HUNDREDS of people attended a memorial service for former Williamstown mayor and Rotarian Jeffrey Bird (1938-2012) at Williamstown Town Hall last Monday.
In a memorial booklet titled A Wonderful Life, Mr Bird farewelled family and friends in his own words, signed off, “Cheers, Jeff”.
A former senior lecturer and consultant in business, and textile business owner, Mr Bird spent his early teenage years at Williamstown High School.
In the booklet he said his greatest joy as a young man at Melbourne University was “meeting Elaine, my lifetime love of over 50 years”.
“I could never resist trying to contribute to the community as a result of words spoken at my university graduation by Sir George Paton: ‘You are very privileged people. Go and put your knowledge to work in the community’.”
Mr Bird wrote that he followed through and “never had so much fun and fascination”. As a young man, this was as Junior Chamber of Commerce (JayCees) Australian president and world vice-president.
In “young middle age” it was as a Williamstown councillor and mayor and in his middle age, it was with Point Gellibrand Rotary, as governor of Rotary International District 9800 and Boroondara Family Network president.
Later in life, Mr Bird was with the Melbourne Savage Club.
He stated that he and Elaine had about 30 interests, enjoying theatre, opera, ballet and the orchestra enough to watch more than 1000 professional productions. He wrote that he had travelled to more than 45 countries:
“Seventy-four wonderful years, without serious illness until now.
“My motto was ‘serious fun’ and I thank all my friends from all over the world for encouraging me in that pursuit,” he wrote.
Mr Bird finished by writing he felt “so saddened about countries in a state of continual unrest and the increasing world violence preventing people enjoying my wonderful world — where is the civility and dignity?
“Farewell my family and friends. Cheers, Jeff.”
Former Point Gellibrand Rotary club president Ross Magor described Mr Bird as an “ideal Rotarian” and a tireless community worker who was always there to help people.
Mr Bird requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Medecins Sans Frontieres. He is survived by wife Elaine, daughter Adrienne and son Matthew.
