Rubin Bird Obituary

BIRD, Rubin Passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, November 4, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. Rubin was born May 10, 1913, in Sioux City, Iowa, to John and Tillie Bird. Rubin served a four year tour of duty in the South Pacific in the U.S. Army as a Corporal in the Signal Corps. He returned home safely and married the love of his life, Gertrude Mirkin, on March 30, 1947. In 1950 their son Steven was born, followed three years later by Robert. He was known to be an ambassador of good will, a community leader, an innovator, and an entrepreneur. This led to his many business endeavors. He opened The People's Store, a general merchandise store, in Hartington, Nebraska in the 1930's. He is remembered by many as having provided needed assistance during hard times. Rubin was a brilliant merchandiser, marketer and product innovator, generously gifting every newborn in Cedar County their first pair of baby shoes.
In 1956 Rubin, Trudy and their sons Steven and Robert, rejoined family members in Southern California. In the 1960's he joined his brother-in-law Morey Mirkin in the newly founded Budget Rent a Car business. He was actively involved in building the business and continued to be a driving force well into his 90's. He was the patriarch of his family and a personal and professional mentor to many. He was so pleased and took pride in the accomplishments and successes of those who sought his counsel and advice. Rubin was a lifetime member of the Masonic lodges in Yankton, SD, Hartington, NE and the Southern California Lodge in Los Angeles. He was also a member of the Los Angeles Scottish Rite and the Al Malaikah Shrine. Rubin is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Trudy, sons Steven (Laurie) and Robert (Gail), his grandchildren Justin, Lindsay and Amanda Bird, his sister Rona Tobias and many beloved family members and friends. Special thanks and appreciation to his outstanding caregivers Cecilia, Linda, Grace, Janet, Ina, and Esther. Services will be held on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Hillside Memorial Park Mortuary (800-576-1994). In lieu of flowers donations may be made to www.saluteheroes.org or the Masonic Home of California www.applyweb.com/public/contribute?s=MASONIC

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Nov. 5, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Rubin Bird

9 Entries

Ernie Sheesley

November 22, 2009

My thoughts are with you all in this time of loss. I knew Rubin only briefly, but knew him as a kind and compassionate man, who was always willing to help people. Steve and Rob and their exemplary up bringing are a testament to the integrity of their father. It has been a pleasure to have known him.

My condelences.

victoria moore-eyler

November 9, 2009

To The Bird Family:

My heart goes out to all of you.

May all your wonderful family memories fill you with comfort.

How lucky was I to know the entire Bird Family!?! LUCKY

Thank you for all my memories,
Vickie Moore-Eyler

November 9, 2009

Rubin, it was a pleasure knowing you and your family and I am proud to have been able to call you and your Sons my friends.
Paul
Paul L. Stokes, Major, USMC, Retired
[email protected]

Thmas Wintz

November 6, 2009

My friend who I teach with saw this obit and called me about it. I grew up in Hartington Ne. and distinctly remember the the Peoples Store. This was after Mr. Bird left Hartington. My family delivered the newspaper to the store. My dad moved to Hartington In 1947 to open the Wintz Funeral Home. I am sure my father knew Mr. Bird My mom who lived in the same house since 1947 just passed away on Oct. 11 at age 90. I have good memories of the old Peoples Store, even though Mr. Bird was gone by then when I was growing up. The store was his creation and it was a cool place of food and a gathering place as it doubled as a grocery store/ restaurant. Very fond memories. Mr. Bird sounded like an incredible man and he left quite a legacy. Hartington is still a great little town with lots of pride and my two brothers still run the Funeral Home to this day. I nowl live in Norwalk Ca.
Thomas Wintz

Thomas Wintz

November 6, 2009

Dick & Ruth Davis

November 6, 2009

I have known & loved Rubin all my 80 years. He was like a second father to me in both Sioux City, Iowa and California. Always my mentor, I was able to draw parallels of life's experiences from him.

My wife, Ruth, and I will sorely miss you, Rubin. We know God has reserved a special niche for you in heaven.

The Green Family

November 5, 2009

We send all of our condolences to the whole Bird family, from Anne, Doug, Emelie, Natalie and Max Green.

Rubin was always happy to talk about business in general, but he especially like to reminisce about the grocery business which both he and Doug had worked in, albeit many years apart. His outlook was strong, no challenge seemed unatainable when you talked about it with Rubin. When he attended Doug and Anne's wedding in 1999, he gave Doug a stiff warning to "take good care of Anne". Typical Rubin - honest, caring and good humoured. He will be missed.

Dave Lippa

November 5, 2009

Rubin, it was my honor to have met you. Your life, to me, embodies the American dream insofar how hard work and a dream can develop into prosperity not only monetarily but, more importantly, in virtue. I remember a conversation we had regarding World War II. If I remember correctly I believe you served in the Army Air Corps in the Pacific. You were a member of the Greatest Generation. I know your legacy will continue. God Bless You.

Shelley Kramer

November 5, 2009

Rest in peace, Rubin. We loved you very much. Ever since I met you, through my husband David Kramer, you were like a grandfather to me. You were always there to give advice, suggestions and interested in other people. You were generous and gave to others, and there will be no one else like you. You lived a long and happy life and We will remember you forever. Love, Shelley Kramer

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