PERCY JAMES BIRD

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PERCY JAMES BIRD November 30, 1933 - October 22, 2010 With deep sorrow, our family announces the passing of Percy at Victoria Hospital on Friday, October 22, 2010. Percy was predeceased by his parents Jessie and Absolom Bird, brothers Tommy and John, his sister Rose, and the mother of his children, Elizabeth Flora Young Bird. He is survived by Bev, who lovingly accepted his family and took care of him when it really counted , his sister Evelyn Smith of Muskoday Saskatchewan, and his beloved extended Saskatchewan family at Muskoday, Montreal Lake, and Sandy Lake. Percy will be lovingly remembered by his son, Percy Jr. (Wilma), and daughters, Sharon (Randy), Marilyn (Ted), Atik (Gomo), Cynthia (Jason), and his grandchildren: Billy-Joe, Kerri, Corey, Ben, Jon, Abayomi, Oji, Len, Savannah, Stacey, Kelsey, Christopher, Braewyn, Eli. Also, his great-grandchildren: Soibaun, Kaitlyn, Gillian, Draco, Katana, Tayla. He also leaves behind many other family members and countless friends. Percy was born at Sandy Lake, Saskatchewan. He began residential school at age three, and stayed for 15 years. He obtained his pilot's licence as an Air Cadet and studied Theology at Emmanuel College, University of Saskatchewan. Percy left behind a legacy of healing in the Native and the broader community. He was instrumental in establishing many First Nations organizations including: Winnipeg Indian Council, Main Street Project, Neeginan, Federal Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program; including projects on all Manitoba Reserves, as well as four treatment centers. Other projects included M.I.B., N.A.C., Thunderbird Lodge and the Homeless Initiative. He was also a member of the Interfaith Task Force on Northern Hydro Development (The DAM Committee.) His contribution to the AA fellowship in his 33 years of sobriety was extensive, both in his spiritual and personal growth. He was respected and loved wherever he travelled, to carry the message . Percy was honoured in Cherokee, North Carolina, and was asked to speak twice in their 17 year history. Percy was an accomplished visual artist and writer. He is best known for his work as a portrait artist. His stories are historical, sometimes humourous accounts of his life as an Aboriginal man living in Canada. Viewing at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 26 at Friends Funeral Chapel, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg (204) 339-5555. Service will be held at All Saints Anglican Church at Osborne and Broadway, Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow. God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2010