Richard "Birk" D. Birkmeyer

Richard Dennis Birkmeyer
Grants Pass, Oregon

Richard “Birk” D. Birkmeyer, 63, of Grants Pass, Oregon passed Saturday, May 8, 2010 at home surrounded by his family.

A celebration of Birk’s life will be held Thursday, May 13th at 2:00 pm at River Valley Community Church, 405 Northeast 6th Street. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

The family requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers to HASL Independent Abilities Center, 305 NE E Street, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526.

Richard was born in Culver City, California to Jackie and Romaine Birkmeyer on January 23, 1947. He was raised in the Los Angeles area and graduated from University High in 1964. Birk served his country as a Quartermaster and qualified submariner in the United States Navy. After returning to civilian life, he worked several jobs including the US Postal Service where he met his future wife Ardy. Birk’s great love was always music and he pursued his dream to be a disc jockey at the Don Martin School of Broadcasting. Upon completion of his studies in 1973 he went on air as a disc jockey at KAGO in Klamath Falls and later at another station in Coos Bay. In 1975 Birk married the former Ardith Brice of Culver City, California and made their home in Grants Pass where Richard went on the air at KAGI Radio, later working as the Program Director. His first concern was always the music, the quality of the presentation and the enjoyment of his listeners, who will always remember his wonderful voice. In 1985 he changed careers, staying in Grants Pass. Birk held several positions, most notably Manager at Imprints Design & Screen Printing. He completed an AS degree in computer Science at Rogue Community College and put his new skills to work at HASL as an IT Tech.

Richard enjoyed his family and friends, especially when rafting, golfing and listening to the music he loved. Although the last few years Richard faced difficult heath issues, he was lovingly supported by his friends, wonderful caregivers, family, especially his children, and Ardy his wife of 34 years. He passed a man much loved.

He is survived by his wife Ardy Birkmeyer, daughter Allison Marie Birkmeyer, 31, of Greenwich, CT, son Joseph Logan Birkmeyer, 28, and his wife Erin of Indian Trail, NC, his brother and sister-in-law Ron and Linda Birkmeyer of California, his brother-in-law and wife Art and Kerry Brice of California and a supportive group of nieces and nephews, as well as his good friends in Grants Pass.