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BORN
1948
DIED
2025
Geoffrey Birnbaum Obituary
April 20, 1948 - February 28, 2025
Geoffrey Louis Birnbaum (1948-2025) passed away suddenly on February 28, 2025 from injuries sustained in a car accident. Losing him was a shock, and his family and many others across his communities, feel his loss deeply.
Geoff was born April 20, 1948, in New York City and moved with his family to Stamford, CT as a young child. He and his brother Raymond were raised Jewish by Willamina and Nahum Birnbaum. He grew up loving baseball and the New York Yankees. He graduated from Hobart College, went to Woodstock, and always held a love for music.
Geoff moved to Trinidad, Colorado and met the love of his life, Nancy Jane Germeraad, while they were both working as VISTA volunteers. Nancy and Geoff married in a simple ceremony in 1973 in Helena, MT. In 1976 they moved to Missoula and raised their children Mike and Mona. Geoff and Nancy fostered several children over the years and most recently welcomed Elisha in their embrace.
Geoff lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service to others. He spent 42 years with Missoula Youth Homes, later named Youth Homes, as their Executive Director. He loved soccer and spent countless years coaching and mentoring the youth of Missoula as both a girls soccer coach at Hellgate High School and as a Strikers club coach.
Mountain lakes and peaks were also his calling, and where Geoff chose to spend his summers and free time. Always accompanied by Nancy, family, friends, and one of several trusted Australian Shepherds, he hiked many of Montana's trails and mountains. Telling stories from those backcountry adventures brought him great joy.
Geoff is survived by his wife Nancy; brother Raymond (Judie) Birnbaum; nieces Jami Birnbaum and Elyssa Walker; his children, Michael Birnbaum (Lisa) and Mona Rogers (Jeff); grandchildren Trace, Harper, Emmitt, Thatcher and Carter; and Elisha (Josh) Harteis and their sons Quentin & Sebastian.
A celebration of the life and legacy of Geoff Birnbaum will be held at The Pavillion at Fort Missoula on Sunday, April 13th from 3:00 6:00 p.m. This event is open to all who wish to honor Geoff's memory and celebrate the ways he impacted our lives. Whether you knew Geoff personally or were touched by his work and energy, this is a chance to come together and remember this incredible person. Geoff left a lasting impression on many he encountered. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Youth Homes. https://youthhomesmt.org/.
Memories and Condolences
for Geoffrey Birnbaum
Lori Terwilliger
April 17, 2025
I was so sorry to read this this morning. I am on my way to Missoula and was looking him up to surprise him. I was one of the group home kids in 1977. He and his wife were always kind to me. I baby sat a couple of times for them. I made a wonderful life for myself and he was a great example to me. Blessings to Nancy and his family.
Ray Aylesworth
April 10, 2025
I began providing insurance services for Geoff & Nancy a number of years ago. I got in return, an opportunity to have regular visits with a smart, gracious & kind human being. The more I got to know Geoff, the more I admired him, and looked forward to even just a brief chat. Blessings to his family, & his legacy in the Missoula community.
Diana Minor
April 7, 2025
Geoff was a wonderful man who always had a smile when he came in to Axis Pt. He was so happy when I asked him to show me photos of his loved Australian Sheppard! I will miss his stories and kindness. Our condolences to his family.
Chris Siegler
April 5, 2025
The world lost a good person.
How you can show support
Selene Arensberg
March 27, 2025
He was a wonderful mentor to my sister during her troubled teens at the group home, and always kind and welcoming to me and my mom. His son, Michael, was a popular and beloved kid that I went to school with since elementary, who was always kind, just like his family. Such a wonderful family who my whole family will always be grateful to, and are mourning his loss, as I know the whole Missoula community is also. Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours, Selene Arensberg
Rich DeJana
March 27, 2025
Coach the whole state loved you
Chloe Warner
March 26, 2025
My heart goes out to Nancy, Mona and Mike - Geoff was such a beloved friend to my parents and a beloved coach of so many kids. Sending you my love
Marcie Sickels (Landt)
March 26, 2025
In 1988-1989 ish, I was a resident in the Attention Home then later the Tom Roy. There are so many things I could say in my memories of him. Suffice it to say, once I got wrapped into MYH, I was never hit again by my father. Geoff created permanent safe spaces for kids like me needed desperately. Thank you to all his collogues at the time and the many since. In June of this year, I will be retiring from the state after 30 years of working for DPHHS in the Child Support Program. Had I not had the support of MYH, this never would have been possible. I was on a one way track to nowwheresville and MYH stopped the train so I could get off. Thank you, Geoff. A few years ago I stopped to see him, and he remembered me. I am glad I was able to thank him then.
