Richard Nixon Bird

Richard was born in September of 1938 in Pasadena, California where he grew up. At the age of 12, he, his mother and two sisters moved back to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Richard graduated from University High School in 1956. During summers of his youth, he would enjoy working on the Nixon Family Farm, in Dexter, MI.

Richard married Roswitha Elizabeth Schuldt on July 2, 1960. They agreed that Rosie would continue to work while Richard went to school. Richard attended the University of Michigan where he earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics. He continued at the University of Michigan to earn his Masters Degree in Business Administration.

Richard was hired in 1965 as a manager at the Ford Motor Company where he worked until his retirement in 1997.

Richard was active in his church, The First Presbyterian CHurch in Ann ARbor from the age of 12. He also enjoyed his hobby as a HAMM radio operator that started in High School and continued throughout most of his life. After his German father-in-law passed, Richard decided to join the Schwabischer Unterstuetzungs-Verein. It was in this all male German club that Richard earned the honorable status of membership of over 35 years.

Richard was preceded in death by his sister, Ellen Stamelos.

Richard is survived by his wife, Roswitha of 65 years. He passed away one month from what would have been their 66th wedding anniversary.

He is also survived by his children, Michael Schuldt Bird, born in 1965 (granddaughters Nicole Bird and Kelsey Bird) and his daughter Tracey Elizabeth Bird born in 1968, Stephen Frye her spouse, (grandsons Deegan Elijah Schork, Adam Richard Schork, and granddaughter Bella Claire Schork).

He is also survived by his youngest sister, Mary Bird, who currently lives in Washington DC.

Funeral services for Richard will be held on Tuesday July 7 @ 2:00 at The First Presbyterian Church 1432 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

Additional parking is available in the fourth street structure if the church lot is full.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask continued support of Arbor Hospice and the wonderful services they provided the Bird family as Richard was able to peacefully pass in his home surrounded by his loved ones.