Timothy Blaine Birkby, a long-time resident of Prineville, was born on July 28, 1956, to Benny and JeanRae (Boehmke) Birkby. After a heroic fight against multiple myeloma, he died on November 7, 2006 at OHSU. Tim married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Sue Ashcraft, on December 22, 1979. They were blessed with the birth of two children, Patrick Scott (1980) and Jodi Elizabeth (1982).
Growing up, Tim participated in Boy Scouts where he earned the rank of Life Scout. He was a member of the Prineville Swim Team, and the Crook County football team where he was named a Shiner)s All-Star.
After graduating from Crook County High School in 1974, Tim continued his education at Eastern Oregon State College where he played football for the Mountaineers. In 1979 Tim earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in Elementary Education and Physical Education.
Following graduation, Tim and Vicki moved to Heppner, Ore., where Tim began his teaching and coaching career. In addition to teaching the 6th grade, junior high health and physical education, Tim coached swimming, basketball and football. In 1988, Tim led the Heppner Mustangs to their first ever State Championship game.
In 1989 the Birkby family returned to Prineville where Tim taught 5th grade at Ochoco Elementary School. Tim was an avid supporter of youth athletics and continued his coaching career with the Crook County Cowboys. In 1995, he led his son's freshman team to an undefeated season. Tim was actively involved with the Crook County Little League and served as the president from 1991-1993.
When not teaching or coaching, Tim enjoyed many activities: camping, hunting, four wheeling and golf were regularly participated in. When not outdoors he enjoyed watching football, but his favorite was spending time with his friends and family. Tim was preceded in death by his father, Benny Birkby. He is survived by his wife Vicki, son Patrick, daughter Jodi, mother JeanRae, brother Robert, sister Tena Piercey, two nieces, and five nephews. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, teacher, coach, and friend.
A celebration of life service will be held on Nov. 11, 2006 at 2 p.m. in the Eugene Southwell Auditorium at the Crook County High School and is open to the public. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tim Birkby Scholarship fund at any branch of U.S. Bank.
Whispering Pines Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements. |
