Daniel Bird ’72

Dr. Daniel F. Bird, 77, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away February 19, 2021.  Although born in Alameda, California, he and his late parents, George and Frances Bird, made Greenville, Michigan, their home.

Daniel graduated from Belding High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Hope College, a Master’s degree in education and a Master’s degree of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in Social Work from Barry University in Miami.

The Bird family was well known in the Belding, Greenville, and Holland communities for their Bird Blueberry Plantations and Bird Fertilizer & Grain Company, in which Daniel played a major role.  Eventually, Daniel settled in Florida and since 1994 served as Director of the Indian River State College’s Farmworker Career Development Program.  Through his work with the College and as a practicing psychotherapist, social worker, educator and businessman, Daniel had a tremendous impact on the lives of so many.  His positivity was contagious, and his passion for students’ success was unwavering.

He was widely known as a car enthusiast – particularly Porsches, agriculturist, and devoted husband.  Daniel is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dr. Neila Bird; his children Patrick (Dr. Michele) Bird; Dr. Mara Bird (Dr. Javier Sanabria); Ryan (Christina) Bird; seven grandchildren-Gabrielle, Lucas, Bryce, Halla, Isabel, Ethan, and Coco.  Condolences may be shared online at www.millenniumcremationservice.com.

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