Fred Bird, former Tribune journalist, has died

Fred Bird, a former Tribune journalist, passed away at the age of 79 in Seattle after a brief illness. He was a prominent figure in Snohomish, capturing the essence of community life through his photography and writing during the 1970s and 1980s. Bird's work included significant events like Kla Ha Ya Days parades and the cover photo of the Avenue D Bridge for the Snohomish Historical Society's book. He was also a passionate bird watcher and played a key role as the first president of the Washington Ornithological Society, which is now in its 37th year. His career expanded into state and local government communications, where he worked for 25 years, maintaining a connection to Snohomish County.

Bird's influence extended beyond journalism, as many locals remembered him as a cool figure who embraced the community's spirit. His contributions significantly shaped Snohomish's local culture and history. After retirement, Bird humorously noted his honorary status as a native of the area.