Stephen M. Burch

Stephen M. Burch (a.k.a Iran O. Burch), age 90, died on Sept. 16, 2017. Steve was born Aug. 15, 1927, in Pittsburg, Pa. He is the second of two children to Frank and Mary Burch.

Steve served in the United States Navy for two years, from the age of 17, on the USS Midway, where he was one of the original crew members. He graduated from San Francisco City College with an AA degree. Steve worked for Western Electric (Nokia) for 38 years as an installer.

He is predeceased by his sister, Esther Hazel Caine, and nephew Mark Caine. He is survived by his wife, Jean Boryk Burch; daughter Suzanne and her husband, Chris Gale; cousins Frederick Thomas, Viola Addams and her family; and great-nephew Buddy Caine Helm.

Steve has been an active and well-respected member of Community United Methodist Church in Half Moon Bay, serving as a trustee for over 25 years.

Steve was a humble, caring and loyal person and always held himself to a higher standard. He was a devoted husband and father who always led by example and made sure that his family was his first and foremost priority. He was devoted to keeping CUMC working and looking its best. He donated his skills and talents as a jackof-all-trades to Coastside Children’s Program preschool whenever they needed things done. The kids nicknamed him Bob the Builder. His attention to detail was amazing. He even made sure that the children of the congregation got to do those things they may not be able to afford and he would help in any way possible. If the true measure of a man is the breadth of the positive wake that he leaves behind, Steve certainly measures up to the best of all men and he will be missed. He has set an example that we should all strive to live up to.

Steve is loved and deeply missed by his many friends, neighbors and family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mission Hospice at 1670 S. Amphlett Blvd., Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94402, or Community United Methodist Church music and children’s programs.

Steve’s memorial will be at 11 a.m. on Nov. 4, 2017, at Community United Methodist Church at 777 Miramontes St. in Half Moon Bay.