Richard Eugene Bird

Richard Eugene Bird, devoted husband, father and grandfather, returned to his Heavenly home on Monday, July 30, 2012.
Richard was born Sept. 19, 1937 in Glendale, Arizona, to Edith Marie Laidlaw Bird and Eldred Holloway Bird. Ten minutes after his birth he was joined by his twin brother, Donald C. Bird. Dick and Don joined three older sisters and two older brothers, which filled the Bird "nest" to capacity.
Richard's father passed away when he was very young. His mother eventually moved the family to Sugar City, where she continued to raise the family by working in the Sugar-Salem School District.
Richard became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was baptized at the age of 12. He spent most of his time in the service of others through his church callings and through his many years working as a professor at Ricks College in Rexburg.
He married his high school sweetheart Beth Clark from Newdale, Idaho in the Idaho Falls Temple on Aug. 2, 1957.
After graduating with his master of fine arts degreefrom Brigham Young University in 1971, he came to Ricks College (now Brigham Young University-Idaho) and began his career as a teacher in the art department. He taught a variety of disciplines including illustration, perspective drawing, watercolor, and ceramics just to name a few. He was instrumental in beginning and fostering the growth of the graphic design program that allowed students to not only learn the profession but to produce the graphics the university needed. He was a member _of the Idaho Watercolor Society and won many awards for his watercolors and oil paintings. Richard retired in 2003 and continued doing what he loved - painting, serving others and spending time with his wife, Beth, his children and grandchildren.
Richard was honored to receive the exemplary teacher award at Ricks College. He recently was the recipient of the 2010 Governor's Award in the arts and the Eliza R. Snow award from BYU-Idaho for 2012.
Richard was a great example to those he came in contact with and will be remembered for his strong testimony of Jesus Christ, his kindness and generosity, which continues to emanate in the hearts of those he has associated with.
He is survived by his dear wife of 55 years, Beth Clark Bird, of Rexburg; Richard Michael and Karla Kostoff Bird, son and daughter-in-law of Lindon, Utah, David Eugene and Leslie Pincock Bird, son and daughter-in-law of Orem, Utah, Brenda Lee Bird Williams and Tyler R. Williams, daughter and son-in-law of Rigby, Andrea Beth Bird, daughter, of Sandy, Utah; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson with two more on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jack and two sisters, Marie and Jane.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3 at the Park Street LDS Chapel with Bishop Wayne Erikson officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home and again from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.
Richard's final resting place will be in the Sugar City Cemetery, where some 55-plus years ago he proposed to his sweetheart.
We love you and will miss you!
Condolences may be sent on line to www.flammfh.com.