Boyakin Old Bird died peacefully at his home at Westminster Canterbury of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester, VA on April 17, 2015.

Mr. Bird was born in Selma, Louisiana and lived his adult life in Virginia (Alexandria, Tappahannock, and Winchester).  He was a graduate of Selma High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Louisiana Tech University.  He was then employed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers at their Research and Development Laboratories, Fort Belvoir, VA for thirty three years.  He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.  On his retirement he was awarded a Superior Performance Award.

Mr. Bird was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Winchester and had been very active at Episcopal churches in Alexandria and Tappahannock serving on the church vestries in many capacities including Senior Warden and head of the Every Member Canvas several times.  He was the first Licensed Lay Reader and Diocesan Congregational Keyman at Emmanuel Church, Alexandria.

He is survived by his wife Helen M. Bird (they had just celebrated their 69^th anniversary this month).  He is also survived by two daughters: Sara Bird Bicking and husband David of Winchester, VA and Catherine Bird of Fredericksburg, VA.  There are four grandchildren: Jennifer Wright Hodge and husband John of Virginia Beach, VA; Cristen Mason Spencer and husband Keith of Roanoke, VA; Matthew Wright of Hickory, NC; and Sara Rebecca Mason Starkey and husband Jason of Fredericksburg, VA.  There are also two step grandchildren: Alice Kathryn Bicking Schain and husband Jeremy of Winchester, VA; and Nathan Bicking and wife Misty of Martinsburg, WV.  There are also seven great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Winchester, VA at 1:00 pm on Saturday April 25, 2015 with The Rev. Webster Gibson and The Rev. Bridget Coffey celebrating.  Interment will be at the Christ Church Columbarium immediately following the service in the church.  There will be a reception in the Tilford Room of Christ Church.

Memorials may be made to Christ Church 114 West Boscawen St., Winchester, VA 22601, or to The Westminster Canterbury Fellowship Fund, 300 Westminster Canterbury Dr., Winchester, VA 22603.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.