Dennis Biro

DENNIS BIRO SR. Dennis Biro Sr, retired farmer and bookkeeper, died in his home on Jan. 14th. He was 89. After an arduous year of caring for his wife followed by a sharp decline he passed quietly in his bed early in the morning. Dennis was born on May 1, 1926 to an affluent family in Budapest, Hungary. He spent much of his youth studying all aspects of agriculture, including spending time as a cheese maker in Sweden, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in agriculture. He spent time as a volunteer firefighter during the second great war, a time during which he experienced many hardships and losses including the death of his only brother as well as many friends. Attending college in Switzerland he met Elizabeth, the love of his life, at a dance, they fell deeply in love. They immigrated to the United States and were married Jan 18, 1952. They soon had two children and remained genuinely devoted for the remainder of his life. He worked hard as a rancher and served as head foreman for several ranches in southern California including the Hollister Ranch. Eventually he transitioned to agricultural bookkeeping and served many local ranchers in the tri-counties area until his retirement. Dennis was uncompromising but charismatic, he was also highly intelligent and spoke five languages. As stern as he was in his youth he grew to be compassionate and caring in his age. He would continually fret over his wife's health and also over the well being of those close to him. Those around him quickly became fast friends thanks to his sense of humor. He hated to be away from his wife and would always carry a memento of hers to ease the day. Dennis was predeceased by his son Dennis Biro Jr. in 2010. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth of Hamilton City, daughter, Elizabeth Reichow of Sacramento, five grandchildren, Chelsea Green of Lacey WA, Emmeli McGee of Magalia, Sara McGee of Fortuna, Nicholas McGee of Chico, Kaylee Olsen-Biro of Mililani HI and a great grandchild, Nicholas McGee Jr.