Emile Birch

Emile A. Birch, age 76, from Canaan, NH, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Grafton County Nursing Home in Haverhill, NH. He was born July 28, 1947 in Providence, RI.

After attending Central High School in Providence, Emile continued his education at the Art Students League in New York City and at the Brooklyn Museum School in Brooklyn, New York. From there, Emile had a thriving career in the Arts as a sculptor and teaching artist. His work can be seen all throughout the state of New Hampshire. Most notable are: "The Eternal Shield" created in 1997, sited on the State House grounds in Concord, New Hampshire, commemorating the fallen police officers of NH, "Pollyanna" created in 2002 sited on Main Street of Littleton and "Vigilance" created in 2009 sited in Portsmouth, NH, commemorating the firefighters of the oldest fire station in the state.

Emile's creative spirit was one of a true artist. He shared his work through the NH State Council on the Arts, teaching through the artists-in-residence program within schools, hospitals, and training centers for people with physical and/or emotional challenges; as well as community centers, youth facilities, senior centers and prisons starting from 1976 until he retired.

In his free time, Emile loved sailing, hiking local trails, traveling abroad, and spending time with family. His legacy will live on in those he worked with, created with and loved. He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Theresa Birch. He is survived by his loving wife: Cynthia Cummings-Birch; his children: Meredith Birch and husband Gregory Wenc, Jennie Birch, Tabor Kittredge and wife Kalyn, Aubrey Welch and husband Guy; four grandchildren: Greyson, Sarah Jane, Fiona and Ellie; siblings: Linda Hinton and husband Pat, Raymond Birch and wife Barbara Keefe, Susan Birch, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Services will be private and should anyone be moved to make a contribution in Emile's memory, the family asks that donations be sent online to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or by mail to 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047.