Tribute

In Loving Memory of Gordon Kenneth Bird

1936 – 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gordon Kenneth Bird, who left us peacefully in the quiet early hours of December 12, 2025. A man of quiet strength and enduring loyalty, Gordon’s 89 years were defined by his devotion to his family and a life-long commitment to the communities he called home.

Born in the small town of Westward Ho, Alberta, to Lena and Harold Bird, Gordon’s greatest journey began at the tender age of thirteen when he met Shirley. Theirs was a rare and beautiful romance that spanned over seven decades. Married for 70 years, Gordon and Shirley were the bedrock of their family.

In 1963, Gordon and Shirley brought their young sons, Steven and Greg, to Salt Spring Island. They settled on 100 acres of rugged beauty now known as Maliview, a place where Gordon’s work ethic took root. For 25 years, he served the Saanich Municipality as a Sanitary Engineer, instilling in his children and grandchildren a profound respect for service and community-values that remain his greatest gift to the generations that follow.

Retirement in 1990 brought a move to Bowser, where Gordon found joy in the simple rhythms of life: the camaraderie of neighbours, the thrill of a bingo game, and countless hours spent in his wood shop, where he worked with a precision that mirrored his character.

Some of the family’s fondest memories are of the iconic brown-and-orange interior camper van. Those summers spent traversing Vancouver Island with his granddaughters were the highlight of his later years—a time of exploration, laughter, and the gentle guidance only a grandfather can provide.

In 2017, life came full circle as Gordon and Shirley returned to Salt Spring Island to live with Greg and Barb. As their needs changed, they transitioned into the care of the exceptional staff at Heritage Place and, eventually, the Extended Care unit at Lady Minto Hospital. Our family is profoundly grateful to the healthcare team for the dignity and compassion they showed Gordon in his final days, and for their ongoing support of Shirley.

Gordon is survived by his sons, Steven and Greg (Barb); his granddaughters, Rita, Terri, Aleesha (Tony), Samantha (Raitis), and Lena (Owen); and his beloved great-grandchildren, Evan, Kaiya, James, Abby, Eli, Noah, and Aubrietta.

A small service to lay “Grandpa Bird” to rest will be held in spring 2026 at Hatley Memorial Gardens in Victoria, B.C., with a date to be announced.

To all who showed Gordon kindness throughout his long and meaningful life, we thank you.

Take care, Grandpa- and enjoy one last treat for us.