We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Tom Bird, CD (Ret’d) on 6 October 2014 in London ON at the age of 86 years.
Tom was born and grew up in Kitchener ON before moving to London. He started his career as a bookkeeper but soon followed his dreams into radio by putting himself through the Lorne Greene Academy of Radio Arts. He worked as a broadcaster for radio stations in Strafford ON, Chatham ON, and London before moving to CFPL-TV in London in November 1953. For 35 years he prepared and broadcast the nightly weather reports, always signing off with "Don't forget to feed the birds". Tom worked in marketing as an adjunct to his broadcasting career and was well known throughout the business community.
Tom’s interest and commitment to the military was also life-long. From sea cadet training during the 1940s he joined the Militia and rose to rank of Lieutenant Colonel starting as a Public Relations officer with the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers and ending with the London Militia District Headquarters. He continued this service through participation in the London Garrison Community Council to bring the London community and the militia together.
Tom was an ardent supporter and lifetime member of the Western Ontario Fish and Game Club, Ducks Unlimited and the Oxford County Stewardship Council. He was a proud member, executive member and president of the Forest City Kiwanis Club for almost 60 years.
Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home on 25 October from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and from 7:00 until 9:00 PM. Donations to the Otolaryngology Department of London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF.ca) and the Salvation Army would be appreciated.
