Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1924
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Robert Bird Obituary
Bird, Robert Byron
MADISON - Robert Byron Bird, age 96, passed away on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, in Madison, Wis. He was born on Feb. 5, 1924, in Bryan, Texas, to the late Byron and Ethel Bird. After serving in the U.S. Army as an officer in the 90th Chemical Mortar Battalion during World War II, Bob dedicated his life to teaching, writing and research. Bob received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, where he continued for over 60 years as a professor in the chemical engineering department and as Professor Emeritus after his retirement. Bob is known for his research, books and papers on Transport Phenomena of Non-Newtonian fluids, including fluid dynamics of polymers, polymer kinetic theory and rheology. He lectured and taught internationally and received numerous awards, including the National Medal of Science in 1987 awarded by President Ronald Reagan, the Bingham Medal in 1974 and Eringen Medal in 1983.
Bob was fascinated by foreign languages and spoke eight fluently and authored several books in and on the Japanese and Dutch languages. He was granted the Dutch title Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau for his "exceptional contributions to the promotion of Dutch language and culture in the United States and at the University of Wisconsin." He loved hiking, canoeing, writing limericks, creating puzzles and hot chocolate. He loved opera, classical music and was an accomplished pianist, organist and composer. Bob was an avid genealogist, authoring several books on his family heritage.
Bob is survived by his brother, John Bird and John's wife, Patricia, of McKinney, Texas; along with three nieces and two nephews, their spouses, their children and grandchildren.
In lieu of a funeral service, Bob wanted to sponsor an organ concert to be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Madison. Due to current conditions this concert will be held in his memory at a later date.
A private burial service will be held in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where Bob will be laid to rest next to his parents. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.
In lieu of sending flowers please make donations in his memory to the University of Wisconsin Foundation at the following link: www.supportuw.org/giveto/BirdMemorial.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bird
Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.
3 Entries
Daryl Lund Professor Emeritus
November 22, 2020
Professor Bird was an international icon in Chemical Engineering. I was fortunate enough to have had him in a course. He was an outstanding teacher and caring about his students in addition to having a genius mind. May he rest inpeace. I am so lucky to have him pass my way also.
Duane Kittleson
November 22, 2020
Bob was a great friend to me. During the time I lived next door at Oakwood I saw what a complete gentleman he was. He was so interesting , to listen to his stories was like a kind "grandpa" I could only imagine would have been like. I shall truly miss him.
The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
November 22, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Bird's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Bird
Funeral services provided by:
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Bird's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
