Our beloved Philip Allen Bird Jr. lost his battle with cancer on the 17th of November, 2013. Phil was born in Chicago to Phil Sr. and Maureen Bierd on November 24, 1935. After living in Washington DC for several years, the family moved to Great Falls, Montana, where Phil finished school.
Due to a bout with polio as a child, that nearly took his life, he struggled with the effects of Post Polio Syndrome for the last twenty years. True to form, Phil refused to wear leg braces, always figuring out a new way to get around. He didn’t use a wheelchair until the very end, and he would show off his arm muscles to his admirers. It was a hallmark of his spirit: tenacious, stubborn and industrious.
His love of music drew him first to play the drums and then to the saxophone. Phil started his own band -Phil Bird and the Bluebirds- as a freshman in high school and soon began earning money as a dance band. That love never left him as our house was always filled with everything from Glenn Miller to German Polka.
Despite never having seen a basketball or knowing a thing about the game until the 6th grade, he decided to put together his own team with the kids who didn’t get picked by the school team. He registered it as the “Largent Hotshots,” with himself as their coach. They lost every game, but that spirit of inclusiveness stayed with him. He spent the rest of his life taking every opportunity to help someone in need, whether through his work with United Way, various church organizations or simply being a good friend.
He met Carolyn Moody in 1955 in Missoula at the University of Montana. After a long courtship, they married and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary last June. Throughout the years, they danced in the kitchen together, horrified their children by kissing in front of them and declared their love for each other until the very end.
Phil is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughters Gretchen Stenson (Tim), Amy Kiffe (Steven) and Cara Walcheck (Bruce). He is also survived by his grandchildren Nathan, Tyler, Kate, Rachael, Elise, Megan (Mick) Larson, their daughter Audrey and Missy Stenson and his brothers Richard and Koby Bird. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John.
Phil was a champion of his family and anyone fortunate enough to be called “friend.” He nurtured, built confidence and challenged everyone to be better. He is our angel now and he will be missed forever.
A vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 24, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Monday, November 25, 2013 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing. A funeral reception will be in the social center at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Phil’s name are suggested to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sunday November 24, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday November 25, 2013
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday November 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sunday November 24, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Monday November 25, 2013
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing St
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday November 25, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
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Hugh A. McWhorter says
Truly a man of integrity. His humor and insights will be missed. Phil referred to his time spent with United Way, the Diocese of Helena, the Parish of Helena, Good Will and a number of other charities as being his “do gooder” days. I think of this time as just being Phil. His lead role in caring for a brother with significant needs was also Phil. I very much valued his counsel, friendship and humor. A very unique, enjoyable man. It’s so true and worth repeating — he will be missed. Not only by me but by the Flicker’s coffee group.
Linnea G. says
Helena has lost a great soldier for Christ. Phil was instrumental in bringing me into the Cathedral and counseling me to do a Cursillo a month later, both life-changing experiences. i still have the little cotton bag filled with Palanka, messages he somehow gathered all over Helena at the last minute. Phil looms large in my memory and time in Helena, and I’ll never forget his humor and good nature. He was truly a man of character. God bless you, Phil, and God bless your family.
doris copenhaver says
Thanks Phil for the memories. You came into my life at a time when I needed friendship and camaraderie. Thanks for all the hill humper water stops, Bloomsday trips,New Year’s Eves, donuts and fudge, and Friday night cards. This chapter of my life will provide me with cherished memories for a lifetime. I will miss you. Doris
Terri John says
What I appreciated most about Phil was his sense of humor, kind heart, and “beginner’s mind.” He loved a good conversation and was always curious about life and eager to learn something new. A few weeks before his passing, Phil’s toenails were painted red – he said it was the estrogen therapy for the prostate cancer bringing out his feminine side – ha! He got a lot of mileage and some last bit of fun out of his red toes. (See Carolyn admiring Phil’s pedicure and Phil with his “temporary” eagle tattoo in the photo gallery). Phil dealt with all the challenges at the end of his life with his typical grace, humor, and concern for others. He let go of his goal of being 80, but was hoping to reach his 78th birthday this Saturday, Nov. 24, especially since it had an “8” in the number. So whenever you see an “8”, please think of Phil and the infinity symbol this number forms, for the soul is deathless and we will surely meet again. Blessings of peace to the many who have loved and will miss Phil, especially wife Carolyn and daughters Gretchen, Amy and Cara and families.
Linda Lakshminarayanan says
By marrying my favorite cousin, Phil took seriously his self appointed roll of helping me deal with the social intricacies of college life. He generously visited me whenever he was in town and even let me mooch off his young family whenever I had a chance to get to Helena. Forty years later I still remember his good advice and much of his teasing and humorous words of support. Phil loved my wonderful cousin and helped three girls who are now strong, competent, caring women. That is quite a legacy.
Lura Brown says
So many, many memories of a wonderful man. Always kind, always gracious. From enduring our elementary school concerts to words of wisdom in adulthood. And yes, the fudge and the donuts! I will always remember the great care he took of his late brother, John and of his family. He also did so many wonderful things for the Helena community. He will be missed. Love, hugs, and prayers to Carolyn, Gretchen, Amy, and Cara and your families. What a blessing to have had him in your life, he is reflected in each of you.
kevin meeks says
I never got to meet Phil in person. I only talked to him on the phone once I think about 25 years ago. But I do know his daughter, Amy. She worked with me one summer in Oklahoma. She told me all about her dad and I feel as if I did know him. What a kind, compassionate, and gentle soul he was. And now he has earned his rest. Peace and comfort to his family, especially Steven and Amy life and their precious daughter. Gretchen, we’ve not met but you are in my prayers also. The world has lost one that we would have liked to kept, but heaven is rejoicing in his victory.
john ilgenfritz says
The remembrances I read here capture well the Phil I knew: man of integrity, great sensitivity, sense of humor and sense of justice. We served on the United Way Board together in the early years of our friendship and would bump into each other at Van’s Thriftway grocery in the later years. He always had a smile, a quip, and with a nod to the events of the day, a comment in the nature of “has the world gone mad”!
