Brian Harvey Burch

Columbia—Brian Harvey Burch, son of Julia Lynne Hempley Burch and Harvey Lee Burch from Hopewell, Virginia passed away on December 1, 2016 at his home in Columbia, SC.Born in Florence, SC on September 19, 1967, he is survived by his daughter, Jordan Nicole Smith-Burch, his mother, Julia Lynne Hempley Burch, his sister, Sarah R. Sellers, his beloved, Janie Elizabeth Langley, and his favorite calico, Callie Mims, whom he referred to affectionately as “P Now”. He attended Columbia city schools where he excelled at sports: baseball and football being particular favorites. He also attended Admiral Farragut Academy in Florida as a young boy. He loved his time there and often remarked that if he had continued his studies at Admiral Farragut, he would have become a military man.Instead, his path led him to a career in carpentry.He became a master carpenter and expert in construction.He took great pleasure in pointing out buildings that he helped create.Brian also led an artistic life. His creative spirit and imagination led him down many paths. He did nothing in half measure, whether it was his love of building, music, storytelling, or cooking. He created many wonderful works in wood and excelled as a guitar player giving his family and friends much pleasure with his music. Later in his life, he developed a serious interest in cooking. He was an enthusiastic chef, putting considerable effort into creating memorable culinary experiences. Brian’s magnetic personality drew people to him.He was a great storyteller with an amazing sense of humor.He was a jokester and loved to laugh.Brian is best described as Saint Francis of Assisi once said, “He who works with his hands is a laborer.He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Lee Burch, his maternal grandparents, S. Gus Hempley and Sarah J. Hempley of Columbia and his paternal grandparents Richard Lee Burch and Lacy Elliott Burch of Virginia. The family will greet friends at a reception in his honor which will be held on Sunday afternoon, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., December 18, at Temples Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212.