army, and was a volunteer firefighter for many years. He spent most of his life in and around the construction industry — working in hardware, painting, carpentry, and a stint at VEPCO before settling in as a construction official for Plainsboro Township and finally Montgomery Township.
He retired to Maine with his beloved wife and their golden retrievers. He loved the woods, fishing, and taking care of his home. Wayne was a quiet, gentle man who noticed when a relative, friend or neighbor needed a hand and was quick to selflessly help out. He also had many wonderful stories to tell. One of his favorites was about making snowshoes with fellow building contractor and local personality Sully Greenwood in Farmington, Maine and selling them to L.L. Bean.
His wife Beth; his children: Larry, Sharon, and Vikki; a stepdaughter Katie; five grandchildren; one great granddaughter; and a dog, Belle; survive Wayne.
Memorial donations may be made to the Maine Cancer Foundation; the Androscoggin Home Hospice; or the Androscoggin Animal Rescue.
