William "Bill" Bird

William “Bill” Bird June 5, 1926 – October 7, 2011 Bill Bird, 85 years old, passed away suddenly at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Clearlake Oaks at the “Y”. He was a long time resident of Vallejo. Hal Boex, a longtime friend, once said that, “Bill is the smartest uneducated man he ever knew.” Bill was in the Navy as a bombardier during WWII and the Korean War. He was a deputy sheriff in Monticello, Nevada. He also was as a lineman for the railroad for 15 years. He owned and operated the Napa Val Resort for many years. He sold the resort to begin a career in the construction field to build bridges, sewer systems, dry docks and other structures such as, the HWY 37 Bridge; a section of the Embarcadero & Great Highway sewer system in San Francisco; building of the Bart Station at Market & Davis Streets; and deepening, widening and extending Dry Docks 1 & 2 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. He enjoyed the heights and dangers of building bridges all over the Bay Area for the next 30 years. He was one of many superintendents that helped rebuild the Bay Bridge after the 1989 earthquake. He always said that you couldn’t get anywhere in this town without going over a bridge or causeway that he built. He was a member of the Pile Drivers Local 34 for over 50 years. He was a lifetime member of the Vallejo Yacht Club. He ran the chairs for Rear Commodore, Vice-Commodore and Commodore. He was on the Board of Directors for 15 years and served as chairman for several years. He loved going out on his boat with his family. He also loved decorating his boat for the lighted boat parade for the 4th of July, for which he took 1st Place several times. In later years, he enjoyed coaching little league baseball with his son, John, for his grandson, Johnny; enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family; and taking weekly trips to Cache Creek with his loving wife. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Munoz and sister, Kate Mayo. He is survived by his wife, Anita, of 42 years; two sons – Lynn Bird (wife, Sandra) of Clear-lake Oaks; John Bird (wife, Sheila) of Vallejo; daughter – Robin Watson-Bird (wife – Jenni-fer) of Livermore; stepsons, Timmy Leggett and Dale Leggett; stepdaughter, Debi Leggett-King; brother-in-law David Harpine (wife, Susan); sister-in-law Carolyn Crepps (husband, Gene); seven grandchildren - Debbie Bird-McDermott, Kristy Bird, Laurie Bird, Courtney Bird (fiancé, Anthony Boot), Johnny Bird, Wyatt Watson-Bird and Eli Watson-Bird; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind the other loves of his life, four little furry friends, his loyal and faithful cats, Kitty Babe, Asia, Raccoon and Possum. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers any donations be made to the Friends of Animals or Vallejo/Benicia Humane Society. Please visit the online tribute at twinchapelsmortuary.com. Cremation and arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696.

William "Bill" Bird

June 5, 1926 - October 7, 2011