Friday, July 3, 2020
Mike was a gentleman with a keen mind balanced by a gentle, yet ever present, sense of humor.
I had the privilege to serve on the Board of the Essex Corinthian YC with Mike during which time we conducted a survey of the members’ thoughts and opinions on numerous topics. Mike graciously agreed to pull together this unwieldy project. One evening, as a Board meeting was running out of steam while we were discussing the survey, someone asked Mike “Well, what does it all mean?”. With his sharp mind and well balanced levity, Mike replied, “ Well, gentlemen, it appears that we have a dining club with a boating problem”. Tersely, Mike broke the tension and clearly summarized the entire project! That was Mike Birch, a gentleman and friend who will be missed. - Frank T. Strafaci
