Steve Luben Birbach, a beloved father, grandfather, and devoted Jehovah's Witness, passed away on December 18th, 2022 at CPMC Van Ness in San Francisco. Born on September 18th, 1945 in Kitzbuhel, Austria, Steve's life was a shining example of strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his family and faith. As a World War II refugee, he immigrated to the United States with his mother Eve Birbach, and went on to lead a life filled with love, compassion, and boundless generosity.

Steve grew up in New York but spent most of his adult life in California, New Mexico, and North Carolina. He was a Marine Corps supply clerk who served in Vietnam in 1967. It was during this tour that he was exposed to Agent Orange which ultimately shortened his life. Steve later became an architectural draftsman. He was particularly proud of the work he did designing stores for Banana Republic and Macy’s, but it was his role as a winning coach of the Scorpions boys soccer team in Fairfield, California in the early 1980s that he would want highlighted in his obituary. He instilled a love for sports in the next generation and was a passionate fan of the UNC Tar Heels and the Golden State Warriors.

Steve's love for life was immeasurable. He was a lover of music, playing and building table games, travel, reading, Asian art, and watching and re-watching movies. He preferred a slower pace of life and saved money each year to splurge on an annual Caribbean vacation. He spent his retirement playing the guitar, Witnessing, learning Vietnamese, and trying to organize a class reunion for Bentley High School. He appreciated intricate details and a well-crafted design. He was always eager to share his passions with others, and his energy and enthusiasm were contagious. His favorite way to show his love was to bring you tasty treats, and he was always ready to offer a listening ear to anyone in need.

Steve was married to Astri Birbach from 1970 to 1988. He is survived by his sons, Joshua (Rebecca) and Jesse (Abigail), and his grandchildren, Molly, Parker, Penelope, Gavin, Lewis, Anderson, and Sloane. He was an active member in several Kingdom Halls in Durham and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, before moving to Berkeley in April 2022, where he attended meetings at the North Berkeley Kingdom Hall. He lived a life guided by his faith, and his devotion to Jehovah was a constant source of inspiration to those around him.

The family will be hosting an open house memorial for him in Berkeley on the afternoons of February 18th and 19th. There will also be a service for him in North Carolina. His family will spread his ashes in Barbados, a place that held a special place in his heart. Steve will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, and friend, and his kindness, generosity, and selflessness will always be cherished. His passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends. Rest in peace, Pops.

"Only you, can make all this world seem right, Only you, can make the darkness bright" - The Platters

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