William “Bill” Bird age 77, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
He was the son of Gilbert and Wilhelmina Bird and was preceded in death by his brother,
Leonard Bird.
“Bird” is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jenine; children, Josh (Jamie) Bird, Sarah (Lance) Young; 6 grandchildren, Lena Young, Kayden Bird, Hailey Young, Kyler Young, Bryce Bird, Tessa Bird; brother, Thomas (Rita) Bird; in-laws, Patrice Sysko, Norman (Char) Prins, Gerritt Zylstra; several nieces and nephews.
“I have come that you might have life, and life to the fullest,” Jesus shared in John 10:10. Bill truly lived life to the fullest. Bill loved Jesus deeply, and was always fueled by his faith and passion for the Lord. Bill, like his Creator, brought beauty into everything. He exuded immense creativity in how he designed both the massive and the miniscule things of his life. Every corner of his world had vision, intentionality, and was presented to cultivate invitation and inspiration.
Bill radiated energy, color, joy, and encouragement everywhere he went. To know Bill was to absolutely adore him. Anyone who experienced him left knowing they were seen and believed in. He cared about whomever was in his daily moments, always offering the best of himself to brighten people’s days. Bill purposefully called out the great in people, sometimes the great they were not even aware of in themselves.
Bill grew up on the east coast in New Jersey and Delaware. He attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa where he studied vocal music and met his beautiful wife and dearest ally, Jenine. They shared immense passions for music, antiques, and flowers. Bill had truly met his creative counterpart, and together, they fashioned a lifetime of cherished family moments, rich friendships, unique experiences, vivid spaces, exquisite gardens, gorgeous landscapes, breathtaking musicality, unbreakable loyalty, and exuberant joyfulness. “Bill and Jenine” was a favorite phrase of countless people.
“Mr. Bird” is a name that those who have experienced him will carry in their hearts for a lifetime. Mr. Bird taught vocal music for 41 years. Beginning at Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa, he taught for 22 years from 1969 – 1991. He then taught at Holland Christian High School in Holland, Michigan for 19 years from 1991 – 2010. Mr. Bird meaningfully impacted thousands of students with both his presence in their lives, as well as their experiences as members of his choirs. Mr. Bird deeply loved both the Western Christian and Holland Christian communities, and proudly valued the honor of teaching. Mr. Bird always emphasized that “Everyone can sing!”
Bill Bird, husband, dad, grandpa, delightful friend, and motivating supporter to so many, will be incredibly missed. Today, he would encourage those he loved to live life brightly today, and to hope in the solid foundation of Christ and the promise of the glorious, heavenly days to come.
And remember dear ones, “Really sing it out!”
A Celebration of Life will be at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap Rd. Holland with Rev. Gary Matthews officiating. Jenine’s request is that, “no one wears black.” Echoing true Mr. Bird form, “bright and colorful dress would be appreciated!” A time of fellowship will follow the service. A private family burial will take place in Graafschap Cemetery.
A livestream of the service will be available at https://youtube.com/live/e_hs8wrDB6o?feature=share
In Mr. Bird’s honor, an endowment will be set up at Holland Christian High School in Holland, Michigan to support the vocal music department. https://hollandchristian.org/donate/. All memorial gifts in Bill’s name will go to this endowment.
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