Gordon Duane Bird, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend died peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s/Dementia in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 13, 2022, at the age of 88. The onset of this disease stripped us of our father a few years back. Our hearts go out to any family that is having to watch a loved one go through this battle.
Gordon was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ira Chapman and Ada Potts Bird on June 21, 1933. He was the 2nd of their 5 children.
Dad grew up in Salt Lake City attending South High School before being drafted into the Army. He patriotically served his country in the Korean War. After his military service, he returned home to Salt Lake and married his sweetheart Marjorie Jenkins on November 11, 1955. Together they had 3 children Brad (Margene) (former spouse Teresa), Greg (Janet) and Shauna (Scott Nelson). Gordon and Marge also have 8 grandchildren (Tyler, Julia, Connor, Colby, Chelsey, Courtney, Karli, and Preston) and 10 great grandchildren.
Marge and Gordon were sealed to each other and their children on June 12, 1980, in the Salt Lake Temple.
Gordon provided for his family as an electrical contractor. He wired numerous homes and businesses throughout Salt Lake Valley and the surrounding areas. He excelled in the business world and his personal life through his integrity and kind manner which he genuinely displayed to all those he encountered each day of his life.
In his free time Gordon loved spending time with his family. Taking his children on numerous camping and fishing trips where he instilled in them a love for the great outdoors. Many great memories were made on opening day of the deer, pheasant and fishing seasons with his brothers, sons, and nephews.
Dad also spent countless hours coaching, practicing, and cheering on his children and grandchildren. He was at every baseball game, dance recital, cheer and drill event or beauty pageant. It was very rewarding for Gordon to watch his children and grandchildren progress and excel in life. Dad was always there to support us through our triumphs along with our setbacks, always with a smile and words of encouragement. His selfless personality was always evident to his children and grandchildren as he generously gave of his love, time, and assistance unconditionally to help and support each of us in all our endeavors.
One of the highlight events that Gordon and Marge provided for the family was their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary Cruise on the Royal Caribbean “Jewel of the Seas”. Many lifelong memories were made by all as we cruised the Southern Caribbean.
Gordon is survived by his siblings Don (Kaye), Kenneth (Margaret), Kathy Rawlins and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ira Chapman and Ada Potts Bird, sister Betty Siciliano, her husband Al Siciliano and their son, Craig Siciliano.
Gordon will be interred with military honors at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thankfulness and gratitude to the incredible staff of the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home for their countless hours of care and love given to Gordon this past year.
Funeral services will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with a viewing prior to services beginning at 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
To view the COMPLETED services via Zoom, click the "Watch Services" button or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/yW_lfNlfCaN3uEzN-LxtEo1wQ1t0geVxB0tEOOenKc7n2Qgs9oOY_Tn7AoZ6mvlU.zanCzLm0Jv77qFj5?startTime=1647718702000
Aunt Marge I am so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Gordon was an amazing, kind and loving man, who we will never forget. The stories you shared with me of your lives together when you were first married, still put a smile on my face. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Grandpa, you were one of the kindest men I've ever known. I didn't realize how selfless you were until recent years. When my parents were tied up with work and unable to be at home to spend time with Julia and I. You and Grandma decided to take a step back from the fun carefree years of retirement, and jump into another round of parenthood. Why? Certainly not because it was fun, but because you two are amazing, selfless people and wanted to be there for your family even when it wasn't convenient.
I regret not spending more time with you in your last years. SImply put, I wasn't as selfless as you were. You were there for me as a child, and I certainly told myself that I was there for you when I was an adult... But I didn't show up as much as I should have. I am grateful that I got to spend the last two days of your life with you. I am grateful that I got to take you to Wendover multiple times over the last few years. I am grateful for all the baseball games you took me to. I am grateful for the hundreds of single dollar bills you gave me as a kid to "run over to Harmons, and buy a snack". I am grateful for the hunting trips, the Jackson Hole trips, the cruises, the smiles, and the memories.
If I am half as good to my future grandkids as you and Grandma were to me, I'd be surpassing all reasonable expectations. I know that you still have my back, and that you are still there for me, it's just in a different way now. I am grateful for the Atonement, and that because of our Savior I will see you again. I hope it's a few years from now... But I look forward to greeting you up there with a big hug!
I am so very sorry for the loss of your loved one. Living away from Utah for so much of my life I was not able to get to know my Uncle Gordon well. I do remember he was very handsome to me when I was young.. His wonderful smile and kind demeanor I also remember. I know he is at peace with his heavenly father. May the family be comforted in that assurance.
Marge, I am so sorry for the lose of your husband. You both were always so kind to me and my heart goes out to you and your special family. Love Jan Weaver
Dearest Marge, we just saw Gordon's obituary! We had not heard anything from anyone about his passing! We are so sorry! We are sending our love and prayers to you and your wonderful family! We love and miss you💞 Gary and Linda Hancey
So sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. God be with you.
Pamela B. Wilson. Jean and Walts oldest daughter.
Marge, we are so very sorry we were not able to send our love and condolences at the time of Gordon's passing. We love you both so much and have cherished our friendship throughout the years. We were truly blessed to live next door to you and watch as you welcomed each of your children into your lives. We have fond memories of our dinners together. I can't say enough good about both of you. But I will never forget you telling us about your snakey friends that came up out of the windows and dash board of your car while you were driving following a fishing trip by Gord. He was such a good man and you were a wonderful loving wife. Thank you for setting a good example for us
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