Dr. Charles Edward Bird (1931–2024), M.D., C.M., Queen’s University, (1956), FRCP (C) 1962, PhD. (McGill) 1967, FACP 1972. Professor Emeritus, Queen’s University died March 21, 2024.
Cherished husband of Irene M. Pascoe. Predeceased by his loving wife of 37 years, Carole V. Blad. Dearly remembered by his children Susan C. Bird and David C. Bird and by his grandchildren: Devon, Eleanor and Charlie. Charles will be missed by his brother John Bird (Mary) and their children (Michael and Lisa). He was predeceased by his brother Peter and his wife Patricia. He will be remembered by Peter’s daughters (Kathryn and Sharon). The Blad family in Prescott were often in Charles’s mind, with many fond memories of happy times spent together. Charles will be lovingly remembered by Irene’s children, Steve Pearce (Gail), Blake Pearce (Laurel), Corinne Lyons (Kerry) and Jeffrey Pearce. He will be fondly recalled as “Papa Doc” by Irene’s grandchildren Adam, Lindsay, Stacey (Aaron), Ryan, Emily, Scott (Karri) and Marie. He loved hearing about great-grandchildren Alexander, Sienna, Ellis, Fitzgerald and Quincy.
Dr. Bird obtained his M.D.C.M. from Queen’s University and did postgraduate training in Kingston and then in Toronto with Dr. J.C. Laidlaw and in Montreal with Dr. S. Solomon. He returned to the department of medicine at Queen’s in 1965 as an M.R.C. Scholar. Dr. Bird spent most of his career in clinical investigation with his best friend and colleague Dr. Albert Clark. Their research focused on the influence of hormones on certain cancers. This resulted in numerous publications in North American and European scientific journals. His teaching and patient care were strongly influenced by Dr. D.L. Wilson and Dr. E.R. Yendt. He was appointed associate dean of research in the faculty of medicine in 1974. Dr. Bird was chosen by the graduating class of medical students as the 1991 recipient of the W. F. Connell Award for excellence in medical teaching. He was appointed as emeritus professor of medicine in 1996. Much of his early retirement was spent in learning and teaching about computers.
Charles and Irene had many happy times at their cottage on the south shore of Howe Island and enjoyed many long winters in sunny Bradenton, Florida. They travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and across Canada. As his health declined, Charles spent much time reading mystery novels.
The family would like to thank the medical staff of The Queen’s Health Sciences for their excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kingston branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association, UHKF (Kingston General Hospital) or to Queen’s University (School of Medicine).