Billy Bird

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, William Laidlaw Bird, has passed away in Logan Utah at the age of 91 on July 8th, 2026. He had a rich life, but his greatest treasure was his wonderful wife of 66 years and his 13 children, who he loved and was fiercely proud of. He leaves behind a legacy of many grandchildren, great grandchildren and family who loved and respected his wit and wisdom. Of course, we cannot forget his love for his many dogs.

Billy Bird was born January 5th, 1935 in Red Hill New Mexico, to a Presbyterian minister, Eldred Holloway and Edith Marie Bird, along with his 6 siblings. They lived throughout the Southwest, and Idaho, moving often to find work during the Great Depression. He lost his father at the age of 7, and was the last survivor of that original Bird nest, (being preceded in death by all of his siblings).

After the loss of his father, he worked hard from a young age at various jobs, from wrangling cattle for his uncle, as a mechanic, construction worker and carpenter on public works like dams, as a janitor, sheriffs deputy, and prosecuting attorney. Each step of his journey characterized hard work in his approach to life.

His list of contributions is a combination of courage, hard work and faith. When his family moved to Rexburg, Idaho at the age of 14 he was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Billy Bird was a Korean War Veteran, and a missionary in the Central States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He married his lovely wife Janice on October 9, 1959 and was sealed in the Idaho Falls temple. He worked as a Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy for nearly 10 years, before attending law school at the University of Idaho. He received his law degree and worked for the State of Idaho Attorney General’s Office, and as the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Bannock County for 25 years. He also was a Tribal Attorney for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe in Fort Hall. Outside of that work, when we suffered changes in employment, he also worked 2-3 night jobs as a janitor to provide for his family until work picked up again.

With all of this history, Billy Bird could do almost anything, from constructing rooms in his house, to fixing cars in freezing weather, to arguing complex court cases, to running marathons. He had few limits, but where he did have limits, his faith sustained him. He had an unwavering testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and leaves a legacy of love and service to others that is priceless to his posterity.

He was preceded in death by two sons, James Bradley Bird and William Robert Bird. He is survived by his wife Janice Bird and 11 children; Alisa, Lora, Brian, Vincent, Debra, Teresa, Meri, Richard, Cherie, Shaunavee and Rachelle. His legacy of grand children and great grandchildren will continue to grow forever.

William L. Bird’s funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 at 94 West 600 South, Logan, Utah at the Central Park Ward. The viewing 9:30-10:30, and the funeral service at 11 am. He will be laid to rest at Millville City Cemetery 310 E 100 N, Millville, UT. Immediately following the funeral service (approximately 12:45-1 pm).

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.