Ronald H. Bird, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 in Delta. He was born on December 30, 1936 in Tooele, Utah to Rexford Harry and Mary Ellen Bryan Bird. He was the 5th child in a family of 11 children. His family moved to the Millcreek area of Salt Lake when he was a child. He graduated from Granite High School in 1955. Soon after he joined the US Army Reserve and was active for many years.
He met Lilly Lamona Atwood on a blind date. After a three month romance, they were married on June 28, 1958 in Salt Lake City. The marriage was later solemnized on June 28, 1963 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together they raised 5 children.
Ron worked in Structural Ironwork and Welding for 25 years. In 1968, Ron and Lamona moved to Lyman, Wyoming, where he worked as a structural iron-worker. Ron moved his family to the Delta area in 1985 to work on the construction of the IPP Power Plant. He retired in 1988.
Ron loved his work, and was an expert mechanic and craftsman. He was a devoted friend and loved welding and doing projects for his neighbors. He was also very skilled at breaking and shoeing horses. He had a way with horses and always owned a horse.
Ron loved to hunt and ride his horses. He took his family on several hunting trips and family vacations on horseback. Ron was an active member of the LDS Church serving in various callings.
Never a man loved his family more. He was extremely loyal to his wife and children. He taught his boys, “When you get married, put your wife on a pedestal and worship her. You will find that you get all the benefits.” He loved to watch his grandchildren grow, and attend their activities; often driving many hours to see them compete.
Ron is survived by his wife: Lamona; sons: Ronald Shane, Lyman, WY; Edward “Ted” Paul (Shenell), Minersville; David Barckley (Kate), Huntington; daughters: Vickie Dueene (Jerry), Riverton, WY; Jenniffer Lamona (Lance), Lehi; 25 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren; siblings: Joan, Donna, Robert Leon “Bobby”, Billy, Dale, and Danny. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Gerald, Oren, Paul, and Mary Lou; granddaughter: Julie Ann Overy; great grandson: Aiden Jacob Wilhelm.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, at 11:00 AM, at the Sutherland LDS Church. Viewings: Friday evening, 7:00-8:00 PM, at the Nickle Mortuary; and Saturday at the church, 9:30-10:40 AM, prior to service. Burial will be at the Sutherland Cemetery.