Walter Bird Jr.

Walter G. "Jerry" Bird Jr, 80, passed away on December 15, 2020. He was born to Florence Bird (nee Morlock) and Walter Bird Sr. on October 12, 1940 in Hackensack New Jersey. His family moved to Sarasota Florida before he started high school and he graduated from Sarasota High School. Then, Jerry went on to serve in the US Marines from 1958 to 1962.

He went on to earn his BS from the University of Florida and his Masters’ in Sociology from Florida Atlantic.  He worked in Social Work for some time, specializing in children’s’ services. After this, he worked for the Federal Government, then after retiring, went to work for the Summit School District for a number of years.

Jerry was a selfless person, and always put others before himself. When he wasn't working, he spent quality time with his family, friends and cherished every moment with his grandchildren. Jerry was a good husband, father and a loving, doting grandfather. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t have something good to say about his family.

He had life-long friends, the River Rodents, and maintained that friendship for over seventy years! There were other friends he kept in contact with for forty-plus years, too. God bless those men. People loved him for his intelligence, generosity, dry humor and curmudgeoniness. He loved Oldies rock and roll and Folk music, with a splash of Meatloaf thrown in to liven things up a bit. He inspired his neighbors to have beautiful yards and gardens because his was beautiful and full of flowers. He did love his flowers. Kids loved him, school kids, neighbor kids, kids of friends and strangers alike. They were drawn to him and he treated them with generosity and indulgent kindness.

He loved gardening, watching the news, golf, softball (which he played until he was 70 years old), and was fascinated with archaeology and treasure hunting. He liked collecting things to one day give to his grandchildren. And, of course, his one life-long obsession, University of Florida Gator Football, (Go Gators!).

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Sharon, his lovely daughters Lauren Kennedy, Cheryl Feinstein, Jennifer Bird, and son, Craig Bird. Also, his cherished grandchildren, Joseph and Logan Kennedy, Danielle and Isabella Bird, Jack Feinstein, and Guerin Bird.

A service to honor Jerry will be held on Wednesday, December 30 at 12:00pm at the Horan & McConaty Family Chapel in Thornton, CO. You are invited to wear your Gator Gear! A viewing will be the same date from 10:00am to 12:00pm. He will be laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.

In honor of Jerry's compassionate nature, you are invited to perform a Random Act of Kindness in memory of him. It is undeniable how greatly he will be missed, but his love will live on through all the lives he has touched.