Leslie Foye Lannon
March 24, 2025
Geoff and I went to school together in Stamford and I saw him at a reunion not so many years ago. We toured our old high school and, as always, Geoff made me laugh. His memories of our high school days were as clear as mine were fuzzy. It was delightful to see him again. I am so sorry to hear about his passing.
My sincere condolences to his family,
Marianne Moon
March 21, 2025
Geoff was such a mainstay of the Missoula community! His gregarious nature, kind heart, and easy laugh made him a true humanitarian! I will miss him immensely and send my deepest condolences to Nancy, Mike and Mona. Please take care. May your memories help heal your hearts. Marianne Moon
Barry Dutton
March 21, 2025
Geoff was one of those truly good human beings who made the world a better place. Just being around him made you happy and gave you hope for the future. He is an inspiration for all who care and love.
Eloise and Gray Thompson
March 20, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences to the Birnbaum family, especially to their son Mike, a friend to our son Jeremiah, teammates on one of the early Strikers Soccer Teams that Geoff coached. Geoff was a positive influence to so many Missoulians in many walks of life. Thank you for a life well lived and shared.
Julie Schwartz
March 17, 2025
To Nancy and the Birnbaum Family, Geoff was a big part of my Missoula life for many years. I learned so much from him and loved being part of the Youth Homes Board. Geoff never lost sight of his mission to make a difference. He was a mentor, a friend, and someone I greatly admired. He always made me laugh and I'll miss him very much. Sending much love to all of you during this difficult time.
Paul "bear" stambach
March 17, 2025
I was a fraternity brother of Geoff's at Hobart. He was a great deal of fun and had a real zest for life. I am not surprised he did such good work over the years. I am very surprised he did it in the Rockies! Please accept my sincere condolences!
Rebecca Poteat
March 17, 2025
To the Birnbaum family.
I am forever grateful to you for taking Elisha in and giving her the love and support she needed. Geoff was the father she always needed. I pray for you all for peace and comfort.
Merce Litfin-Zingmark
March 16, 2025
Geoffrey Birnbaum radiated goodness. A person well loved. Nancy plus family are wished peace in memories.
James Grady
March 16, 2025
Geoff was an amazing, wonderful human being, an example for others in every generation. Smart, witty, fun and courageous. Nancy is as amazing. They made a great couple and example for all of us. All love to her and their children, family, colleagues. I am lucky to know them.
Brendan Ward
March 15, 2025
I´m not unique in being a young soccer playing teenager from western Montana whose life was made better by Geoff Birnbaum. Nor am I unique in the fact that he recognized something special within me that I could not yet name, qualities hitherto unknown to myself. What he unearthed and excavated in the young people he coached was a belief in something beyond themselves, a sense of community on the pitches of the western United States, a sense of belonging and self-belief. In competition with the best teams in the country, this group of Missoula, Hamilton, and in my and my two best friends´ case, Helena boys who came to play each spring under his tutelage always did something spectacular. We were young and stereotypically irreverent, in the Missoula tradition, and he channeled us to play better, smarter, and beyond what we thought was possible. Because of him, I am who I am, this sport remains within me like a thread of my heart, the golden spring memories of Missoula Strikers U19 boys soccer, with our suntanned, charismatic coach at the helm of this piratical ship, they remain among the best memories of my life. I tried to tell him how much he meant to me but words could never be enough. Nancy, Mona, and Mike, my deepest condolences on the loss of Geoff, there can be nobody quite like him. He made Missoula, Montana, and this world infinitely better by his gifts of time and love. I consider myself unbelievably lucky to have been coached by him and to be a part of his forever team.
G Scott Lockwood
March 15, 2025
What a sad shock and huge loss to Montana. I have know Geoff since he and Nancy got married at our cabin in Helena! We have coached our boys (he in Missoula and me in Helena) in soccer and both continued to coach and mentor young players for many years. He was such a friend of youth soccer his passing will leave a void. My best to Mike and Nancy. I wish I could be there in Missoula for the celebration but will be in AZ.
