On the wings of genius - and kindness

Birds fly.

Forrest Morton Bird simply flew farther, faster and higher than the rest.

At home in North Idaho, Dr. Bird’s passing Sunday was the final chapter of a 94-year book on inspiration. We maintain that this humble medical doctor, inventor and pilot stands tall among America’s greatest men and women. And we aren’t alone in that assessment.

Twenty years ago, Bird was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his contributions to medicine and science. President George W. Bush awarded Bird the Presidential Citizens Medal in December 2008 and, a year later, President Barack Obama awarded him the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

As a physician and inventor, Bird saved countless lives with his revolutionary respirators and ventilators. But for many, Bird will also be remembered for what he did in the sky.

The son of a World War I flying ace, Forrest Bird was flying a biplane solo at the age of 14. During World War II he was certified to fly every aircraft in the armed services inventory — and even some outside that inventory. He once piloted a captured German Junkers 88 during the war.

Perhaps the greatest tribute he received during his final days was from aerial well-wishers who, knowing Dr. Bird was near death, constantly buzzed his house from above. The roar of an airplane engine was music to his ears.

Services for Dr. Bird will take place at Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center in Sagle at 11 a.m. Saturday. For more information, go to www.birdaviationmuseum.com or call (208) 255-4321. If you’ve never visited the museum — which doesn’t charge visitors for an experience of a lifetime — Saturday morning probably isn’t the best time to go, but you owe it to yourself to partake of Forrest and Pam Birds’ lasting gift.

Having followed Dr. Bird’s life and contributions for a number of years, we stand in utter awe of his lifetime of creation but wonder if his genius was only his second greatest attribute. What made him soar where others never go was his determination to make life better for others.

Mission accomplished.