Jean G. Birch

Jean Gray (Barbour) Birch passed away at age 94 years on Jan. 14, 2017. Jean was the youngest of six children and was born in Victoria, BC, Canada to Thomas and Isabella (Baxter) Barbour on Nov. 15, 1922. Her parents immigrated from Scotland in 1912 to Victoria, BC In 1923 the Barbour family moved to the United States and began their new life in southeast Portland, Oregon where Jean was raised with her siblings Mary, Isabel, Tom, and Marshall (baby Alice died in infancy). Jean attended Woodstock Grade School and Franklin High School (class of '41). She had a very happy childhood with her great siblings and she especially enjoyed attending parties at the Scotch Lodge with her family where she danced the Highland Fling. While at Franklin Jean met and in 1942 married the love of her life and husband of 66 years, Jim Birch. Together they had four children, Tom, Bonnie, Brodie and Dennis who they raised in southeast Portland. In 1968 Jim and Jean moved to the Clackamas area. Jean then spent the last 10 years in Vancouver, WA. Jean enjoyed bowling, trips to the Oregon coast (many Thanksgivings were spent there with all the family) and visits to Reno. She liked the color pink, lilacs and crossword puzzles. She was a Yankee fan and happily made two trips to the World Series. Jean devoted her life to her family. Her children and grandchildren feel very blessed to have had this lovely lady in their lives. All the family remembers fondly the many great gatherings she hosted through the years. Family and special friends never missed the annual New Years Day and Super Bowl parties at Jim and Jeans home, so much fun! Jean was preceded in death by her siblings, her husband Jim and great-granddaughter, London. She is survived by children Tom(Karen), Bonnie(Dick), Brodie(Kathy), and Dennis(Dawn). Grandchildren Brock, Kelly, Mandi, Kacey, Ryan, Megan, Trent and Kendall. Great-grandchildren Ireland, Sydney, Brooklynn, Kennedy, Peyton, Preston, Jack, Shelby, Amelia and Beckett. Also, many special nieces, nephews and sister-in-law Ruth, who also loved her and so enjoyed her great sense of humor. Per Jean`s request, there will be no service. Service Information