Virgil Birdsall Obituary


VIRGIL BIRDSALL
1927 ~ 2017

Virgil Birdsall, husband of Jean for more than sixty-seven years, has passed away. The two met shortly after Virgil completed his service in the Navy in 1947, married while he was a sophomore at San Francisco State, and happily struggled until graduation brought a teaching assignment. The two settled early in Marin County, California where he would teach and then spend twenty years as a principal in numerous San Rafael schools before retiring.
Born in a company house of the Southern Pacific Railroad in the Nevada Desert, his mother, the daughter of German immigrants; and his father, whose ancestors settled in New York in the early 17th Century; researching his roots became one of his passions. Other passions included traveling, visiting archaeological sites in Latin America and Europe, flying sailplanes, writing_a few short stories and articles were published. Banned from every singing group he tried to join, he amused himself whistling, telling stories and needling conservatives in the Columbian's "Letters." One of his favorite activities for over 20 years was hiking with Jean and their good friends in the No Name Hiking Club, in the Vancouver, WA area.
Adventures he treasured were serving on the cruiser Oakland in China during their Civil War, teaming with Jean to open Jameson's Bed and Breakfast in the Sierra foothills, and learning to be a parent to his two daughters. He often, as a principal, told frustrated young parents, "The toughest job in the world is to be a good parent; the second toughest is to be a good teacher."
A longtime supporter of environmental and progressive political groups, among them for decades, the Sierra Club. Virgil is survived by his two loving daughters, Virginia and Leslie, and their husbands.
His beloved wife, Jean, passed away in 2016 after 67 wonderful years of marriage.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Feb. 26, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Virgil Birdsall

Not sure what to say?





I taught under Virg at two schools, Davidson Middle School and Sun Valley Elementary School. The Sun Valley experience was the best. Virg and I remained friends after he retired. My husband and I spent a New Year's at Jean and Virg's Jameson's B and B and visited them in Vancouver. I so appreciated his letters which were always funny, insightful, and honest. I've just learned of his passing from a former Sun Valley third grade student of mine who had been in touch with Virg for the last few years. I'd no idea that he was unwell. I know he missed Jean very much. It's hard to believe he was about 90 years old. He was so sharp and vital. I will miss him very much. My condolences to his daughters and family.

Linda Newton

Friend

October 5, 2017

I have lived for many years directly across from Virgil at Edgetree Condos. He was a very nice neighbor, always finding time to make conversation and always appreciative of any help I could provide him. Virgil will be greatly missed by me and the others in our cul-de-sac. I extend my condolences to his family for their loss.

GARY MORGAN

March 9, 2017

I first met Virgil in a writing class at the community college in Vancouver. From there we organized a critique group that met at my house once a week. We shared our stories with each other and several others. Virgil was a wonderful man whom we all appreciated for his kindness and his great ability with language.

Kurt Smith

March 5, 2017

Virgil was such a warm and friendly neighbor. It was always so heartwarming to see he and Jean going for walks. We spent some time together at Starbucks having a cup of coffee and talking about old times...mostly about teaching and education as we had that in common. I will miss him and his wonderful sense of humor and friendly greeting each day.

Donna Strom

March 2, 2017

I first met Virgil at the care home where he was visiting Jean and I was there visiting my mom. We struck up conversations about hiking, fishing, the out doors and life in general. I told him about my hiking partners moving to Nevada and he invited me to join his hiking group to see how I liked them. Virgil was a very kind, patient, and considerate man, it was a pleasure to have known him and to have him for a friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Sincerely, David Foes

David Foes

February 28, 2017

Uncle Virg, you were the best! No question - you were my FAVORITE uncle! I loved the time I was privileged to spend with you. Remembering your love of stories, teaching me to fish, sightseeing with you in Fairfax, CA, Sonora, CA, and Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR, and just being with you are some of my favorite memories. I miss you and Aunt Jean so much. Rest in Peace Uncle Virg. I know you and Aunt Jean are together again. I love you both so very much! Love,Sharon

February 27, 2017

Virgil was a kind gentle man and a good neighbor. It was always heartwarming to see him and Jean walking hand-in-hand through the area. He will surely be missed.

Dreen Krueger

February 26, 2017

Virgil's sense of humor and bright, positive attitude will be so missed.

Susan Barr

February 26, 2017

Virgil was a wonderful neighbor in our condominium complex. Whenever I saw him out walking, he had a smile and often a funny little story to tell. He was always so upbeat and supportive. When I asked him to write a short story for our newsletter, he had it in my hands by the next day. And what a charming story it was!
Virgil always exhibited good humor and a friendly demeanor. A gentleman through and through.
He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his daughters.

Peg Prather

February 26, 2017

1927-1917 Pops, you were the greatest! I'm so lucky to have had both mom and you as parents - I miss and I love you both always, Leslie

Leslie

February 25, 2017

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Virgil Birdsall's name

Memorial Events
for Virgil Birdsall

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Virgil's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Virgil Birdsall's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more