John Bird, a former town councilor in Old Orchard Beach who attended nearly every council meeting and advocated strongly for environmental and conservation issues, died unexpectedly Monday. He was 73.
Mr. Bird served on numerous town committees including the conservation commission and charter commission. He also co-founded the Ocean Park Conservation Society and was still director when he died.
“He was a real public advocate for the citizens of Old Orchard Beach,” said V. Louise Reid, assistant town manager. “He was an environmental expert and dedicated to environmental issues. He was a personal friend to many.”
Mr. Bird was a resident of Ocean Park and cared deeply about the community.
He became active in town politics in the early 1970s. He served two terms on the Old Orchard Beach Town Council and was appointed vice chairman in 1973 and chairman in 1975.
He served stints on the town’s license ordinance revision committee and the town’s Republican Committee. In 2009, Mr. Bird joined the town’s charter commission, and he served as vice chairman of its conservation commission from 2010-2011.
Mr. Bird attended nearly every council meeting and workshop for several years. He was a tall gentleman with the long white beard who spoke softly and eloquently about different agenda items. If he had a question, he was quick to ask the council. When he stood up to speak, people listened.
“As a citizen I always felt that he had my best interests at heart,” Reid said. “He will definitely be missed.”
Another hallmark of Bird’s life was serving as director of the Ocean Park Conservation Society. He co-founded the organization in 1971.
Jerry Gosselin, executive director of the Ocean Park Association, remembered Bird as a passionate advocate for the environment who worked to protect the waterways around Ocean Park, such as Goosefare Brook.
“John was really devoted to the protection and care of the environment,” Gosselin said. “It’s like he took ownership of these waterways by monitoring pollution levels. We are all beneficiaries of his passion for his work.”
Mr. Bird was also a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Both of his daughters spoke Thursday about his love for his family and community.
His daughter Kaleo Bird of Philadelphia said her father was fun, silly and unconventional. She chuckled Thursday while recalling stories of her past. She remembered the years he decorated a music stand with Christmas lights and called it a tree. Another time, Bird brought his daughter a dozen or so varieties of cheese because she didn’t specify how many he should bring. He also collected bowling balls and gave them to her.
“He was just silly,” she said.
Daughter Rebecca Bird of Tacoma, Washington, said her father was supportive, loving and made sure they knew how much he loved them.
Mr. Bird died two days after his birthday. On May 20, he had surgery on his neck and back but was discharged the next day and feeling well. His family said he died of a possible pulmonary embolism. He had a history of blood clots.
The Town Council will hold its next meeting Tuesday. Reid said the council chairman will likely address Bird’s passing.
Copy the Story Link
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.