William Douglas "Bill" Bird

1940 - 2021

BIRD, William Douglas (Bill) January 7, 1940 - October 16, 2021 William Douglas Bird (Bill Bird) passed away in Victoria, B.C., on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the age of 81. He lived a wonderfully spirited and successful life alongside cherished friends and family, and his dog Shilo. Bill is survived by his wife Joan (Robertson) whom he met at the PNE in Vancouver. Bill and Joan were married in 1962 and went on to have two wonderful children: his daughter, Catherine du Puy (Ron du Puy), and his son, Lorne Bird (Fatou Jobe Bird). He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Brett, Jennifer, Justine, and Reid du Puy, and Narcisa Grigore-Bird, as well as two furry grand-dogs, Harley and Rhea. Moreover, he is survived by his younger sister Bertha Wigboldus (Simon), his sister-in-law Barbara Baker (Keith), his sister-in-law, Lois Jackson and sister-in-law Dian Bird, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved. Bill spent his life doing the things he loved most: boating, carving and turning wood, exploring the outdoors, photography, and painting. He was a vanguard in his career demonstrating diverse lifelong talents that engaged him in everything from working on an oil tanker as an apprentice engineer, working as project manager for Park and Tillford Distillery, to various other leadership positions in sales and marketing, finally "easing into retirement", working in real estate. Bill also spent a good deal of his time teaching at BCIT and Camosun, volunteering and engaged in Restorative Justice, the Christmas Bureau, serving as Councilman for North Saanich and other worthy causes. Perhaps his most demanding job was abiding by, and getting others to abide by Joan's wishes, as well as checking in with his grandkids' well-being, academic, and career progress on a regular basis. Throughout his battle with Alzheimer's Bill exemplified one of his favourite quotes, "You've just got to keep going", practicing this until his last life breath. The family would like to thank all the staff at the Heights at Mt. View care home for the excellent care they provided to "BillBird - Rm 238" during his stay. There will a celebration of life in the Summer of 2022 for family and close friends in Victoria, B.C. (date and time TBD). If desired, the family requests all donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Society of British Columbia. "One person caring for another represents life's greatest value" John Rohn Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com