Victor Thorton Bird

October 28, 1945 - November 6, 2020

Victor Thorton Bird III, son of Victor Bird II and Dorothy (Book) Bird, was born October 28, 1945 in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he graduated. After high school, he enlisted into the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge, Rick drove truck over the road. He then worked as a diesel mechanic for some time before working at Oriental Trading in Underwood, Iowa for eleven years. Lastly he worked with his daughter Angie at Taylor Oil in Shelby, Iowa. Rick was always willing to help family and friends with odd and end jobs when needed. Rick loved playing golf, watching dirt track racing, and fishing. He enjoyed visiting the casinos, or playing a good game of cards among friends and family. He like to watch NASCAR and cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, and Nebraska Cornhuskers. Rick died at his home in Persia, Iowa on Friday, November 6, 2020, attaining the age of seventy-five years and nine days. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children Gayla Laackmann of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Ronald (Cristina) Laackmann of Portsmouth, Iowa; Charles Bird of Hancock, Iowa; Angela (Travis) Hargens of Avoca, Iowa; significant other Patty Neuman of Persia, Iowa; 17 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; siblings Phil (Jane) Bird of Overland Park, Kansas; Suzanne (Frank) Franco of Omaha, Nebraska; Roxanne (Brian) Shepard of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Michael Bird of Harlan, Iowa; nieces and nephews, other family members and friends.