Born in Marysville, New Brunswick, the son of Charles Bird, he started working with his father in the construction industry after finishing high school. During World War II, he worked with the Saint John Drydock and Shipbuilding Company converting ships to be used in the war.
Born in Marysville, New Brunswick, the son of Charles Bird, he started work with his father in the construction industry after graduating from high school. During World War II, he was employed by the Saint John Drydock and Shipbuilding Company to alter ships for military use.