Walter Frank Bird

1939 — 2024

Walter Frank Bird, age 85, passed away February 26, 2024 incident to a fall; with his wife Patricia and his best buddy Bandit by his side.

Wally was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout his life.

Wally was born January 8, 1939 in Springville, UT to O Freeman Bird and Eloise Metcalf Bird. He was the 2nd of 6 children. Wally attended schools in Springville and graduated from Springville High School in 1957. After High School Wally joined the Army in 1959 and did his basic training at Fort Ord CA and then served in the Utah Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1966.

Wally married Karen Coles July 15, 1960 and together they had 5 children. They were later divorced.

Wally was a Firefighter/Engineer for Provo City for over 20 years as well as a Master Mason. His stone work showed his amazing artist’s eye.

Wally was strong willed and a fighter and when told he had terminal cancer, denial served him well. He beat and survived that diagnosis for nearly 40 years.

Having known each other from their school days, Wally was reunited with Patricia Williams. He and his “sweet Patty” were married June 21, 1991 and later sealed in the temple June 21,1992.

Wally and Pat enjoyed being together outdoors, golfing and spending time at their cabin that Wally built from the foundation up.

Wally was a talented wood carver and artist. As a younger man he particularly enjoyed getting together with his equally talented siblings to create art in their chosen mediums.

Wally instilled a love for hunting and fishing in his boys and they spent many years in the mountains together scouting and hauling out trophies.

Wally was a charmer with a cute grin and when you were with him, you knew he loved you. And he had a nickname for everyone …His kids, coworkers, neighbor children, and the checker at the grocery store; some more complimentary than others.

Wally took great pride in his yard and kept it beautifully landscaped, spending hours getting just the right edge on a flower bed or vegetable garden. He could grow anything or tell you how to grow it yourself. For many years we were beneficiaries of gallons of honey from his beehives or eggs from his chickens. Wally could and did do it all.

Wally was loved and will be missed by his children and Patricia’s children. Greg (Trudy) Bird, Kris (Ken) Wegryn, Jeff (Leticia) Bird, Megan (Joe) Pritchard, Gary (Sandy) Jensen, Brian (JoAnna) Jensen, Richard (Jacqueline) Jensen, Christina (Chris) Dunyon as well as 27 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. His siblings Phil (Katherine) Bird, Lorna (Kenny) Snyder, LuAnn (Fred) Grazzini, and his best buddy Bandit.

Wally was preceded in death by his son Jed Bird, stepson Scott Jensen, granddaughter Bailey Bird and his sisters Lynne Heath and Kay Armstrong, as well as his parents O Freeman Bird and Eloise Bird.

A graveside service for family and close friends will be held Thursday February 29, 2024 at the Kaysville Cemetery.

Services have been entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, Layton, Utah.

Condolences may be sent to www.lindquistmortuary.com.