Ryan Charles Bird, 43, of Galesburg, died at 7:45 a.m. Monday, March 7, 2022, in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born January 19, 1979, in Galesburg. He is the son of Patrick and Cynthia (Schleich) Flaherty and the late Donald E. Bird.
He is survived by his parents, Pat and Cindy Flaherty of Galesburg; his son, Trevor Bird of Galesburg; brother, Steve (Joy) Hall of Bloomington; sister, Angie (Scott) Hopping of Galesburg; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by grandparents, Chuck and Betty Schleich and Ray and Hazel Bird.
Ryan graduated from Alexis High School in 1997, where he lettered in football and track all four years. He worked a variety of construction jobs over the years, most recently with Williams Construction in Peoria, where he worked as a concrete finisher.
Ryan enjoyed the outdoors and recreational activities. He loved snowmobiling, boating, and riding dirt bikes and motorcycles.
Those that knew Ryan will remember him as a man who could be stubborn, fearless, fun, tough as nails, kind, and wild, but most of all he will be remembered for having a big heart. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the chapel with burial following in the Abingdon Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Ryan’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences for the family may be left on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com
