Guy and Maureen Bird - Kelowna Honourees

2021 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's

Guy Bird likes to use the famed American Express tagline when he talks about his closeness to his wife, Maureen: “I don’t leave home without her,” he says with a laugh. Long before Guy was a full-time caregiver to Maureen, who lives with dementia, she was game to go anywhere with him. Maureen accompanied Guy to his postings in Brussels and Jakarta while he was working for the Canadian and Indonesian governments. Back at home in Canada, when Maureen took on work in market research, Guy would often help out as an interviewer on her team, and together, the two travelled throughout Canada, Europe and Australia.

“Maureen has been tremendously flexible over the years,” Guy says. “She’d say OK, let’s go.”

Guy and Maureen, whom he describes as caring and nurturing, have also boldly embarked on each step of the dementia journey together since Maureen’s doctor first recognized the signs of her dementia in 2014. Through the Alzheimer Society of B.C., they have accessed information and education, signed up for early-stage and caregiver support groups and begun attending Minds in Motion®. Connecting with other caregivers has been key to Guy’s ability to cope with the challenges.

Of the other caregivers, Guy says: “They’ve been a godsend. I help them and they help me. It’s a two-way street, but I’ve gotten more out than I’ve put in. I don’t know what I would have done without them.”

Last year, Guy led the volunteer organizing committee for the Kelowna IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s to help ensure more families can access the same support and education he and Maureen have received. Family and fundraising top the list of Guy and Maureen’s proudest accomplishments. They’re also proud parents and grandparents who come together to make new memories whenever they can.

Walk with Guy and Maureen this May at the Kelowna IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's. Together, we make memories matter.