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Jeffrey Bird Obituary
Jeff was born in Calgary and graduated from Lord Beaverbrook High School. He attended the University of Calgary where he earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematics. He worked at Westfair Foods, where he met his beloved wife.
Jeff then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 2005 and was posted to 4 Wing Cold Lake. He completed his flight training in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and Gagetown, New Brunswick. Jeff was awarded his wings in 2009, and was then posted to 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton, Alberta. He was deployed to Afghanistan on Operation Athena, Roto 11, from March to September 2011. In 2012, he was posted to Moose Jaw as an instructor pilot until his retirement from the RCAF in 2016.
After his retirement, Jeff and his family moved home to Calgary, where he accepted a position as a flight instructor at Mount Royal University.
Jeff is survived by his wife Carly Barnett, daughter Celeste Bird, son Shane Bird, mother Dinah Kruze (Bob), father George Bird (Anie), brother David Bird (Ashley), as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday February 19, 2017 at 2pm at Bella Concert Hall, Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts, Mount Royal University, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW in Calgary. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeff's name to YMCA Strong Kids.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
48 Entries
Deana & Cole Imler
February 13, 2018
We can't believe it's been a year already. Please know you are still in our thoughts often. We are sending our love to Jeff's friends & family today.
Jordan .
February 24, 2017
Our thoughts go out to the Bird and Barnett families. Jeff and his family recently moved into our neighborhood. A little while ago I was able to introduce myself to Jeff while we were shoveling our driveways. In the short 25 minutes we spoke together in the falling snow. We spoke about our families, past jobs, fishing or the lack of getting the chance to fish. While we were standing there laughing , another neighbor came over to speak with Jeff and myself. I can imagine what the other neighbors and our wives watching through there frost covered windows were thinking as three full grown men were standing in the cold snowy weather, laughing and telling tales and stories. Just meeting Jeff for that very short time. I know his family, friends and co-workers will miss him so much and our thoughts are with all of you. I'm pretty sure when I get the chance to go fishing this summer, there will be a moment of thoughts of a future fishing buddy and good neighbor I (we) never got the chance to know. R.I.P. Jordan
Nwachukwu Chidi
February 23, 2017
Mr George Bird and family, the leadership and members of Dominion High Commission Int'l Church, Eket sincerely condole with you in this moment of grief and great loss.We know that no words will be enough to comfort your hearts at this moment.
May you find comfort in the word of the Lord that assures us of life after now where we will be privileged once again to see our loved once.
Pastor Chidi Nwachukwu
Idongesit Nsikan
February 23, 2017
George, Annie Bird & Family, we sympathize with you on the death of your son Captain Jeffrey(rtd). Thought death is an inevitable end to all mortals, its rather sad it came this early. Jeffrey was a good son, husband and father, a good and loyal citizen whose positive impacts was felt. May his soul rest in peace, and may God give you the grace to bear this loss. Remain blessed.
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Nsikan Benson
February 22, 2017
George and Family, our sincere condolences over the death of your son.It is only God that can comfort you and give you the grace to bear this loss, please be strong, may the good Lord strengthen you and your family in this moment of grief. We will keep praying for you.
John (Jocky) Welsh
February 22, 2017
Bird Family, I was fortunate enough to be a colleague and friend of Jeff's at Westfair. He was an incredible individual whom brought a smile to my face each and every morning when he walked into the office. I was deeply saddened when I heard of this loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all in the coming days, months, and years. Carly you are an amazing young strong woman take care.
Kim Roman
February 21, 2017
George and Family, my deepest condolences for the loss of your son. I remember him as a child running around the squash club with his younger brother while his dad played and he clearly grew up to be an exceptional and accomplished man who left a very positive influence on the world and all those he met. Blessings to you all.
Garth,June,Jeff,Kelsi Walter
February 20, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss, words can not begin to take away the pain. May the love of family and friends help you get through the rough times. Our prayers go out to Carly,Celeste,Shane
Tyson & Jenn Burr
February 20, 2017
All our condolences - so terribly sorry for your loss.
Marty Sherriff
February 19, 2017
To George and the Bird family,
My thoughts are with you and the family in this great loss. My deepest sympathies and condolences.
Jason Jackson
February 19, 2017
It was an honour to have known you growing up and spending time with you. So sad to see you go but i know you love to fly and now you're flyin higher than ever. My condolences go out to George, David and your new family.
Wendy Borowski
February 19, 2017
Dinah and Family,
My deepest condolances on hearing of the loss of Jeffrey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Mary-Anne Gauthier
February 19, 2017
Dinah and family, my sincere condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mary-Anne Gauthier
Gail Smith
February 19, 2017
My deepest Sympathies---have thought of u a lot this week Carly ---my prayers go out to u
Cheryle Borowski
February 19, 2017
Jeff's bright smile will be missed. My deepest condolences for the loss of such a great individual.
Bryndis Whitson
February 19, 2017
I worked with Jeff in the summer of 2003 as data collectors on the 'crew'. Jeff was warm and friendly. I can never listen to a Ska band and Reel Big Fish without thinking of him. As a child of the Air Force and the daughter of a 408 pilot, I was so interested in seeing his career and was looking forward to having him speak with the older veterans about his stories. Thank you for sharing Jeff with all of us. Per Ardua Ad Astra
Doris & Dave Hawkins
February 19, 2017
Our hearts go out to you Carly, Celeste, Shane & all the Barnett and Bird families at this very sad time. It was a real privilege to have met Jeff and we will always remember him as a loving husband, father and family member. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Bob Hardie
February 19, 2017
So terribly sorry to hear about your loss.
Take care at this very sad time.
