Andrew Bird

Haslett

Andrew passed away January 6, 2011 at the age of 67. He was a private man who was kind, good natured, had a gentle spirit, a hearty laugh and lived by the principles of honesty and integrity in all matters. He was mechanically inclined and seldom had to buy new items as he could fix anything old.

Andy enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and especially fishing. He was happiest on the shores, on the piers, or on the waters of Lake Michigan. He loved the sand, the waves, watching the storms and the changing sky.

Andy was born in Royal Oak, MI on May 19, 1943, the second son of Burton Berner Bird (1907-1957) and Ethel Ernestine (Simmonds) Bird (1909-2007). Mentored by his aunt and uncle, Olga (Bird) and Prof. Cecil Nickle, he graduated from Shelby High School in 1963 and received an A.A.S. degree from Ferris State College in 1967. He married the former Janet A. Hasty of Shelby, MI on September 19, 1964.

As a youth, Andy always had a job somewhere. After college he worked for the Hillsdale County Health Dept. for two years and was then hired by Meridian Township to inspect the new water mains being installed along Haslett Road. He retired as Director of Buildings, Grounds and Parks in 2000 after thirty years of service.

He enjoyed his retirement watching his grandchildren play ball, fishing, and traveling. Andy loved his family and he was loved in return.

He was preceded in death by his parents; aunt and uncles; and sister-in-law, Barbara (Wolfson) Bird. Andy is survived by his wife, Janet; his beloved children, Catherine A. Bird and Burton A. Bird; grandchildren, Danny R. (Desiree Torell) Bird and Dallas J. Bird; and great-grandchild, Landon R. Bird. Also surviving is his brother, Thomas F. (Dr. Joan Albin) Bird; nephews, Geoffrey B. Bird and Jonathan M. (Sandra Niemann) Bird; grand nephew, Samuel J. Bird; one cousin, Lewis William (Jan) Bird and his three children.

Celebrations of Andrew’s life will be held at a later date and interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Benona Twp., Shelby, MI. Memorials may be made to David’s House Ministries, 2390 Banner Dr. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509, or Lansing City Rescue Mission, 607 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912, or the charity of your choice.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On line condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com.