Talmage "Tal" Clayton Bird Jr.

August 6, 1936 - March 14, 2021

Tal Bird was a man who loved life! He was full of love, kindness, service & generosity. Tal was jovial and fun-loving. He reached out to help anyone in need. He was a great family man! He loved his children with all of his heart. He loved preparing breakfast for his daughter Heather Bird, and his son’s Shane and Jeremy Bird when they were young and even after they had grown up. Their mother artist Pamala Barker Bird, Tal’s first wife continued to share breakfasts and Newport Beach California family trips with Tal, his wife Gayle, the kids & grandkids. Pamala had just invited Tal and Gayle to come visit and stay in the house with her in St. George, Utah before his unexpected passing. Tal was so grateful for the growth of his family. Heather married Robert and had Violet and Victor. Shane married Rebecca Offret and their children are Gunnar, Olivia, Isabelle and Clancey. Jeremy married Amber McPherson and their children are Savanna, Tessa, Miranda and Zack. Tal adored his two late sisters Beverly Wilkes and Lynne Johnson. He is survived by his brothers Albert & Brent Bird. They all loved each other so much and he touched their lives in so many ways! Talo as he was affectionately known, was born August 3,1936 in Memphis Tennessee (where he met Elvis Presley personally in Elvis’s home) to Katherine Stewart Bird & Talmage Clayton Bird Sr. He moved to Utah to attend BYU where he graduated with a math degree. He served his mission in the Texas-Louisiana area. Tal continued learning throughout his life. He was an avid reader of books, scriptures, and the newspaper. He enjoyed having discussions with family and friends about current events. His beloved wife Zona Gayle Loftis Engebretsen Bird shared that he loved the view from their east facing window. He appreciated the beauty of the mountain scene. Talo also loved watching and feeding the birds (his namesake) in their yard. Gayle fondly remembers being deeply loved by him and is quoted as saying “I could not have been more loved!” She says that he loved telling stories and teasing. She loved him with all of her heart! He will live on in our hearts forever. We love you daddy, grandpa, husband, brother and friend!!! ♥️♥️♥️ Tal’s life was celebrated on March 19th 2021 with a viewing at the Allen-Hall mortuary in Cache Valley, followed by a graveside service at the Riverheights/Providence City Cemetery. Family came from far and wide and it was much appreciated to have the Birds, Barkers, Johnson’s and the Wilkes altogether! https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP37pLj6gTrINJ3ZNyjJ_PYPB9OouxaQ5DQoH-JXOyMXjOuZQ3i1a1TcJFGa9Jylw?key=NWtiT1U1d3JRcUVkSjRLLTQxblhadlhJNzl5Q2FB