Charles Bird Obituary

Charles William Bird Oct. 10, 1923 - Jan. 9, 2011. Bill Bird, beloved husband, father, friend. Born in Kanosh, Utah, he moved to Riverside as a child. Graduated from Stanford after serving in WWII, then developed a long, successful career as a stock broker in San Francisco. He loved his work, fishing, playing saxophone and especially time with family and friends. He will be missed by his wife of 51 years, Isabelle; sister Ellen Wheeler; children Marianne, Chuck (Jenny) and Steven (Stephanie) Bird; and grandchildren Charley, Kylie and James Bird. Preceded in death by son Jimmy. Memorial service Sat, Jan 29, 1:00 pm, the Family Club, 545 Powell St., San Francisco. Remembrances to Family House, www.familyhouseinc.org, or Hospital de la Familia, PO Box 12981, Berkeley 94712.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 21 to Jan. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Bird

9 Entries

January 10, 2020

Charles, Just within the past few weeks you were remembered fondly by your son, Chuck and his friends, while visiting and enjoying the Bird's Nest in Burney. Old photos of your younger days were seen, then questions and stories followed. You are certainly not being forgotten. The way you lived your life and the positive impact left, is being carried on by your family. You can be proud!

Nicole & Bob Ptolemy

January 29, 2011

Uncle Bill will be greatly missed, we have many fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

Dave Austin

January 28, 2011

Bill was a great guy. I enjoyed talking to him about all kinds of subjects, and he had a good way of looking at things.

The highest compliment ever paid to me was when Bill saw me casting in Montana, and declared to everyone around that I was the next Steve Rajeff.

Dante Ramirez

January 27, 2011

Mr Bird was one of the finest men i have ever known. He called me his "trader" since i processed work for him. He was very generous, and would take me to his favorite place for lunch, Sams. Whenever we went there i could see for myself how special he was to all of the people there. He told me one time that he was related to Gordie Howe. He also gave me a CD of he performing up at Harveys in Lake Tahoe with a group of musicians. I play that CD often, and it makes me smile every time that i do.

I would like to offer best wishes to Mrs Bird, and his entire family. I will always be grateful to have known this good man. He was a throwback to the days when stockbrokers worked tirelessly for their clientele. May he never be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Henry Calanchini

January 25, 2011

Besides being a kind and generous friend, to me Bill was a classic figure from a golden age. He was the guy who won the casting tournament at the Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club in 1966 and caught the 10 lb brown trout hanging over the mantle at The Bird's Nest in Burney. He played Big Band saxophone with his buddies, told great stories, could cast an entire 90' fly line with ease and, at the end of the day, he could "build" the best Old Fashioned.

Shortly after I started fly fishing I was standing on the banks of Lava Creek in Shasta County when Bill walked up and took the beginner fly rod from my hand. He proceeded to make a couple false casts then laid the entire line out in one smooth action. Handing the rod back to me he said with a grin "That's a pretty good rod kid" then turned and walked off. Even now, twenty years later, I still can't make a cast like that. Bill, I'm glad I had the chance to know you. The Boys will all miss you at the trout season opener this year, and every year. We'll catch one for you Bill. Tight lines up there!

Paul and Gretchen Maccoux

January 24, 2011

I will always remember Bill as a man with many talents. I remember going with my wife, Gretchen, and Chuck and Jenny to listen to Bill play in the Ray Simpson Big Band before our weddings in '91. I also remember him giving fly casting tips in the backyard at Lava Creek or giving advice on where to fish the riffle. He will be dearly missed by the Burney Cabin Trout Opener crew. Our thoughts and prayers are with Isabelle and the entire family.

Richard Newman

January 18, 2011

I remember Bill taking my Father and I to Burney when I was a young boy. We had fun fishing with him. Later we went to his cabin with my family. He was a good friend to my father. May he rest in peace.

Todd Kurtzman

January 18, 2011

I knew Bill Bird as the father of my childhood neighbors and friends, Jimmy and Steve. I am grateful for his commitment to his family, as Steve has remained a lifelong best friend, his character a reflection of that of his father. To Isabelle, Steve, Chuck and Marianne, I send my condolences and love.

Lesile & John Mohr

January 16, 2011

Bill was such a great family patriarch and a good friend to many. He will be missed and his good deeds will live on. His special ways brought alot good people together to bring about great things. May time and good memories bring comfort to the family.

With fond memories and love,The Mohr's

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