Calvin G. Sr. Bird

FUNERAL SERVICES :A memorial service will be held May lst, 2010. Announcements will be placed in the newspaper giving the time and place of services. For more information please call the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home 218-732-5131. VISITATION :INTERMENT :SURVIVORS : He is survived by his wife for these past 48 years, Sharon of Park Rapids; his six children: Robin Bird of Duluth, MN, Calvin Jr., of Park Rapids; Tyrone of Bemidji, Ira (Lisa) of Syracuse, NY, Arianna Conger of Towner, North Dakota, Kent (Kelly) of Park Rapids; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; l sister, Lorraine of Atlanta, GA as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Cal was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Cordelia and Zora. CALVIN GENE BIRD Sr.September 11, 1940 " February 5, 2010 Calvin Gene Bird, Sr., age 69, of Park Rapids, MN passed away peacefully at the St. Joseph"s Hospital in Park Rapids with his loved ones at his side on Friday, February 5, 2010. Cal was born on September 11, 1940 in White Earth, MN to Louis and Cecelia (Coleman) Bird. It was in this same area that he grew to manhood, graduating from the Akeley Public High School with the Class of 1959. In September of 1959, Cal entered the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country until October of 1963. On January 13, 1962, Cal was united in marriage to Sharon Ann Tesch in Bemidji, MN. This union was blessed with six children: Robin, Calvin Jr., Tyrone, Ira, Arianna and Kent. After Cal"s honorable discharge, the Bird"s ventured to Chicago, Ill where they made their home for five years. When they returned to Minnesota, they purchased property in Arago Township north of Park Rapids where they raised their family and have resided ever since. In the 70"s and 80"s, Cal worked as a heavy equipment operator in road construction. In 1993, Cal began a new career as a blackjack dealer at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN until his retirement. Later in life, Cal went to college and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Bemidji State University, a goal he worked hard to fulfill and was very proud of attaining. Cal enjoyed the out of doors; especially, when he could be out hunting or fishing. He was an enthusiastic ham radio operator and belonged to the local Ham Radio Operators Club. He loved music and especially enjoyed singing with the Park Rapids Barbershoppers for many years. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed gaining knowledge on a variety of topics. Cal was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He was a former member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 and the Park Rapids Eagles Aerie #870. Above all, Cal devoted his life to his precious wife, Sharon, his children and grandchildren of whom he loved with all his heart. He is survived by his wife for these past 48 years, Sharon of Park Rapids; his six children: Robin Bird of Duluth, MN, Calvin Jr., of Park Rapids; Tyrone of Bemidji, Ira (Lisa) of Syracuse, NY, Arianna Conger of Towner, North Dakota, Kent (Kelly) of Park Rapids; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; l sister, Lorraine of Atlanta, GA as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Cal was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Cordelia and Zora. A memorial service will be held May lst, 2010. Announcements will be placed in the newspaper giving the time and place of services. For more information please call the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home 218-732-5131.