True and Fascinating Canadian History
Fortieth Anniversary of Women in the RCMP
1974 - 2014
A Very Special Civilian Member
A Member of the Commissioner's Executive Committee
And
The First in RCMP History
Ms Sheila Bird
by J. J. Healy
A Very Special Civilian Member
A Member of the Commissioner's Executive Committee
And
The First in RCMP History
Ms Sheila Bird
by J. J. Healy
Not that many weeks ago, RCMP Commissioner R. W. Paulson had the sad duty to announce the death of Ms Sheila Bird, a member of the RCMP's Senior Executive Committee. I think she was an exceptional person.
I was very sad to hear that Sheila had passed away. I had the pleasure to meet Sheila at an RCMP social funtion and I can recall how pleasant it was for my wife and I to speak with her. She spoke about her happiness to be among RCMP work colleagues and about the challenges of her job.
Sheila impressed me as being a very intelligent, energetic and highly educated woman. She spoke strongly to us about strategies which the RCMP was taking to eliminate unfavourable criticism. She loved her employment with the RCMP and she was passionate about working on projects which bore positive results. She was the kind of a person whom I would have liked to work beside.
I was very pleased to hear that Carleton University had announced a Scholarship in Sheila's name. Her reputation deserves to be recalled by future young university students.
Sheila will be missed greatly around the RCMP table.
Sheila's Obituary:
Sheila Bird passed away in the arms of her husband, Thursday, November 29, 2012. After ten years as a journalist in private radio and with Radio Canada International, Sheila began a distinguished career in the Public Service.
She worked at the Privy Council Office, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Department of Justice and played a key role in the Afghanistan Task Force.
In November 2008, Sheila became a member of the RCMP's senior executive, as Executive Director of Public Affairs. In June 2011, she led the Force's Strategic Policy and Planning Directorate. Sheila received many citations and accolades during her career, most recently the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.
In her honour, flags on RCMP buildings across Canada were lowered to half-staff.
Sheila was the beloved wife of Ken Rockburn, mother of Lauren and Ellis, daughter of James and Lydia, and sister to Phillip (Jennifer), David, Andrew (Mary), Marian and Barbara (Dan).
In memory of Sheila, donations to the Maycourt Hospice would be greatly appreciated.
I acknowledge and thank The Ottawa Citizen which published Sheila's obituary from December 1 to December 3, 2012
Article & photo source: The Ottawa Citizen. Friday. March 22, 2013. p.C6.
She is remembered.