Philip Bird

1935 - 2013

Philip Allen Bird Jr.

Helena —Our beloved Philip Allen Bird Jr. lost his battle with cancer on the 17th of November, 2013. Phil was born in Chicago to Phil Sr. and Maureen Bierd on November 24, 1935. After living in Washington DC for several years, the family moved to Great Falls, Montana, where Phil finished school.

Due to a bout with polio as a child, that nearly took his life, he struggled with the effects of Post Polio Syndrome for the last 20 years. True to form, Phil refused to wear leg braces, always figuring out a new way to get around. He didn't use a wheelchair until the very end, and he would show off his arm muscles to his admirers. It was a hallmark of his spirit: tenacious, stubborn and industrious.

His love of music drew him first to play the drums and then the saxophone. Phil started his own band -Phil Bird and the Bluebirds- as a freshman in high school and soon began earning money as a dance band. That love never left him, as our house was always filled with everything from Glenn Miller to German Polka.

Despite never having seen a basketball or knowing a thing about the game until the 6th grade, he decided to put together his own team with the kids who didn't get picked by the school team. He registered it as the "Largent Hotshots," with him as their coach. They lost every game, but that spirit of inclusiveness stayed with him. He spent the rest of his life taking every opportunity to help someone in need, whether through his work with United Way, various church organizations or simply being a good friend.

He met Carolyn Moody in 1955 in Missoula at the University of Montana. After a long courtship, they married and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary last June. Throughout the years, they danced in the kitchen together, horrified their children by kissing in front of them and declared their love for each other until the very end.

Phil is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughters Gretchen Stenson (Tim), Amy Kiffe (Steven) and Cara Walcheck (Bruce). He is also survived by his grandchildren Nathan, Tyler, Kate, Rachael and Elise Megan (Mick) Larson, their daughter Audrey and Missy Stenson, his brothers Richard and Koby Bird. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John.

Phil was a champion of his family and anyone fortunate enough to be called "friend." He nurtured, built confidence and challenged everyone to be better. He is our angel now and he will be missed forever.

A vigil will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon Monday, November 25, 2013 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing. A funeral reception will be in the social center at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Phil's name are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter's Hospital c/o St. Peter's Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.

Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Phil.