Posted on 24 February 2013 by La Habra Journal
La Habra lost the patriarch to one of its iconic families. Martin “Marty” Burch passed away January 15 with his family by his side. He was 62.
Born in Whittier and raised in La Habra, Marty was the owner and operator of Burch Ford, the family business, up until it closed in 2009.
His parents, William “Bill” and Margaret Burch, and grandparents were in the car business as well. His family has been into transportation and instrumental in the development of La Habra. They can trace their roots back to horse traders in the Midwest.
Prior to taking over the business, Marty graduated from La Habra High School as a member of the class of 1968.
He studied business law and administration at California State University, Fullerton.
He married Juanita Marie Gil. Juanita passed away from a pre-existing illness six weeks before Marty’s death.
After the dealership closed, Marty started Arizona Green Energy. He was active in the community and was a member of many local service clubs. He was part of the Elks Lodge, the Lions Club, and a member of the La Habra Rotary Club.
He had a passion for the outdoors. He had a love for woodworking, his firearms and for fishing. He loved fishing so much that he and a few friends started a fishing club called “Team Borracho’s.”
He enjoyed his passions and loved spending time with his friends and family most of all.
Marty is survived by his four children, Eileen, Francine, Jonathon and William; three grandchildren, Jessica, Dylan and Landon; one great grandchild, James; his mother, Margaret Burch; and sister, Catherine Gage.
The funeral was held January 26.