WILLIAM EDWARD (BILL) BIRD

On Friday, May 1, 2015, Bill, surrounded by his family, passed on to his next life.
Bill fought hard in his battle against cancer.
Bill, or Billy as his family knew him, was an accomplished fisherman and hunter; he loved and lived for the outdoors. In his early years, he was a guide at a camp at Great Slave Lake, bringing home Arctic char for everyone to sample.
After his guiding experience, he lived in LaRonge Sask., where he worked as a diamond driller.
Bill also worked in the bush and held various jobs until he landed a custodian position with Rainy River District School Board, a position he held until his prognosis four yeas ago, which then led to his early retirement.
In addition to his work experiences and fishing and hunting, Bill enjoyed his dart nights and playing horseshoes when the opportunity arose.
Bill was proud of both his Calder and McPherson roots. He loved family, learning many skills, and his knowledge of Rainy Lake from his grandfathers, Ed McLeod and Billy Woods.
Billy survived by his parents, Rose and Dick Bird; children, Amber (Jeremy) Richard, (Christina), and Rory Bird; and step-daughter, Danielle Garon.
Bill also leaves behind his 10 beloved grandchildren.
He is survived, as well, by his loving siblings, Peggy and Buddy Loyie, Donna and Dennis Brunn, Dan and Deb Bird, Rick Bird and Ruthie Larsen, and Bob and Shirley Bird; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, uncles, aunties, and cousins too numerous to mention.
As per Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 8, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish at Couchiching First Nation, with Fr. Victor De Gagné officiating.
A luncheon will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 and everyone is welcome to attend.
The honourary pallbearers will be his brothers, Rick, Dan, and Bob Bird; brothers-in-law, Buddy Loyie and Dennis Brunn; and friends, Arleigh Bruyere and Calvin Smith.
We ask that in lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations be made to Riverside Health Care or the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 in Fort Frances.