Gary Bird Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

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.

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Hi Again Gary, I saw a story on the news last night about a College Level course that a group of teachers took on the importance of teaching today's students about what happened on 9-11. I was getting ready for work that morning when the first plane crashed. I was teaching Kindergarten at the time. The children had many questions the next day about what happened. I didn't know about you at this time. (Our classmate Scott Dunton notified me. I hope you two have reconnected by now.) For the...

Jan Ripper-Morehead

September 11, 2025

My fond appreciation of your kindness, has never left me from the time I first met you in 1997. I know you are with God in Heaven and want to Thank You Gary, for caring about people, and their safety, and well being. You were always there to render aid at Phelps Dodge. As a coworker you were and will always be the best safety person I have ever met. My God in Heaven, You have one of Best Men You ever made right there with You.

Thomas J. Klimek

September 10, 2025 | Work

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

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

Gary Bird

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