Dean Snowden Bird

Dean Snowden Bird, 79, died peacefully on August 17, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. Dean was born September 18, 1942 - the only child of Ida E. and Ernest Bird of Newton, MA. Dean is a veteran of the U.S. Army.

As a young man, Dean moved to Jacksonville to attend Jacksonville University, where he earned a Master's Degree. Dean devoted his life to the study of history. He spent his career teaching history and economics at high schools throughout Duval County, but most fondly recalled his times at Andrew Jackson High School.

Dean was a lover of all animals and enjoyed visiting the Arlington boat ramp to feed the feral cats. Dean communicated as well with animals as he did with people.

Dean believed in “living history”. Some of his greatest joys were found in researching and reenacting Civil War battles at Ft. Clinch, studying the details of Ford Tri-motor airplanes, and devising clever ways to entertain his grandchildren. Dean was known to give unconventional gifts that often contained educational “twists”.

He is survived by his companion of 21 years, Peggy Brandt, step children Angela Thompson (Michael), Jason Brandt (Danette), Daniel Brandt (Chika), April Peterson (Laurens III), eight grandchildren Cassidy, Drew, Reagan, Leslie, Minami, Naomi, Ryu, and Laurens, and three great grandchildren Jayden, Gage, and Wayne.

A visitation for Dean will be held Friday, August 26, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225, followed by a celebration of life from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hardage-giddenschapelhills.com for the Bird family.