James Bird

With deep sadness and broken hearts we announce the passing of Jim Bird, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Born in Selkirk, Manitoba, he is remembered by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Dolores, two daughters: Debbie (Peter), Karen (Dwight), Step-son Scott, grandchildren: Robbie(Sally), Tawnee(Chad), Danica(Tom), Tyler(Holly), Shyla,Scott(Liana) and Dean, great-grandchildren: Hailey, Max, Fletcher, Cassia, Kalem, Keaton and Carter. As well as many extended family members and friends whose lives he has touched over his 86 years. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Saltspring Island, B.C., on Mar. 22nd 2014 at 1 p.m.With respect, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions /donations may be sent to Selkirk College 'The James Bird Bursary', 301 Frank Beinder Way, Castlegar, B.C. V1N 4L3 Tribute James Christopher Bird, was one of seven children born to William and Cecilia (Kipling) in Selkirk MB. He is predeceased by all four brothers, John, Charlie and Einor, Ernie and his two sisters, Elsie and May. Jim was raised by his Grandparents, Jack and Jessie Kipling on the Red River. He struck out on his own at the age of twelve and started his labouring years working on fishing boats, soon after working in the mining industry as a ' powder man'. Jim travelled many parts of Canada as a miner, from Churchill MB, NWT, YK, and many parts of BC and at 27 met his future wife Dolores in B.C. They were married, and moved to Squamish in 1954 and started a family soon after. They resided in Squamish BC, for 18 years, where he finished his mining career, worked in the local lumber mill, MacMillan Bleodell, as a boom man. He also worked as a powder man building many roads and rail lines. Then worked with BC Hydro as a 'line' truck driver. This career, enabled him to eventually transfer to Saltspring Island BC, where Dolores and him finally retired.Jim, was an extremely hard worker and always had some project on the go.Dolores and Jim, shared their love for country music, camping and playing crib. Jim was a skilled hunter and provided his family with many meals f rom his successful hunting trips. He loved hunting and did that for many years with his friends.Over the years, Jim, has made friends where ever he goes, always smiling, kind, and willing to help, whenever needed. Jim, was always there to lend a hand, visit a friend who was sick or just needed someone to talk to. Always, looking on the bright side and when asked how he was doing the usual answer was '100%'!Jims grandchildren and great grandchildren were the 'light of his life'. Loving and proud of each and everyone no matter what! Children loved him instantly, how could they resist! The wee ones in the neighborhood would be trailing around him asking questions and calling him 'Uncle Jim'!Always, gracious and humble our loving father Jim Bird. What will we do without your laughter, jokes and kind loving ways? Forever in our hearts, your spirit will live on. You toiled so hard for those you loved. You said goodbye to none, your spirit flew before we knew, your work on earth was done. We miss you now, our hearts are sore, as time goes by we miss you more. Your loving smile, your gentle face: no one can fill your vacant place. Your life was love and labor. Your love for your family true. You did the best for all of us. We will always remember you.