View Full Version : Vice President David Bird R.I.P
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Bird yesterday morning at 0830 hrs.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him at "Stoney & Friends"
Such was the man, that he had actually arranged with his dear wife Maggie, a "Pre-Cremation Soiree" for 1100hrs yesterday morning, and invited all his friends from around the angling world.
rhornegold
19-08-2010, 19:21
Very sad news Allan,
David Bird did a great deal for Angling and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Bob
It is with the greatest regret that we have to inform you that David Bird a good old friend and a tireless Champion for angling and fisheries died this morning, August 18th 2010.
David was a past President of the National Federation of Anglers and until the formation of the Angling Trust in 2009 was Chairman of the Specialist Anglers' Alliance.
David started the concept of Information Sheets when he was President of NFA and they were later taken on by NAFAC. Angling Trust now publishes them, so his original idea lives on.
David was a very dear friend, mentor and a special inspiration for many of us involved in the administration and development of angling organisations. He had done it all in angling, been a successful match angler, match organiser, club secretary, NFA rep, President of the NFA, Conservation Director of the ATA, chairman of the SAA and finally chairman of the Fish Welfare Group, of which he was immensely proud.
He enjoyed nothing more than his trips to Kenya hunting marlin, sailfish and other exotics with Maggie his wife and was looking forward to the next only last week.
He became President of the NFA at a time when change was needed and gave his health to that struggle. He was only in the job a short time before it took its toll and he had to resign. But he never gave up the fight for stronger representation of the sport he loved so dearly.
He had fought for angling for over thirty years and it was his life.
He and I worked closely together for many years, had many and frequent massive rows about policy but never once did those arguments dent our friendship. I last saw David at the Game Fair, an annual pilgrimage for him. He was obviously not well and waiting the results of some medical tests. He and I shared a cup of tea and we spoke at length but he no longer had the energy I knew him for. He had planned today (Wednesday) to have a living wake because he didn't want us to have a funeral for him that he would not remember. He would have enjoyed having his friends around him one more time. He died only three hours before we were due to see him again.
He was formative in the development of the Fish Welfare Group which exists today and carries on the work he started. He, along with others, defended angling when it was under attack from the animal rights movement and remained vigilant to the danger of personal attacks on his home.
David had an opinion on everything, from Europe and the Common Fisheries Policy to the international needs of fish and angling and anglers. He had a world vision, was well read in his subject and had an incisive and agile mind in developing new ideas and carrying them into fruition. David was not everyone's cup of tea, but he was a dear friend and I was proud and privileged to know him. When we were together we both felt we had known each other for ever and we were brothers.
The world is a poorer place for his leaving us but we are all richer for the fact that he was here. It is our responsibility as anglers to continue so much of what David started.
I hope he can now find the peace he could not find in life.
God bless you David.
Michael Heylin
Chairman
I knew David personally through business and as a friend.
What he did for angling, no other has or could. He was a great ambassador for our sport and campaigned for what he believed in.
He was also one of life's characters, full of energy, full of confidence and total belief.
His family, friends and the Angling world have lost a great man, he will be missed by all that knew him.
carpmanjay
19-08-2010, 22:14
very well said Cash.
For those wishing to show their respects, in Davids own words,
"Tell 'em to forget the cards and flowers Lockie, just get 'em to bung something to Stoney instead"
So, if you would care to "bung something Stoney's way" in memory of David Bird and at the same time help those still living with cancer, please click on the link below and donate where you can.
Thank you in advance
www.justgiving.com/stoneyandfriends-davidbird (http://www.justgiving.com/stoneyandfriends-davidbird)
RIP Dave, saw you a couple of times on the Yateley bash and various shows and I know you will be missed. Your contribution for angling will not be forgotten
RIP David, A true ambassador of our sport.
carpman2
20-08-2010, 22:09
Rip Dave,I will never forget all the kind things you did for me in business and out of friendship,you will be sorely missed.
David's widow, Maggi, has organised a beautiful tribute website in loving memory of her husband.
If you wish to contact Maggi, pay your respects, donate to David's chosen charity, share your photos and stories or actively contribute to a celebration of Davids life, please click the link below:
www.davidbird-thelastword.co.uk (http://www.davidbird-thelastword.co.uk)
Southern_carper
22-08-2010, 22:06
RIP David, thoughts are with the family
Dannyboy1978
23-08-2010, 08:52
I did not know David but i heard of his death yesterday on Talksport and he was spoken of highly by Keith Arthur and Ruth Lockwood, having just read the comments and had a look at the website, he seemed a great man with a great sense of humour with a lot of great friends and family around him..
Rest in Peace and God Bless you
Dan & Family
RIP David - you will be sorely missed by all who new you.
free spirit
23-08-2010, 12:05
a true legend r.i.p sir;)
Tigernut40
23-08-2010, 18:05
Was gutted to hear this :(
I used to look forward to our chats
:(
Angling shows will never be the same again....
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