August 23rd 1914 – September 15th 2014
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Myrtle Bird. She passed away peacefully on Monday, September 15th having recently celebrated her 100th birthday.
Predeceased by her husband Bill Sr, father John, mother Charlotte, brother Clarence and daughter-in-law Joy, she is survived by her son, Bill Jr, grand-daughters Shevaun (Rod) and Danielle (Andreas) and great-grandchildren Sienna and Ramsey.
Myrtle was born and raised in Winnipeg and she completed her nurses’ training at Winnipeg General Hospital. As a young nurse, she moved west to the wilderness of the BC coast in the early 1940s, arriving by Union Steamship at Rock Bay to begin work at the Columbia Coast Mission Hospital. In 1944, she met and married husband Bill who was working in the logging camp at Rock Bay. With young son Bill Jr as well as long-time friends and neighbours, Harold and Ethel Redford, they moved to Kelsey Bay in 1948. In Kelsey Bay, Myrtle took up the role of homemaker, but her medical knowledge and aptitude were frequently called upon. On many occasions, often in the middle of the night, she accompanied patients on a bumpy journey to the hospital in Campbell River, riding in the company ambulance driven by husband Bill. Eventually, she and Bill bought property south of Campbell River, at Oyster Bay, to enjoy in their retirement. It was here, at ‘Birds’ Abode’, that Myrtle spent over 40 years enthusiastically hosting friends and relatives from across Canada and the UK. She was always genuinely interested in the people she met and the places she visited, though her family was her greatest interest and source of enjoyment. Myrtle was a woman who knew her own mind as well as her ample capabilities and she was much admired for her tireless energy, admirable work ethic and upbeat outlook. An award-winning quilter, capable craftswoman and efficient cook, she will be fondly remembered for the countless hours she invested sharing her talents – as a doting grandmother, loyal friend, charitable citizen and gracious hostess!
Myrtle’s family would like to thank the staff at both Yuculta Lodge and Ironwood Place for their care and support and express their utmost gratitude for the interminable love, care, friendship and support of Cynthia Baechler and her family. Predeceased by so many of her peers, Myrtle continued to appreciate the companionship and support of many lifelong friends and neighbours, especially the Redford/Luoma family, Judy Christensen, Bev O’Sullivan and Bev Dingwall. Special thanks also to Dr de Bruin and Jennifer Coolen (Evergreen Pharmacy) for their care and personal attention.
Her family has decided that her well attended 100th birthday celebration was a fitting celebration of Myrtle’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Myrtle’s honour to the BC Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.