Steven Bird

Steven Michael Bird

Steven Michael Bird, 67, died peacefully on October 22, 2024, at home in his sleep. He is survived by his daughters, Colista Rose and Davita; his sisters Sarah (and her husband, George Jones and son, Gabriel Bird-Jones), Martha, and Kay; his brother Tom (and his wife, Brooke Tully and son Aaron Bird), and Steve's former wife, Ruth Ellen Thomson. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, John Aaron Bird and Colista Marie Bird, his brother, John Bird and his sister-in-law, Jennifer Bird.

Steve grew up in Albuquerque, attending Kirtland Elementary School, Wilson Junior High School, Highland High School, UNM School of Engineering, and UNM School of Medicine. He travelled to North Carolina to attend Duke University School of Medicine.

Steve engaged life in many varied spheres, but always with enthusiasm, humor, curiosity, and panache. He was a dedicated and loving father to his daughters, a physician, a magician, a dapper ballroom dance instructor, and, briefly, a transcendental meditator and a bad-ass teenage rebel. Steve reveled in learning, a quality that made him a considerate conversationalist, a devotee of documentaries on almost any subject, an avid visitor of art museums, and an enthusiastic student in university courses throughout his adulthood. He loved dogs, bargain-hunted assiduously, and was a strong proponent of family togetherness.

He loved life.

Steve waged intelligent, well-researched war against his Parkinson's disease for more than 20 years. His resilience, grace, and strength inspired all of us. We will remember him always, lovingly, as an example of resourceful and determined resistance to adversity.

Steve's remains have been cremated. His family will hold a private memorial observance to honor Steve's life at the family home.