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Sheila BIRD Obituary
1954 - 2012
Passed away in the arms of her husband, Thursday, November 29, 2012. After ten years as a journalist in private radio and with Radio Canada International, Sheila began a distinguished career in the Public Service. She worked at the Privy Council Office, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Department of Justice and played a key role in the Afghanistan Task Force. In November 2008, Sheila became a member of the RCMP's senior executive, as Executive Director of Public Affairs. In June 2011, she led the Force's Strategic Policy and Planning Directorate. Sheila received many citations and accolades during her career, most recently the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. In her honour, flags on RCMP buildings across Canada were lowered to half-staff. Sheila was the beloved wife of Ken Rock burn, mother of Lauren and Ellis, daughter of James and Lydia, and sister to Phillip (Jennifer), David, Andrew (Mary), Marian and Barbara (Dan).
In memory of Sheila, donations to the Maycourt Hospice would be greatly appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
26 Entries
January 19, 2017
Just thinking about Sheila today and how much she is missed by those who worked with her. I am so grateful for my memories and your kind and helpful advice. -Bernie
Barry Caplan
December 27, 2012
My sincerest heartfelt condolences to Ken and the family.
Pat Daley
December 12, 2012
Dear Ken and family, It is easily three decades since I have seen Sheila but have often thought of her and remember her with fondness and admiration. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Paul Gessell
December 10, 2012
Having been out of the country for several weeks, I just learned of Sheila's passing. We covered many of the same events on Parliament Hill many years ago. Sheila was always a true professional. To Ken and family: My thoughts are with you.
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Georgette Elston
December 7, 2012
Sheila was one of my first bosses and has remained an inspiration to me thoughout my career, and no doubt to many other women. My deepest sympathies to Ken, Lauren and Ellis.
Nancy Verrall Warren
December 6, 2012
So sorry to hear of Sheila's passing. Sincere sympathy to your entire family.
Shalindhi Perera
December 5, 2012
Ken, just heard the news about Sheila this morning - the words are not coming to me easily. Please accept my deepest condolences, extended to you and your family. Shalindhi
Michèle Pichette
December 4, 2012
Je me souviendrai de cette femme à la fois si forte et si douce - I will remember Sheila - together so strong and so sweet .
Kathy Graham
December 4, 2012
I have many times over the years thought of Sheila wondering what had become of her. We were good friends way back at Carleton Heights Public School. I always knew she was going to become someone more special than she already was as a young girl.
I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace beautiful Sheila.
December 4, 2012
Ken mon ami, I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts go out to you and your family.
Robert
December 4, 2012
I am with Sheila's family in spirit... I had the pleasure to work with Sheila and I will always remember her as a hard worker with wonderful family's values... She was a real communicator and we all learn from her... May she rest in peace!
Claire Tracy
December 3, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family. Sheila was a wonderful person that I got to know and admire when working as her Assistant at Justice.
I very saddened to hear that she had passed on.
Kim Trudel
December 3, 2012
Phil, Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your sister. No words can make the heartache go away. Treasure your memories and may they always make you smile.
Your neighbours - Kim, Pierre, and Alex Trudel
Melanie Scott
December 3, 2012
So many cherished memories. Love always to Ken, Lauren, and Ellis.
Gregory Scott
December 3, 2012
It is very sad to hear of and read this news. Sheila was a wonderful person. To the Bird family - The Scott family pass along our deepest sympathy and expressed sorrow.
Judy (Hamilton) Filipkowski
December 2, 2012
Dear Ken, Lauren and Ellis
I am so deeply saddened to know that you have lost Sheila. I wanted to let you know that my heart is breaking for you all during this very difficult time.
Sincerely believe that November is one of the cruelest months of the year but it is good that her suffering is now over and she is at peace.
My thoughts are with you my Brother.
George Abraham
December 2, 2012
My family and I will forever remember Sheila as somebody who helped me tremendously while at Justice Canada. You and the kids are in our prayers today. She was a wonderful person.
Cathy Allard
December 2, 2012
My heartfelt sympathies. It was truly an honour to have worked with Sheila at the Department of Justice.
Lena Sverdlov
December 2, 2012
My sincere condolences to Ken & the family.
I knew Sheila from our days at Radio Canada in the late '80s, and we became instant friends. She always had a great sense of humour, dignity & loyalty. I'll miss her dearly.
Carrie Groomes-Davis
December 2, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Rockburn and Bird family. I met Sheila and had the pleasure of being in the company of a wonderful woman and family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Carrie (Friend of David Bird)
December 2, 2012
Ken,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, Sheila. Tom and I send our sympathy at this sad time. Our thoughts are with you.
Barb Dempsey
Karen (van As) Eagleson
December 2, 2012
my thoughts are with all of you
Denise RUDNICKI
December 1, 2012
All my love and sympathies to Ken, Lauren and Ellis. Sheila was a wonderful friend to me. I have benefited enormously from her help and advice. I will miss her but I know the memories will last forever.
Lena Sverdlov
December 1, 2012
Will miss you, Sheila
Steve Mertl
December 1, 2012
I knew Sheila in our years at Carleton University's School of Journalism and encountered her sometimes, in her work at Foreign Affairs, at international conferences that I covered as a Canadian Press reporter. My sincere condolences to Ken, Lauren and Ellis, and to her many friends and colleagues.
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