Merle Dulane Bird
October 30, 1936 - November 16, 2022

Merle Dulane Bird October 30, 1936 - November 16, 2022

Merle Dulane Bird of Scottsdale, AZ graduated this life on November 16, 2022. He was 86.

Merle was born in Newcastle, NE on October 30, 1936 to Lester and Opal Bird. Alongside his brother, Paul, he worked on the family farm during his youth. After graduating from Ponca High School, Merle joined the Army where he spent two years in Germany as a surveyor. After the Army, Merle moved to Seattle, WA where he worked for Boeing and attended the University of Washington. Here he met the love of his life, Margaret (Marge) Kluth, and the two were married on March 28, 1959. In 1962, Merle was hired as an accountant by Price Waterhouse. He moved to California in 1971 and was admitted to a partnership in 1974. In 1975, he moved to Phoenix, AZ where he would finish his accounting career, retiring in 1992. As an audit and MNC partner, Merle specialized in mining, forest products, retail and media. Merle served as a member of the Association of Corporate Growth, ASU Professional Advisory Board, and Camelback Behavioral Health Charitable Trust. He was Chairman of the Board of the Banner Health Foundation and Chairman of the LPGA Samaritan Turquoise Golf Classic. As a longtime member of the Phoenix Country Club, he served as the Treasurer and President during his tenure. In addition, he was a founding member of and financial advisor for Aspen Valley Country Club in Flagstaff, AZ.Merle was an avid outdoorsman. His outdoor hobbies included golf, fishing, hunting, and hiking.

Merle is survived by his wife, Marge, of 63 years. He was the father of the late Mary Bird of Phoenix, AZ and is survived by three other children; Julie Howard of Scottsdale, AZ and her husband Kevin, Scott Bird of Peoria, AZ and his wife Leanne, and David Bird of Chandler, AZ and his wife Dawn. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Kaylee Howard, Megan Howard, Rachel Bird, Christopher Bird, Trevor Bird, Erica Bird and Natalie Bird.

We will miss his witty humor, many golf and fish stories, but most of all his generosity and love

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