Obituary
Robert Birch, known as Bobby B to all of his friends, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Fort Myers, FL on February 1, 2023. Bob was born in Fort Myers, Florida on December 5, 1954. His parents, Phil and Dorothy (D.A.) Birch, Aunt June Jones Birch, and Uncle William Birch, predeceased him. Bob leaves behind his brother Tom (Daniela) Birch; his only son Brandon (Ashley) Birch; his beloved grandchildren, Cooper and Aubree Birch; his niece and nephew, Alexander and Samantha Birch. Bob also left behind his longtime companion, Lisa Smith and her sons, Anthony, Michael and Jacob Smith; and the family dogs, Splash and Maggie.
Bob attended Fort Myers High School, Class of 1973, and Edison College. He started work with his father at Birch Seafood Company after school and became a Captain. He navigated many shrimp boats over the years traversing the Gulf of Mexico, which took him to places like Key West / Dry Tortugas; the Bay of Campeche; Brownsville / Corpus Christi, Texas; Mobile, Alabama and the fertile fishing grounds off Sanibel, Florida. Around 1985 Birch Seafood was sold in Fort Myers, FL. Bobby continued to Captain shrimp boats until the the early 1990’s when his last boat sank during a night of shrimping in Texas. Bob proceeded into the offshore charter fishing business where he worked until his untimely passing. He enjoyed sharing his love for the water and fishing with his friends and family. Bobby was a wonderful, easy-going soul that could tell a great story and was loved by everyone. May he always have “Fair Winds and Following Seas” and God by his side.
You will be missed … Condolences to all of your family ….Bobby
Bob and Lisa were together for over a decade. They built a home together that reflected the wonderful history of the Birch family. Bob raised Lisa’s children and they loved him dearly. Her son Michael remained living in the house with them after the other children were gone. Michael and Bob were best friends and spent many hours perfecting all the projects Bob imagined; which made the yard a beautiful paradise.
Bob was a kind, generous soul and a pleasure to spend time with. His pet raccoons come to the back door every evening looking for him. His dogs, Maggie and Splash, find comfort sleeping in Michael’s bed every night. Bob passed as gently as the shadow of a cloud. I am so sad that his grandchildren will not know him better. My whole family sends Brandon and the Birch family our heart felt condolences. Bobby Birch was truly a unique man and we were blessed to have had him in our lives.
Lisa's Sister,
Jeannie Daniel and Family
Everyone absolutely loved him. Including me. He was one of the nicest human beings to ever walk on this planet. I called him regarding a charter we recently had coming up but he didn’t answer. I knew something was wrong because he always returned my calls. Then I found out the bad news. What a gut punch. Bobby touched thousands of lives, and he left this world a better place.
My condolences to your family in their time of grief. May the memories of you bring them comfort during this time.
With you, we will miss his smile, his funny laugh and way of talking. He was a unique soul who belonged on the water and seemed so at ease on his boat. He had a great life doing what he loved with clients and friends. We all should be as lucky. We celebrate him and his wonderful life.
You were like a brother to me for well over 40 years from the time I met you to our summers with the FMB Fleet shrimping in Texas going to Gilley’s and into Houston with your dad Phil to Fishing for Marlin in Key West to the first time I ever went Snow Skiing with you your brother Tom and your gang of good friends What a hoot ….you have been one of my best friends in my life .
The kind of man that your Son and extended family’s can be proud of.
Truly one of the nicest guys ever “YA KNOW “ lol
Your untimely passing was sudden. I have to assume the good lord needed a Great Captain immediately.
May God have your back now.
Love you Brother !
Linda , Jason and I send our sincere condolences to your son Brandon , Brother Tom , Lisa and all your family’s.
“Time and Tide wait for no man.”
– St. Marher, 1225
You will live in my heart forever.! You blessed me with the greatest of gifts our son, Brandon I will cherish that always and forever be grateful. I have been thinking back to the time on the shrimp boat and how incredible that was. Bobby, you showed me things most people never get a chance to see or experience, and it was incredible beyond words. I know you and Phil are looking for that "green flash" so you can splashdown, enjoy one for me!
Love, Julie
Bobby walking through the mangroves checking out the boat after the hurricane.
Strong as an Ox
Piece be with you buddy
I hope Kevin had an ice cold beer waiting for you.
Your new wings will take you to undiscovered oceans... or anywhere you want.
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You are cherished by so many. You'll always have a spot in my heart.
All my love,
B.G.
His last days working aboard the Bobby B
My love
Take care my friend
Captain Bobby B shall be missed
Never forgotten one of the good ones. I will retain the experience i have picked up for many years to come knowing him as will anyone who has known him.
Rest in Piece Bobby. We’ll see you out there in the seas from time to time I’m sure of it.
Bow fishing with Captain Bobby offshore while filming a TV Show.