March 31, 1935 - Sept. 17, 2009

ELKHART -- George M. Brich, 74, of Elkhart, passed away Thursday (Sept. 17, 2009) at Eastlake Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

He was born March 31, 1935, in Palmerton, Pa., to George A. and Mary K. (Bohunicky) Brich. On Sept. 21, 1985, he married Marsha J. Eilers in Rensselaer.

She survives along with a son, Chad M. Brich of Nappanee; a daughter, Kerry (Jeff) Prugh, and a granddaughter, Emily Prugh, all of Elkhart; and a brother, Robert J. (Joann) Brich of Virginia Beach, Va.

Mr. Brich was a librarian at the Elkhart Public Library for 35 years, serving as director from 1976 until his retirement in 2000. He formerly worked at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., the American Library Association in Chicago and the Burr Oak (Ill.) Library System.

A 1953 graduate of Palmerton (Pa.) High School, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961 from East Stroudsburg State College, where he was a member of the Sigma Pi fraternity. He received his master's degree in library science from Drexel University in 1965.

Mr. Brich was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He enjoyed photography, camping and his dogs.

A gathering of friends and family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart.

"If there is a heaven, it will be where every dog I have ever loved, and I have loved them all, will come running to greet me."

Please direct memorials in Mr. Brich's name to Wolf Park, 4004 E. 800 N., Battleground, IN 47920, or Pet Refuge, 2300 W. Sixth St., Mishawaka, IN 46544.

To share a memory of George or to send a condolence to his family, please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.