Obituary of Gilbert D. Bird

Gilbert D. Bird of 125 South 18th Street, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2013 in the Olean General Hospital. Mr. Bird was born on Oct. 1, 1928 in Buffalo and was a son of Ernest and Lydia Opherbeck Bird. On Sept. 5, 1954 in Chicago, Ill he married the love of his life Joan Wohlfeil who survives. Gil was a 1946 graduate of Cattaraugus High School. He began working at Clark Brothers in 1956 and retired from Dresser Cark 32 years later in 1988 as a General Forman. Gil has been a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for 56 years, where he has held many positions including Past President of the Congregation and chairman of the building committee. He enjoyed being in the outdoors; fishing & hunting and camping. He coached little league baseball and enjoyed watching baseball and was an avid New York Yankee fan. In addition to volunteering at his church he also volunteered on the Gift Tree Program for more than 10 years and Rebuilding together for many years. In addition to his wife of almost 57 years are are two sons, Thomas G. Bird of Pavilion, and Peter A. (Beth) Bird of Webster; three daughters, Sharon D. (David) Vincent of Magnolia, Texas, Ruth E. Perrin and Karen L. Holland both of Cuba; ten grandchildren, Melissa, Matthew, Kristen, Daniel, Philip, Aimee, Steven, Drew, Justin & Davis; three great grandchildren; and a sister, Carol (Don) Hansen of Westvally, NY. Mr. Bird was pre-deceased by a sister, Phyllis Forester in Jan. 2008; and a brother, Milton Bird in Nov. 2004. Friends will be received in the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. #646 E. State Street, Olean on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 8:00pm. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday April 3, 2013 at 11:00 am in the Immanuel Lutheran Church. The Rev. Dr. Derek C. Cheek, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Allegany Cemetery, Allegany, NY. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church 4th & Lawrence Street, Olean, NY 14760, the American Lung Association or the Olean General Hospital Foundation 515 Main Street, Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be made by clicking on the button above.