Condolences to Carolyn, his family and all those who were touched by life. He will be missed. We need more “Phils” in our lives.
ha
John & Judy Kline says
Phil will live in our memories as a kind, compassionate guy with a sense of humor and a thirst for knowledge. Rest in peace, Phil.
Pamela Gee-Oliver says
I knew Phil thru his wonderful daughter Amy and her family. Amy shared so many lovely stories of her beloved father and his journey through life. I am grateful for the many gifts that Phil clearly gave this world, and the sweet and gentle care that reached out to him during these last steps in his journey. Thoughts of comfort and peace to all who knew and cared for Phil. Trusting sweet memories will continue to visit you all.
Gabrielle Delaney says
Phil was my employer for twelve years and a friend and mentor for for nearly 30 years. He was a source of encouragement who saw possibilities becoming realities. He was a family man who cared deeply for his wife, Carolyn, daughters Gretchen, Amy and Cara, and his brother, John. He was community-minded, serving on the boards of the United Way and the Salvation Army.
Phil had a wonderful Bob Newhart-like sense of humor. He was self-effacing, and could make you laugh even at his expense. He was someone who took a personal interest in people and made many of us recognize the meaning in our lives.
We will miss you, Phil, but we celebrate the wonderful person you were here on earth! Blessings to you and your lovely family.
Jane burgess says
I met Phil many years ago when I worked in an office next to his in the Placer. We talked everyday and he always made me laugh. He was so kind and gentle. I always felt a special fondness for him. Years later I would see him at Van’s and we always stopped and talked and he always brought a smile to my face. Phil was one of a kind. Condolences to his family and may all your beautiful memories make this easier.
Marci Lynn says
Queen City Swing Band will certainly miss Phil at its gigs at the Eagles. Being a big band lover and musician in his own right, Phil always had an interesting story to tell between music sets. Thanks, Phil, for your support over the years. Your sparkly eyes, fun stories and great humor will certainly be missed.
Sharon Grace says
Dear Carolyn and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve White says
I met Phil over 25 years ago, and during that time appreciated his friendship and honesty. He was a great friend and mentor. I really appreciated all the hours we spent discussing an endless number of issues that were likely only important to us. There was no greater example of a true servant and friend. His office and home were always open to everyone who would stop by. I am sure everyone has a Phil Bird story, and the ones I know will be memories that I will cherish forever. I will miss Phil greatly and pray for God’s blessings over his family in the days ahead.
Norris & Marge Forum says
Phil and I were Great Falls High School Classmates and I Played the Drums in Phil’s Band called the “Bluebirds” all thru High School and afterwards. Phil played a great Tenor Sax with a rich tone. A few years after HighSchool, my future wife worked for the Musicians union that was in the same building as Phil’s insurance office in Great falls and shortly after a few months I married Marge and Phil married Carolyn. We had very little money,but decided that we could get together and play pinochle and have been Friends forever all thou now we live miles apart. We will miss our visits with Phil. Our Prayers will continue for Caroyln & family and remember Old friends are Dear friends.
George Pendergast says
Phil was one of a kind, and all of us are the poorer because of his passing. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.
joe and julie dooling says
Phil was one of a kind. always had a big heart. heaven is going to get lots of daily triva. miss you my friend.
Evy Hendrickson Sass says
Dear Caroline & Family, Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are so very close in every thought & prayer. Hold tight to memories of Phil for comfort. My memories of Phil go back to the Hendrickson & Bird days. Peace, Prayers & Blessings. Evy
Eileen Robbins says
Although Phil wasn’t old enough to be my father, that is the role he played in my life for several years. As many people have said before, he was always there for a friend in need. He gave not only to his family but to anyone who entered his life. He is (was) a truly remarkable man. My deepest sympathies to Carolyn and family.
Cyndi Baird Hughes says
Caroline and girls, our heartfelt sorrow for your loss. Phil was a man beyond many…he was someone who many tried to emulate. I always felt honored that we knew each other. Mom and Dad send their regards to all of you…Cyndi
Jan Peccia says
I am sending my deepest sympathies to a wonderful family. When I think of Phil, I think of generosity, kindness and humor as well as many other fine qualities. I am so grateful for the affectionate connection between our families over all of these years. With love, Jan
Cara says
Happy Birthday Dad!
Bridget Holand says
Happy Birthday Phil – I thought we were all going to celebrate. I will miss you my friend.
Deb White-Sjostrom says
How the time passes. I first met Phil while working for my cousin Steve and friend Jeff. We enjoyed many great times together. Phil’s family was my family, and my family was far away in Wisconsin. Phil was a great friend and mentor, and although I have not seen him or his family for many years, you have all remained close in my heart. I remember how much fun Phil had putting his train around the Christmas tree, even after his girls were grown and gone. The years I spent working with Phil will always be treasured. My deepest sympathy to Carolyn, Gretchen, Amy, Cara and the rest of his family.
Deb
Carla Marcinek Scott says
Cara – My condolences to you and your entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gretchen says
Dad,
You are and forever will be my knight in shining armour. I love you and miss you terribly.
Love,
Your Cinderella