With great sadness, our family announces the passing of Harold (Richard) Bird. Harold passed away Sunday, July 7, 2019. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Frances; daughters, Lesley (David), Melanie and son, Geoffrey (Katharine). He will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Andrew (Sara), Jennifer (Clay) and great-granddaughter, Freya.

Born September 3, 1928 in Lancashire UK, Harold joined the British Army at a young age, serving as a musician with the 10th Royal Hussars in post-war Germany.  A talented trumpet player, he then joined the band of the Welsh Guards, based in London. He soon found himself at the prestigious Kneller Hall Music School, where fortune led him to meet Frances, the love of his life for 69 years. In 1957, Harold came to Canada and the Royal Canadian Air Force Central Band based in Ottawa, where he enjoyed 15 years before making the move to Victoria in 1972 to play with the Naden Band, Royal Canadian Navy. Upon retirement, he enjoyed many years of cruise ship holidays with Fran, a deep fascination for history as well as a love of film, Manchester United, and American football, but above all spending time with his family.

A Celebration of Life service in memory of Harold will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at 2:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive.

In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to MusiCounts.ca.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

  • Robert T Morrison

    I had planned to attend Harold’s service to-day but due to hand surgery on Tues am unable to attend.
    Thinking of you all at this sad time.
    Fellow Trumpet player Bob.

  • Mary and Phil Jackson

    Dear Fran and all the family,
    We will miss our dear friend Richard, with whom we have shared much of our lives since me moved to Victoria 17 years ago. Our companion on cruises, an ardent fellow fan of Man U, a sharer of WW2 movies, and a constant source of good humour, amusing anecdotes and informative history.
    We will remember him with great fondness.
    With our sincere condolences,
    Mary and Phil Jackson

  • John Underhill

    Saddened to hear this news, but hoping that Harold’s family is comforted by what must be years of happy memories. I owe him a great debt; as my first trumpet teacher, he started me on a road which I am still travelling (and enjoying), almost 50 years later. I’m sure there are many other stories like mine, and I offer my sincere condolences to his family.

  • Jenni Hopkyns

    Dear Fran and Geoff,

    I am so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. He was such a lovely gentleman and I loved working with him through Bird’s Eye View Tours. He will be greatly missed by all the family and the dozens of friends he made here.

  • Ian Turnbull. London, Ontario.

    My most sincere condolences to the entire Bird Family. As a former member of the Central Band in Ottawa, it was my privilige to know Harold well. Though after my leaving the Central Band, we unfortunately lost touch. However, we did meet at the Union Jack Club when his and Frances’ flight was delayed. Harold will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Patrick Pettifer

    Dear Fran

    So sorry to hear the news of Richards passing.Sincere condolences.
    My Dad loved Richard they were good friends through many years.

    Patrick&Dee Pettifer

  • Maureen Applewhaite

    Dear Family:
    I have such warm memories of Richard when we were all tour guides together at the Empress Hotel. He was a lovely, honourable gentleman.
    Sincere condolences to all.

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