Randy Bird

Randy E. Bird, 76, passed away October 25, 2020 at Portneuf Hospital from complications from Type 1 diabetes and COPD. Randy was born January 12, 1944, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Theron and Lillace Andersen Bird. He was an only child. He attended school at Washington, Green Acres, Alameda Junior High, and Pocatello High School. He had one daughter, Angela, and three sons, Shane, Brandon, and Jason Jarvis. On January 1, 1987 he married the love of his life. Between them they raised Sue's son, Jason Jarvis. Randy loved to fish and hunt. In his earlier years he was in the Sheriff's Appose and raced a Cutter Horse team at the Bannock County Fairgrounds. He loved building things out of wood, and the biggest accomplishment was his shop which he referred to as his man cave. As the grandchildren came along, he really enjoyed having them around. In his later years they enjoyed going on rides with him. He loved Idaho and the greatest pleasure was going to Jackson Hole. Sue was caretaker for many years and often was told what a great wife, caretaker, and friend she was to her husband. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Randy and Susan were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in 2001. Randy worked at various places throughout his life. He retired from Idaho State University as a Painter in 1998. The rest of his life he spent helping his father-in-law, Lee Branch until 2000. They went on many hunting and fishing trips. There were not many times that if someone needed help, he was there. He was a great friend to all who knew him and once he got to know you, he would spring out of shell and be there for you. He tried his hardest to love his fellow man. He obtained his Amateur Extra License and was Ham Radio Operator. His call sign was K7VXO (sil) and his wife was also a Ham Radio Operator K7SKB. He loved to spend his time on the radio, and it was his major past time since 2008. Randy and Sue were best friends, co-workers, and could depend on each other for anything and everything. Randy spent his last days on earth remodeling the basement, organizing his man cave, mowing the lawn which in the last few years he could not do. Through the years he had been told by several doctors he did not have long to live, but he made the best of everything. He quit smoking in 1998 after being diagnosed with COPD. He was never on oxygen. His mind was leaving him this year little by little. Conversations were hard but Sue was there by his side every step of the way. On the morning of October 25, 2020, he told Sue he was going to pass away today. Within a matter of hours, he was gone. He talked to the Doctor, and the Doctor shared with him, that he said he had a wonderful wife, and then he had a massive heart attack. Because of Covid, his wife could not be in the room. And because of COVID-19 he will be buried in Sue's family plots at a later date in 2021. As per Randy's wishes, cremation has taken place. To my husband, You were my rock, my love, my best friend, my everything. You will be missed by all who got to know you and you will be deeply missed by your family. I hope you have gotten the chance to see my parents and my sister, Lee Ann, also your uncles and aunts as well as grandpa, Christian Anderson. Until we meet again in eternity, I will always love you. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theron and Lillace Bird; many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Angela Terry, Shane, and Brandon Bird, and his son, Jason Jarvis, who he had a deeply loving relationship with. He has been blessed with eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and one on the way. Thank you to all my family and friends that have been with me through thick and thin through this amazing mans life and for always being there for us. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Idaho State Credit Union, C/O Randy Bird, Campus Box 8029, Pocatello, Idaho 83209-0009 to help with the hospital and funeral costs.