In the early morning of October 14, my beloved husband Dick Birkenbuel lost his valiant battle against AML. He adored his children and grandkids and was a devoted and loving friend to many. He passed serenely at home, in his bed, as was his wish. Dick was born into an Air Force family where he thrived as they moved around the world. One of his best childhood memories was living in Japan after the war, his first encounter with an ancient culture. He continued his affection for foreign cultures by serving in Barbados in the Peace Corp. He was a fighter from birth as he survived a surgery for pyloric stenosis as a four pound infant. This was only the first of Dick's nine lives! After his family settled in Washington, Dick attended Meadowdale H.S. where he was lucky to make lifelong friends. He always had the gift of gab. Dick fell in love with construction at a young age. He attended the building construction program at the U. of W. and blossomed from there. Along with his partner, Jay and their extraordinary team, Dick built Albrecht Birkenbuel, Concrete Construction, which has added function and beauty to the skyline of the Pacific Northwest for the last 30 years. Dick was an innovator who loved technology. He helped bring his team and company into the computer age, which contributed to their success. It is difficult to sum up such a big personality. Dick accepted the great adventure of life and sucked the marrow out of every bone. He loved art, literature, gardening, traveling, snowboarding and ideas big and small. And his love of dogs was also well known! Dick never met a stranger and enjoyed telling his many stories. He was one of a kind and his generosity is legend. Dick touched many lives and made his life matter. On the morning of his death, a bald eagle appeared and soared over our home. I know his spirit bird was there to lead Dickie into Valhalla to be welcomed by the warriors who have gone before. Dick is survived by, Susan, his wife of 40 years. He was proud of his son, Zack, wife, Aliki and grandkids, Cole and Luke. His much loved son, Darin is following in his Dad's footsteps as a journeyman carpenter. Dick considered his "bonus son" Martin, wife, Erika and Baby Ana June as his family. He was also proud to be "Dad" to niece, Ali. Lastly, Dick is survived by his brother, Jim, his wife, Gael; sister, Carol and husband, Steve. Dick will be dearly missed.
James Davidson
I am deeply sorry that we have lost a great friend and a very popular classmate in Dick Birkenbuel. He was helpful to all and a man we all loved. He will be sincerely missed by the Davidson household. We have so many fond memories of Dick, and will keep him and his family in our prayers.
Linda Wheeler (Taylor)
So sorry to hear this news. He sure never was anything but upbeat when I saw him at the picnics. May God comfort those he left behind.
Rexana Magruder (Scrimager)
Praying comfort formhis family.
Frank Carter
This once again reminds us of the fragility of life. Although we are all aware of our final outcome; the time, place and circumstance can be for the most part unknown. We need to be prepared. God bless us all.
Stan Stebing
Dick was always supportive of our class and always loves our reunions. He missed our 50th Class Reunion only because he had the flu. But he made it to all of our class picnics. At the multi-class reunion in 2013 he asked me questions about our new website and how I was finding our classmates. Then he asked how I was paying for it and I told him that I was paying for it myself. Dick's reaction was "that is crazy, doing all of that work and paying for it yourself!!" At that point he pulled some money from his pocket and became our first donor. Periodically he would call me to see how things were going finding classmates and if I needed any money for class expenses.
I am so happy that I got to see him one last time at the picnic in August. Dick's wife Susan told me that Dick's doctors had suggested he go into hospice a year earlier, but Dick was like the Everready Bunny and just kept on ticking. When I was walking him back to his car he thanked me for hosting the picnic and told me to be sure to call him if the class needed any money. I will miss my conversations with Dick, but am happy that he is no longer in any pain.
Kevin Cloud Brechner
Boy, this is a tough one to write. Not because there is nothing to say, quite the opposite. It is just that some people should be allowed to be immortal. Dick Birkenbuel was one of them. He was always in the moment. Alway positive. Always living life. Joie de vivre. He always seemed to have the joy of life. He was a natural born leader. The kind of leader that you don't even know you are being led, and yet he was often there when things are being planned, He was one of the most financially successful members of our class. He was one of the most socially successful members of our class. He was always striving for havng a fun time. He was loyal, generous, and quietly humble about his generosity. My deepest condolances to his family and close friends. He made a big mark on a lot of our lives..
Teri Williams
It takes a piece of your heart when a classmate you knew well leaves. He was part of the nicest group of guys I used to love to hang out with. They were good young men and grew into great older men. Thank you Dick Birkenbuel for being who you were. May we meet again. Rest in peace.