Former Williamstown mayor and Point Gellibrand Rotary Club member Jeffrey Bird. 88511 Picture: CONTRIBUTED
By ALESHA CAPONE
TRIBUTES have flowed after the death of former Williamstown mayor and “much-loved” resident Jeffrey Charles Bird.
At last week’s Hobsons Bay City Council meeting, the councillors voted to send a letter of condolence to Mr Bird’s family.
Cr Angela Altair said Mr Bird made “significant contribution” to civic and social life in Hobsons Bay.
He spent nine years as a councillor and served as mayor of the former Williamstown council between 1979 and 1980.
Mr Bird was also a charter member, past president, past district governor and Paul Harris Fellow of the Point Gellibrand Rotary Club.
“Mr Bird passed away just last weekend and he was obviously a very valued member of the community and much-loved by the Point Gellibrand Rotary members and also the community at large,” Cr Altair said.
“He was a wonderful man and very popular, very urbane. He was a very cultured man but also very clever.”
Cr Peter Hemphill said Mr Bird was a great mentor and attended the recent official opening of Williamstown Library only weeks before he passed away.
Mr Bird also served as a member of more than 30 clubs, founded his own business, worked as an engineer at the former Sunshine Council and was a Justice of the Peace.
He designed the Point Gellibrand Rotary Club bowties and the club’s latest newsletter paid tribute to Mr Bird’s creation “which we all wear with pride”.
“Thanks for the memories Jeff – you’re a gentleman,” the newsletter said.
Mr Bird is survived by his wife Elaine and his two children. A memorial service was scheduled at the Williamstown Town Hall yesterday for family and friends.
Mr Bird requested donations be made to Medecins Sans Frontieres in lieu of flowers.
