Edward Lynn Birch

Edward Lynn Birch of Kalamazoo, MI, age 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday September 13, 2023 surrounded by family at his lake home in South Haven. He was born on June 13, 1932 to Karl and Ethel (Taylor) Birch in Leonidas, MI and was united in marriage to Janice M. Brown on August 16, 1974. Please join the family, with Reverend Rick Stravers presiding, for a memorial service celebrating Ed's life at 11am on Friday September 22, 2023 at the Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition (KNAC). General parking is available at Radisson Plaza parking services (114 N. Church St.). Those with limited mobility can park at the First Congregational Church (345 W. Michigan Ave). Dedicated and compassionate, Edward devoted his career to championing special education. As a pioneer in his field, he was instrumental in shaping and enacting state laws in Michigan to ensure educational services for all disabled children through age 25. His steadfast belief in the potential of every individual and his knack for fostering collaboration allowed many to unite in the pursuit of a greater good. With humility and unconditional love, Ed was a pillar of strength for his family. He provided unwavering support to his wife of 50 years, Janice Brown. He was a nurturing father to his children Tamara (Scott), Bryan (Shannon), Kristen (Jack), and Courtney, and loving grandfather to Aidan, Riley, Brooks, Charley Grace, Beckett, and Noah. Ed was preceded in death by his brothers Raymond, Willie, Clifford, and Wink and his devoted sister, Mattie. He is survived by his sister-in-law Violet (Birch) Korkinsky and numerous adoring nieces and nephews. Ed was also an admired brother-in law and friend to Janice's siblings and their spouses, Pam (Joe), Barb, Mike (Paola), Mark (Melissa), and Marcia (Robert). Ed was a deeply spiritual person. His spiritual philosophy embraced the essence of all religions, centered on the principle of loving others more profoundly than oneself. Ed was happiest when he was surrounded by family, at the "Farm" in his childhood hometown of Leonidas, at the Lake House, or seeing the world with his "travel" buddies. In lieu of flowers please consider honoring Ed with donations to Open Doors (opendoorskalamazoo.org) in Kalamazoo, or the Blue Mountain Center of Mediation (mbmc.org) in his honor. To view Ed's personal webpage please visit: starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services.