Stanley Henry Bird
March 12th, 2016
Stanley (Stan) Henry Bird passed away peacefully on March 12, 2016 in Peace Arch Hospital surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Dorothy of 67 years; sons Jim (Brenda) and Rob (Carol); grandchildren Erik (Christine), Karl, Ethan, Sam, and Carly; great-grandchildren Makenna and Riley.
Stan was born in Lashburn, Saskatchewan and spent his early years moving from Waseca, Saskatchewan to Fruitvale, BC, then back to Waseca, then Calgary and Burnaby BC and again back to Waseca. Somewhere in the moves Stan’s younger brother David was born, his only sibling, who has pre-deceased him. So many of Stan’s stories came from his formative years in Waseca.
When World War II broke out Stan enlisted, and after training became stationed as a mechanic with the RCAF in England. Interesting to note that Stan had commando training and was destined for Burma. The military changed his destination en route to Burma and he was surprised to be dropped in England! Stan was proud to serve Canada and his military experience shaped his outlook on life in so many ways.
Stan’s parents moved from Waseca during the war years and never returned. After being discharged from the RCAF Stan arrived in Burnaby. He found work in the Bank of Nova Scotia and it was there that he first noticed a young lady who brought in deposits for her employer.
Stan and Dorothy were married April 2, 1949 and settled into married life in Burnaby. Sons Jim and Rob were born in New Westminster and the family lived in Burnaby until 1965 when Stan and Dorothy moved to White Rock. They then remained in White Rock and South Surrey.
Stan’s working career after the War took him through the Bank, the Post Office and then to the Provincial Government’s Department of Public Works at Essondale and finally to a senior management position with the BC Building Corporation from which he retired in 1983.
Stan Bird had a recognized gift for clear thinking, common sense and a discipline to manage based on facts not perception. These he applied to various boards on which he enjoyed serving. These included the Credit Union, Peace Arch Hospital and the White Rock Evangelical Free Church. At White Rock Baptist Church where Stan and Dorothy were members, he ushered and was involved in a program for boys.
After retiring from BC Building Corporation Stan worked alongside his son Rob’s construction business. He provided skilled labour (lots of free advice) and did the bookkeeping. In fact he did the bookkeeping almost to the end of 2015.
Those who met Stan always enjoyed his cheerful, friendly and open manner. Around town in the places where he did shopping he was known for his stories.
The grandchildren also remember Granddad’s stories and just being around him. While the great grandchildren had considerably shorter time (Makenna 5 years old and Riley 2 years old) they did have their time with Great Granddad and he loved to see them.
Stan was dedicated and committed to all of his family members. Up until November 2015, he had cared for his loving wife Dorothy at which point Dorothy and Stan had to be separated due to her care needs. On April 2, 2016, it would have been their 67th wedding anniversary.
Stan was a committed follower of Jesus Christ and while we grieve and miss him as family we take comfort in the Savior’s words “ Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.” We look forward to be re-united with Stan again and to share that joy.
Memorial Service Saturday, April 3rd at 2:00 PM in White Rock Baptist Church, 1657 140th Street, Surrey. Should friends desire, donations to the African Children’s Choir, appreciated.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