Melody Barnes
March 15, 2025
I'm beyond blown away. I just discovered Geoff had passed. Geoff worked on behalf of youth with me since the mid-80s. He was one of the good ones. My condolences to his wife and family. Geoff was an institution in Missoula. I can't imagine Missoula without Geoff in it.
Kathy Heffernan
March 15, 2025
Geoff was a force for the good of humanity. He supported us through our years of fostering. More recently, in my work with refugees, he was THE link that ensured that an Afghani 10-year-old with a passion for soccer got to pursue his soccer dreams.
Carol (and Tony) Marino
March 15, 2025
Geoffrey was such an important Missoulian, especially in the world of kids. His work will be remembered and cherished by many of us in the schools and community. Having lost my husband this year, I wish your family well on the journey you find yourselves. Luckily, their memories can sustain us through the days and nights of "what ifs ..." and wishing for more time, more sharing, more of everything.
Don Thomas
March 15, 2025
Jeff served on my capital campaign, helping me to raise funds, as a volunteer in developing Montana´s first inpatient hospice house on Mullan Rd (formerly the Dussault family ranch. He was always a good neighbor, living only 4 houses away from my family on Duncan Drive. God bless you and your family
Twila Wolfe
March 15, 2025
What a tragedy! My deep sympathy to you, Nancy, and to your family. He was an amazing individual who contributed much to the community.
Twila
Monte Dolack
March 15, 2025
Dear Nancy,
Please accept my deepest condolences as you face this difficult time. I am thinking of you and your family and of course Geoff. Healing thoughts to all.
Robert Coulston
March 15, 2025
Nancy, We are so sorry to hear of Geoff´s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bobb and Aleta Coulston
Bruno Friia
March 15, 2025
My deepest condolences for your loss. Jeff touched my life in many ways, and I'll always remember his positive impact on my daughters and granddaughters during their youthful soccer careers.
You will be in our prayers and thoughts,
Deirdre Swanson
March 15, 2025
Nancy. What a loss. For the community. And, more tender, for you. You were his mainstay. Sincerest condolences. Deirdre Swanson
Buck and Julie Smith
March 15, 2025
I worked with Geoff when I was a secretary at Hellgate High School and he was the girls soccer coach. He was so passionate about the kids! A wonderful and caring person. Our condolences to our whole family on the loss of a wonderful man. Julie Smith
Carina Burns
March 13, 2025
My heart goes out to the Birnbaum family and to all who saw Geoff as family. He was truly an exceptional human who has inspired so many others in all that he did. What a tremendous loss for the community. May we all channel his spirit of service in the work we each do.
Meegan Kriley-Mackay
March 13, 2025
An amazing human being. So sorry for the loss.
Rae Olsen
March 13, 2025
Geoff Birnbaum was a sellar human being. Always there whenever he heard of a person who needed help. Great energy and kindness. My heartfelt condolences to Nancy and his family. May your many warm memories comfort you now and in the years to come.
Anne Remien
March 13, 2025
Jeff touched so many lives in such a
positive way...may his impact
be carried forward by those of us
left behind.
Deep blessings-
Anne & Jack Remien
Susan Beall
March 13, 2025
Nancy, I was deeply saddened to hear about your loss. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May your memories bring you strength and comfort.
Ruth Guthrie
March 13, 2025
Geoff was such a caring man and a powerful force for the common good. I will dearly miss seeing him around Missoula. I think I may have seen him at every community and charitable event I have ever been to.
Elizabeth Guthrie
March 13, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the Birnbaum family for your loss. Geoffrey was a gift to all. May his memory always be a blessing. Sending love
Jim and Kathy O'Day
March 13, 2025
One of Missoula's finest gone way to early. I will truly miss my morning visits with Geoff at the Worden's Coffee Crew "meetings." I learned more about soccer from him than anyone else... And that probably goes for everyone associated with the soccer community. My heart broke when I heard this devastating news as I lost a very good friend. Geoff - you made a huge difference in the Missoula community, and your absence will leave a huge void for so many who were fortunate enough to be in your presence. Rest In Peace, my friend.
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