Charles W. BIRD

Charles W. Bird 1919-2009 You can shed a tear because he is gone, or you can smile because he has lived. Charles passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2009 at the age of 89 years. Charlie lived a full life. Born and raised on Peepeekisis First Nation, he attended school at File Hills Residential School for 10 years. When war broke out in 1939, he followed in his father's footsteps and signed up with the Regina Rifles where he would eventually take part in several major battles, including the first wave of invasion on D-day, June 6th, 1944. He spent many years farming before and after the war, as well as working for the railway. Later, he met and married Rita and in the late 1950's began working at Molson's Brewery until retiring in 1985. Charlie was active with the Army Navy Air Force Vets where he enjoyed socializing. He loved music and it was reflected in his fiddle playing. He loved to sing, dance, laugh and tell stories. He spent the last few months of his life at the Veteran's Unit of Wascana Hospital where he looked forward to the weekly Happy Hour and other social events. Charlie has journeyed to the spirit world to join his wife, Rita; his parents, David and Christina Bird; brothers George, Harry, Robert, Gerald and sister Emily; in-laws George Desnomie, Theresa Byrd, Florence Ward, Bill Ward, Chuck Ward, Wilfred Bellegarde, Sheldon Ward and other relatives. Left to cherish his memory are sister Evelyn Desnomie; his children Murray (Louise), Allan (Lianne), Carl, Christine, Calvin, and Nelson (Judy), 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; inlaws Alma Ward (George Klyne), Valerie Ward, Margaret Bird and Louis Desnomie as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Special thanks to the staff of Unit 3-6 at Wascana Veteran's Wing for their outstanding care and consideration for Charlie and his family. Prayers will be held on Monday, October 26, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. at the Chapel of Victoria Avenue Funeral Home, 2080 East Victoria Ave., Regina, SK. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at the Peepeekisis Pesakastew School Gym. Charlie will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Rita in the Wanakapew United Church Cemetery, Peepeekisis First Nation. Published in the Regina Leader-Post from 10/24/2009- 10/26/2009