- Bob and Marilyn and the entire Hardie family
Leah Martyniuk
February 19, 2017
My deepest condolences to you Carly and your family. It was a such a pleasure to work with you Carly and get to know your wonderful family! You are in my prayers and thoughts!! Big hugs to you!! Xx
Kathy and Keith Coskey
February 19, 2017
We are thinking of everyone who was lucky enough to have known Jeff. We are especially sad for his dear wife Carly and his two small children and all of his family who loved him dearly. We will remember his smiling face when last we saw him at his sister in law Gillians wedding. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy to all who knew him and will miss him.
Kathy and Keith Coskey
Margaret Brown
February 18, 2017
Dinah and family, my sincerest condolences to you all.
Dave Rackham
February 18, 2017
I unfortunately did not get to know Jeff as well as I would have liked. However I did get to witness his love for Carly and his family. Carly, Meg's and my heart goes out to you and your family.
February 18, 2017
Dinah and family,
Wanting to express our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your son. Thinking of you during this difficult time
Debbie & Don
Ross Aitken
February 18, 2017
George and Family, our deepest condolences on your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Mark, Sheena, Jane & Kate Ryall
February 17, 2017
Jeff was a brilliant man, always a joy to be around. We could go a long time without talking, then pick right up where we left off. He will be deeply missed. Our condolences to Carly and family. Our thoughts are with you through this hard time.
Rhonda Simms
February 17, 2017
My deepest sympathy to you Carly, Celeste&Shane and family. Sending lots of hugs.
Lucie Bernier-Lycka
February 17, 2017
Deepest condolences to Carly and the children and the Barnett and Bird family.
We are so sorry for your loss. May God bless you during these trying times and know that Carly, if you need anything from us at the clinic or from me personally, pl don't hesitate to ask. Love Lucie
Mark Vooght
February 17, 2017
Carly and family:
Our best wishes at this difficult time. We have said prayers.
Mark & Bernadette Vooght,
Moose Jaw.
Norm & Jo Ann Denslow
February 17, 2017
George and family,
Jeff's Big Smile not only showed how happy he was but also how proud he was to be your son. Our deepest condolences.
February 16, 2017
George and family, my deepest condolences on your lost.
Brian Jamieson
Kirsten Jaron
February 16, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the entire Bird and Barnett families on your tragic loss. My thoughts will be with you during this most difficult time.
Lisa Fahl
February 16, 2017
To the Bird family, Carly Barnett, Celeste, and Shane : I work at the Moose Jaw College Daycare and Celeste was in my care. Her father and her had a very special bond. My thoughts are with you all. Lisa Fahl
Eugene Yuzwak
February 16, 2017
So sad to hear this news. Condolence to all the Bird families. Jeff was such a great neighbor kid when he was still at his Dad home before setting out on his great carrier.
February 16, 2017
I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Captain Jeffrey Bird. The loss of Jeffrey is a heartbreak taking of a young man's life that has impacted the entire Royal Canadian Air Force; the Canadian military family; the Mount Royal University student body and faculty, now and forever. We must never forget Jeffrey's military contribution in order that we all can enjoy the freedom of being Canadian.
My thought and prayers are with the Bird family during these difficult times.
Stan Schwartz
RCAF Honorary Colonel Emeritus
Robert Bagley
February 16, 2017
George
May I offer my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of Jeffrey. I know how proud you are of both of your sons.
Becki Quarrier
February 16, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the Bird family and to all who knew him. I will remember Jeff's bright face and how his smile lit up the room. Very honoured to have crossed paths with this gentleman.
February 16, 2017
To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell
Carly and your family, George and Annie and the Bird/Byrd clan, my heart is so heavy for you. Jeff is flying high!
Pam Roach
February 16, 2017
Carly I am so very sorry to hear this tragic news. You and your children have been and will remain in my thoughts. Sincere condolences.
Cheryle Borowski
February 16, 2017
Your bright smile will be missed every single day.
Janet Craig
February 16, 2017
Carly, our hearts go out to you and your children. You are in our thoughts.
Janet Craig, Wendy Dawson, and everyone at the Glenora Medical Clinic in Edmonton
Chelsea & Paul Power
February 16, 2017
Events upon us are unbelievable and unbearable. Our deepest condolences. Jeff was such a bright face/attitude amongst our class. Such a genuine sole to have been lost at such a young age
Garnet Bird
February 16, 2017
We will miss you Jeff, Love Uncle G and Cheyene
Carol Lehman
February 16, 2017
Dinah, Bob, Carly and Family, there are no words to convey how sorry we are for your loss. May the wonderful memories of Jeff that you hold dear give you some comfort during this terrible time. Our thoughts are with you all.
Carol Lehman and Brian St. Cyr
Corinne Sato
February 16, 2017
My sincere condolences to Jeff's loved ones. I was fortunate enough to meet Jeff at Beaverbrook, where we were not only just classmates, we became friends. What I will always remember about Jeff is that he could light up a room with his large and infectious smile. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Nelson Bird
February 16, 2017
Judy and I, and our entire family, send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jeff Bird. We were so fortunate to meet and get to know Jeff - our young cousin. A life well lived...but taken much too soon. May he rest in peace.
February 16, 2017
Our deepest condolences go out to your family and friends. Our thoughts are with you.
Alan and Cheryl Yamada
Walter Zarins
February 16, 2017
Oh Dinah, Carly, family, ...words cannot convey the loss and sorrow felt by one and all. May the memories of Jeffrey keep him close to your hearts and thoughts forever. Walter, Kate, Melissa & Spidola Zarins
Jaclyn, Don, Kate and Nicholas Wehlage
February 16, 2017
We will remember Jeff's infectious smile and joyful approach to parenting and life in general. His love for and dedication to his family was second to none. Much love always to Jeff, Carly, Celeste, Shane and their families.
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