Lawrence Kinzie Bird

lawrence  bird
Lawrence Kinzie Bird passed away on February 11, 2018 at home in McLean, VA, after a four-year-long battle with cancer. Known as “Kinzie,” he was born in Fremont, Ohio in 1956 to Nancy Belle and Lawrence Verl Bird. He attended The Putney School, Putney, VT during his high school years, where he made life-long friends. He then graduated from Tufts University with degrees in History and Economics and also received his Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) Degree from George Washington University. He served in the White House in 1978 as an intern before starting work at the National Cooperative Bank in Washington, DC. During this time he met his wife, Betsy, a U.S. Navy officer stationed at the Pentagon. On February 15th, 1992, they were married and moved to Pearl Harbor, HI for Navy duty. Kinzie loved to play golf and was able to play on some of Hawaii’s finest courses. He also loved the beach and the beautiful Hawaiian weather. During this time he was a Financial Advisor and money manager. After several military tours, Kinzie and Betsy returned to Memphis. There Kinzie continued to do the things he loved most: working in finance, playing golf, reading the newspaper, and spending time with his wife, pets and many friends. He also loved visiting their cabin on the Cullasaja River in Franklin, NC.

In 2014 Kinzie was diagnosed with cancer, which led to a permanent move from Memphis to Virginia for treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, MD. There he received the most advanced Immunotherapy treatment and the best care possible. During this time he enjoyed constant support by his many friends. Their visits, calls and letters provided him a great source of joy.

He was a strong and willing patient and always looked on the bright side of life. His positive spirit affected all who surrounded him and he was loved by many.

The family would like to thank, especially, the doctors, nurses and staff at the John P. Murtha Cancer Center at Walter Reed for their exceptional care and tireless efforts.

Kinzie was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Belle Bird; his father, Lawrence Verl Bird; his sister, Kim Bird Conlon, and his guardian aunt, Pat Carroll. He is survived by his wife Betsy Jenkins Bird (from Franklin, NC) and many relatives. His family and friends provided constant support during his illness, especially his beloved cousins: Katherine (KC) Lane of Los Angeles; Victoria McKenzie of NYC; Sue Kinzie Smith of NYC; Priscilla (Peekie) Wolfensohn of Falls Church. Also providing support were his sister-in-law Amelia Jenkins of Kailua, HI (formerly of Franklin, NC); brother-in-law Tommy Jenkins (and Robin) of Franklin; Lydia Robertson of Arlington, VA and many other friends and classmates.

A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 6715 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia on Monday 26 February at 11:30 a.m. There will be a reception at the church following the service. Burial will be at Arlington Cemetery on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org (or mail to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.) Online condolences and fond memories of Kinzie may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I remember a weekend we were in Houston and mom, Be and Sister decided we should all go country dancing. After buying boots jeans and a tacky shirt we practiced the two step at home. Once we thought we had it down enough we headed out. I will never forget watching Kinzie’s head bop up and down as he twirled each of us around the dancefloor all night long . He was exhausted but never complained. I am pretty sure that we all laughed the most together that night ! The Jenkins women cane up with lots of “great” ideas, and Kinzie was always game . I will miss him tremendously!

  2. Jerry and Rosemary Ellis –
    When we think of friends in the past that we truly loved and always enjoyed being around, Betsy and Kinzie were always at the top. They were a wonderful couple with a great sense of humor and a sense of care for everyone. In addition, they had “pizazz” about everything they did. Our parties on Ford Island in our quarters “Hale Loa” in Hawaii were incredible, and so much fun. Kinzie and Betsy were always some of the stars who made it happen. We laughed a lot! It was always such a treat to visit them whether in Virginia, Hawaii, or Memphis. There was no doubt of the love they had for each other. Our biggest regret is that we did not see them very much the last few years. We intend to correct that even though it is too late now that Kinzie has left us, we hope to share much time with Betsy. At least now, he is without worry or pain and I know he is with the good Lord. We have him and Betsy in our thoughts and prayers. God gave us a good man in this world – his name was Kinzie!
    Very Sincerely and Love to Betsy. Jerry and Rosemary

  3. My Uncle Kinzie was the most positive person I have ever met and I always admired him for that. Every time I saw him, he would let me know how proud he was of me and how he wishes he had my head of hair. Haha. I remember thinking how funny my curly Afro would look on him. You could count on him to bring smiles and laughter to any family occasion. Uncle Kinzie had such a beautiful soul. I’m am so blessed to have had such an awesome man like him to look up to. He will forever be in my heart!

  4. I was so lucky to meet Kinzie through my relationship with Betsy. He was such a southern gentleman, always had a smile, always had a kind word, lover of all animals, such an amazing spirit. Even throughout his cancer battle, he fought with grace and laughter. I will miss him and am lucky to have met him. Heaven just gained another angel. He will be missed by so many.

  5. I was not fortunate enough to have been one of Kinzie’s many, many lifelong friends. Fortunately, he made me feel like one of them. I met him and Betsy, who quickly became one of my best friends, when they moved to Memphis. Always kind, always friendly, always positive, even after he was diagnosed with the cancer that took his life, Kinzie lived life to the fullest. Best of all, I loved how he clearly adored Betsy, and treated her the way I have always believed a husband should treat his wife. And she returned that love, in full measure, especially as they both fought for his life. May God hold both of them in the palm of His hand.

  6. So very sorry to hear this sad news of Kinzie’s passing. What a good dear man we have lost. David Moore (Putney ‘74 classmate)

  7. Besty , I was so sadden this morning seeing this about Kinzie ! I will always remember hearing the beautiful story of how the two of you met and the fun we had decorating your new home. The Heavens have received a precious angle with Kinzie passing and I know he will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you find your way through this time in your life. Pat Harrison, Memphis, TN

  8. Betsy, so sad to hear of Kinzie’s passing. Please take comfort knowing that many, many people loved him and he is in a better place. Prayers for you during this most difficult of times. Craig

  9. In deepest sympathy from Dr. Skinner, Radiation Oncologist, Brenda Baisden, RN, and your Radiation Oncology Team at WRNMMC.

  10. Kinzie, we loved you like a brother. Betsy has always meant so much to Shirley and I and your love for Betsy was unending. Betsy, you made the right choice all those years ago and we were honored to count you both as friends. May Kinzie’s love continue to shine down on you and may his memories keep you company in the coming days and months. We love you both and will keep you in our prayers.

  11. Betsy, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You two were perfect soulmates and were always smiling when you were together. I know how much you will miss him. Love Bindy


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide