Tempe, Arizona
He Needed the Horizon
He was a corporate cowboy. Gary Bird worked in risk management, but his great joy was riding horses. He was practically born in the saddle. His mother was riding horses when she was eight months pregnant with him, until her doctor stopped her.
He lived in Tempe, Ariz., where he kept three quarter horses. He rode as often as he could, including multiday trail rides. His wife, Donna Killoughey Bird, and two children, Amanda, 15, and Andrew, 13, rode, too, but Mr. Bird was the avid one.
If he wasn't surrounded by open spaces, he would get edgy. In 1984, he was in New York for four days to attend a conference. By the fourth day, he told his wife, "I'm really claustrophobic here, because I can't see the horizon." As she put it, "It was a case of 'don't fence me in.' "
Mr. Bird, 51, took last summer off and spent a good part of it training a new filly named Dani. On Sept. 7, he rode the filly with a saddle for the first time. On Sept. 10, he began a new job as senior vice president at Marsh & McLennan. He was to work out of Phoenix, but spent the first two days in New York for meetings. On Sept. 11, he had a three-hour meeting starting at 8:15 a.m. at the Marsh offices in the World Trade Center. He told his wife he'd be home in Tempe by 8 p.m. for dinner.
Sorry this is late Gary.
I keep trying to post, but the system won't let me. You were remembered by several of our MCUHS classmates from Kingman. We will never forget you. Best wishes to Donna, Amanda and Andrew.
Jan Ripper-Morehead
September 16, 2022 | Las Cruces, NM | Classmate
I didn't know Gary personally, but I remember the shockwaves his passing sent through the AZ insurance community of which I was a part for 35 years. Saw lovely tributes to him yesterday on Marsh's memorial website. Sincerest continued condolences to his loved ones.
Leslie Honcharik
September 12, 2022 | Other
We remember Gary on this day, the 21st anniversary, and everyday. We're sure you are enjoying the sunsets and wide open spaces in God's Garden. Rest in Peace, Gary.
September 12, 2022
I saw this sunset today Gary in Sedona, AZ and thought of you.
Jan R
ipper-morehead
Saw this sunset in Sedona, AZ today Gary and thought of you.
Your High School Classmate
Jan Ripper-Morehead
Jan Ripper-Morehead
September 12, 2021 | Las Cruces, NM | Classmate
Remembering Gary on the 20th anniversary of 9/11....
Cindy Roe
September 01, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
For some unknown reason, I couldn’t get on this page yesterday. Just wanted to let you know that I’ve seen a few post on Facebook that your children, Andrew and Amanda have shared. Looks like they are doing well, based on their comments and pictures. Once again you were remembered by many of our high school friends on Facebook. We will never forget you Gary.
Jan Ripper-Morehead
Jan Ripper-Morehead
September 12, 2020 | Las Cruces, NM | Classmate
I had the honor to work with Gary Bird in Phoenix at PD. He was an incredible person, always willing to share his knowledge and understanding. He treated everyone with true kindness and humanity. He always took the time to listen.
I honor his memory every year and send his family my prayers every day.
S Kelley
September 11, 2020 | Coworker
While I did not know - I knew of him - RIP Gary Bird ~ may the wind always be at your back....
Dawn McLean
September 11, 2019 | Surprise, AZ | Acquaintance
Another year has gone by Gary. At our 50th High School Reunion last year, your wife Donna asked me if I would do a Friend Request on Facebook to your two children Andrew and Amanda. I have enjoyed seeing comments they have made regarding their lives. You and Donna have two wonderful children, who care about our making our world better, in all ways. You are missed by many, but will never be forgotten.
Jan Ripper-Morehead
Class of 1968
Mohave County Union High School
Jan Ripper-Morehead
September 11, 2019 | Las Cruces, NM | Classmate