I just heard that last week one of my former residents passed away. He and his wife lived at Meadowlark in Sparta Michigan. Max was a quiet and sweet guy. You could tell he loved his wife very much. I was so glad I got to know him, even if it was for a short time. So glad I was able to see him and Margaret when I was up there in April.

Max L. Bird

1915-2009

BIRD - Max L. Bird, passed away on June 18, 2009 at Meadowlark Village in Sparta. Max was born August 21, 1915 to Edward and Jessie Bird, was raised in Courtland Township, graduated from Cedar Springs High School, and lived his adult life on the family farm on Shaner Avenue, Courtland Township. Max was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Ivah Norman, and three brothers, Roy, Lynn and Lyle Bird. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Margaret Bird; their three children, Michael (Roberta) of East Grand Rapids, Patricia of Northglen, Colorado, and Phillip (Nancy) of Huntsville, Alabama. Also surviving are grandchildren, Kevin (Karen) Bird of South Lyon and Jennifer (Brian) Sherer of Nashua, New Hampshire; and three great granddaughters, Madison Sherer, Kiersten Bird, and Kallie Bird. In addition to tending the farms on Shaner Avenue, Max was very active in Courtland Township affairs for 39 years and was Supervisor for 24 years, retiring in 1976. Max and Margaret were active supporters of the Cedar Springs School System, and were very involved in their children's successes from 4-H through graduations from Michigan State University. They were able to retire early enough to have the time and opportunity to travel much of the United States, and to have the energy to follow their passion for dancing, especially the polka! Max began jogging late in life and was so proud to participate in local 5K races well into his mid 80s. Max's children especially thank very caring great-niece Linda Bird. Thanks also to the staff at Meadowlark Village and Hospice of West Michigan for their kind and considerate care. The family will greet friends Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs www.blisswitterspike.com where services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Interment Courtland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs Education Foundation or Hospice of West Michigan. Bliss Witters Pike Funeral Homes
Published in Grand Rapids Press from 6/20 to 6/21/2009