Our family lost its patriarch, Rex “Dee” Birch (81) of Lyman, Wyo. on April 26, 2022 at the University of Utah hospital surrounded by his loved ones. He was a lifelong resident of Lyman and touched many lives with his numerous church callings and community involvement.
Dee was born to Rex Frost Birch and Viola Agnes Staley Birch in Coalville, Utah on March 13, 1941. Dee was a happy child who loved to spend summers with his grandparents roaming the hills around South Pass City with his .22 rifle. He spent many miles with his mother behind the wheel of a semi truck.When he was 13 years old, he started driving truck on his own for the family construction company. He ran a successful business until it was sold in 1995.
In 1959, Dee married his high school sweetheart, Glenys Maxfield, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Dee and Glenys were blessed with three daughters: Celeste, Lisa, and Jill. For 63 years, they’ve enjoyed spending time camping at Flaming Gorge with family and friends,participating and organizing mud bogs, spending time at their cabin, and numerous road trips and adventures.
Dee was a “motorhead,” the faster the better. He loved boats, snowmachines, mud bogs, airplanes, side-by-sides or anything with a fast motor. He was never more at peace than when he was behind the wheel. He gained a love for tinkering and building from his father. You could tell him what you were needing, and he would construct it with random parts and pieces. He had a passion for creating his own designs and ideas.
Dee is survived by his wife, Glenys, daughters Celeste (Jim) Berg and Lisa (Troy) Bradshaw both of Lyman, son-in-law Mark Kenney of St. George, sister Dixie Birch, niece Christene Grant both of Colstrip, Montana, 9 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Dee was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and daughter Jill Kenney.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 2, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Lyman Church. Viewing will be held Sunday 6-8 p.m. and Monday 9:40-10:45 a.m.
