Service Information
Phillip David Thompson Bird, age 73, died peacefully at home, on July 7, 2024, completing his earthly 'internship' and entering into eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ after a 15-month battle with brain cancer.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024, at Watertown Evangelical Free Church (509 Jefferson Ave. S.W., Watertown, MN 55388), at 11:00 A.M., with a visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., 1 hour prior to the service.
A private family burial will be held the next day.
Obituary
Born in Rhinelander, WI on April 11th, 1951 to David and Ruth Bird, Phil graced the world with an adventurous spirit from the time he was a small boy. Life was a field trip to Phil - and he lived it to the fullest in every way. Adventure ran in his blood. As a teenager, he did volunteer construction work in Appalachia. As a young adult, he hitchhiked more than 16,000 miles and was part of a small crew that sailed from Long Island to Bermuda on a 45’ boat. When he and Barb were raising their 7 kids, he often turned routine activities into adventures just for the fun of it.
As a lifelong learner, he was forever curious and never intimidated by a challenge. Whether it was setting up his own darkroom to develop the photos he took for his high school yearbook, completing college at 42 with 7 kids and two jobs, tackling technology issues at work, or learning a new skill, Phil embraced it all!
Phil was a hard worker, a wonderful provider, a wise counselor, and had a radiant twinkle in his eye. He spread Christ’s love wherever he went with his genuine care for others and he had a famous laugh that caused anyone in earshot to at least smile or join in.
Phil was an avid student of God’s word. He aspired to glorify God in all that he did and taught his 7 kids to do the same. The anthem of his life was “By Grace, Through Faith, in Jesus” which unmistakably showed as he was frequently brought to tears by the love, grace, and goodness of God.
Undaunted by his cancer, he said, through tears, that he was “excited” when he heard about the terminal diagnosis because it meant that he was one step closer to eternity. Toward the end of his days, Phil perfectly embodied Psalm 73:26 “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.”
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, David Barton Bird and Ruth Whitney Thompson Bird.
He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 46 years, 7 children, Rachel (Jeremy) Herron, Rebekah (Arric) Courneya, Andrew (Leah) Bird, Nathan (Naomi) Bird, Josiah (Katie) Bird, Elisabeth (Jonathan) Gerdes, Isaac Bird, 20 grandchildren, whom he adored, a brother James (Debra) Bird, and several nephews and a niece.
Deb Kohout says
I knew Phil when working in McLeod Co Court Admin. He was such a nice man and could always go to him with questions. Sending sympathy and prayers.
Lindsay Stoneburg says
My Husband and I worked with Phil at Dominos. I’m so sorry for your loss, he was such a nice guy!
Sam says
I had the good fortune to meet Phil when we were in Handshoe Holler in Kentucky, 1969. His smiles never stopped and he was such a gentle and wise and kind man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Paulette Hjelle-Ranta says
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathy. May your memories and Phil’s love sustain you all in the days ahead.
Dianne Thompson says
We loved Phil very much as he inspired all of us with his life. He was so helpful to Mike & I when Mike was sick. We know he is rejoicing with Jesus and we shall all be with him soon. Love to Barb and all of your family.
Jessica Killoen says
I enjoyed working with Phil and knowing him as a bright and happy person! We have missed him tremendously and I feel comforted in knowing how he kept such a positive outlook. What an inspiration! My condolences to the family and treasure the wonderful memories!
Julianna Mason says
I met Phil when I started working for the courts in 2013.
His smile was so warm and welcoming and his laugh infectious.
I was heartbroken to hear of his battle, but he’s at peace now.
Thank you, Phil, for the many things you taught me when I worked with you.
Thank you for your warmth and kind spirit.
Tom Piltoff says
I worked with Phil for a short time in Scott County courts. We never talked much, just by the nature of our work, but anyone who has met Phil understands why I remember him and why I won’t forget him. From my limited time, it was clear what a genuine, good person he was. It sounds like he led a life well lived.
Margaret Pogin says
I have never read an obituary that better described the person than Phil’s! He truly was a hard worked, carried an excitement about life with him always, did have a great smile and laugh, was a loving husband & father, and clearly a devoted follower of Christ. Take comfort, family, in knowing that Phil just made it to heaven ahead of you to check things out so he can show you when you get there! Live & hugs to you from Rich & me.
Kristie Kittok says
Phil was always ready to share the new things he learned with anyone He always was learning something new. I think he was always hungry for new information. .
Patti Stigman says
Our most sincere sympathy for Barb and the entire Bird family!! Phil was quite a guy and I can only imagine the warm welcome he got as he crossed into his forever home!! Such comfort in knowing all those who professed faith in Christ will all be together once aging, he just got there first. No more suffering or pain! Sending love to the family, I know he will be missed!!
Tom Oleson says
RIP Phil
clssmate of ’69
Tom Oleson
Pat James says
Phil and I were in the same high school class. One of my fondest memories of him was on a day a tornado headed toward the school. We were told to hunker down in the hallway, away from walls of windows. But Phil grabbed his camera and, alone in the classroom, got some great shots of the twister. Creativity is about running into the storm, not hiding from it.