FREDERICK (CLAYTON) CHARLES BIRD -

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FREDERICK (CLAYTON) CHARLES BIRD 1919 - 2006 Peacefully passed away on December 17, 2006 at Trillium Lodge in Parksville, BC at the age of 88. Clayton left us to join his beloved wife Dorie (Aconley) Bird, who predeceased him on January 7, 1997. He is survived by his second wife Ena; sons: Bil (Ly), Robert (Elizabeth), Bruce (Deanna), Bradley (Karen); daughter Kimberley (Dean); brother J. Mack (Peggy); grandchildren, Ty, Ryker, Robert, Katherine, Alexander, Kaitlin, Ashley and Alison. Clayton was born and raised in Boissevain, MB and was predeceased by his father Frederick Valentine Bird and mother Irene (Bradley) Bird. Clayton attended Brandon University and went on to enlist in the R.C.A.F., where he became a pilot in Bomber Command. His years as an Air Force Pilot are documented in a book published, titled Nickel Trip , as told to and written by his son Brad Bird. After retiring from the Air Force, Clayton went on to a successful career as a high school teacher and guidance counsellor at Emery Collegiate in Toronto, ON, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute, in Piction, ON and substitute teaching at Boissevain Collegiate in Boissevain, MB. After retirement, Clayton moved his family to Winnipeg, where he enjoyed many endeavours, especially as a musician. He was a member of the Winnipeg Jazz Society, and helped start the Memory Lane Orchestra. Upon caring for his wife for many years who suffered from a lengthy illness, Clayton moved he and his wife to British Columbia, where unfortunately not long after arriving, lost his wife to her illness. Clayton has since remarried and spent his golden years in Parksville. The family wishes to thank Dr. Bigelow for his many years of care and support of both Dorie and Clay. The family also wishes to pass on our appreciation to the dedicated and caring staff at Trillium Lodge who made Clay's life comfortable over the past eight months, and of their continued care of Clay's wife Ena. Memorial Service planned for January 13, 2007 in Parksville, BC.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2006