David L. Bird, 61, of Arbon Valley, returned to Our Father in Heaven on Tuesday, June 3, 1997 in the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dave was born on February 14, 1936, in Malad, a son of Matthew P. and Louise Perry Bird. He spent most of his youth on the family farm in Arbon Valley, and graduated from Logan Utah High School.
He married Barbara Petersen on June 3, 1955 in the Logan LDS Temple. They resided in Logan for several years before making a permanent move to Arbon Valley in 1973.
Dave loved his work on the farm and the neighbors and friends surrounding him.
He enjoyed many diversions, when time allowed, such as photography, automobile restoration and gardening. But he was known mostly for his constant thirst for knowledge.
He was a very righteous man, and was an influence for good on everyone he met. He served in many positions in the LDS Church, but will be remembered mainly for his 10 years as branch president of the Arbon Valley LDS branch.
He is survived by his wife, of Arbon Valley; four sons, Jeff (Irene), Brent, Matt (Vanessa), all of Arbon Valley, and Elder Matt Bird, currently serving a mission in Dallas, Texas; two daughters, Lisa (Bruce) Hawks of Victor, New York, and Leslee (Parrish) Tanner of Logan, Utah; his mother, Louise P. Bird of Mona, Utah; two brothers, Perry (Ila Dell) of Ogden, Utah, and Richard (Twila), of Lakewood, Colorado; six sisters: Helen (Mac) Smith, Ogden, Utah; Lou (David) Woodland of Concord, Calif, Maureen (Steve) Douglas of Bountiful, Utah, Willa (Bob) Bickmore of Provo, Utah, Carol (Darrell) Johnson of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Ann (Dee) Hansen, currently serving an LDS mission to Norway.
He was preceded in death by his father and oldest son, David Lawrence.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 7, 1997, at noon in the Malad LDS Second Fifth Ward Chapel, 20 S. 100 W.
Friends may call at the Benson Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 N. Malad, on Friday, June 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Logan City Cemetery, Logan, Utah.

The Strength of a Man
The strength of a man should not be judged by the size,
But with a life of integrity, that shows in his eyes.
The strength of a man comes from inside
For if your right with the Lord, He’s there at your side.
The strength of a man is expressed in his hands
In the service that’s rendered to one’s fellow man.
The strength of a man, comes from the love that is there
From one so caring and willing to share.
The strength of a man is the example that’s shown
From a heart that is pure, to those that he’s known.
The strength of a man, forever is there
In the lives that he’s touched and the trials they must bear
The strength of a man is to commit till the end
To stay close to the Lord and know He’s your friend.
The strength of a man is the faith to believe
And to have a trust in God, is the strength we receive
Barbara Bird
June 4, 1997