Dr. Pamela Riddle Bird

Dr. Pamela Bird, 59, of Sandpoint, Idaho, gained her set of wings on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, as she lost her life in a tragic airplane accident in the Cabinet Mountains near Hope, Idaho. Pamela was born on Aug. 19, 1956, in Rolla, Missouri to Albin and Julia Nicklyn Hudek. Pamela was the youngest of eight children. Pamela was an internationally recognized commercialization expert. She was the founder and CEO of Innovative Product Technologies, Inc. (IPT, Inc.). IPT, Inc. is a product- and technology-based market commercialization corporation located in Gainesville, Florida, with a branch office in Sandpoint. Pamela has been on the forefront of commercializing innovation and technology for the last three decades. Pamela opened the third publicly-funded innovation center in the United States. Pamela was a “key player” in the technology-transfer process and was a liaison between inventor organizations, venture capital organizations, entrepreneurial networks and research park facilities. In fact, Pamela was interviewed and has served as a consultant to ABC television show "20/20" as a national new product development and commercialization expert. She worked diligently with her clients (independent inventors) to bring new products to the end consumer with hands-on experience by working with national buyers in retailing, pricing, promoting, packaging, and distributing products. She also worked with manufacturers regarding production of new products and investors to capitalize new business ventures. Pamela served as the president of the United Inventors Association, which is a national organization, comprised of inventor organizations, as well as independent inventors and corporations. She helped start various inventor organizations in Florida, as well as in Idaho, including the Inventors Association of Idaho. Pamela is the author of over 70 publications and has been quoted and featured in numerous newspapers throughout the country including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Barron’s - The Dow Jones Business and Financial Weekly, Forbes Magazine and the Miami Herald. She has appeared as a guest on numerous television shows including "Golden Lifestyles". Dr. Bird was the author of "Inventing for Dummies," published by Wiley Publishing Company, owner of the "Dummies" series. Pamela was the founder of the Inventors Educational Foundation non-profit public charity. The charity's purpose is to assist people in all walks of life with the educational, by helping them bring their ideas and products to market. Pamela and her late husband, Dr. Forrest Bird, were the founders of the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center. This is the world’s only aeromedical and innovation museum featuring a collection of more than 21 aircraft, rare vintage cars and a unique display of inventions from some of the greatest inventors in history that have impacted the world forever. The museum’s motto is, “One person can change the world and it can be you!” Pamela was a licensed building contractor in both commercial and residential construction. She was also a licensed pilot and competed in the Women's Air Classic Races. Other interests included, horseback riding, hiking, snow skiing, traveling, gardening, card making, cooking and boating. Pamela's favorite things were taking care of her beloved husband and great love, Forrest and spending time with her three amazing granddaughters. Pamela will be remembered by her family for her love and support she always showed them. Pamela leaves behind Julianna, Autumn and Loralye, who meant everything to her. Even though Pamela is gone, her grandchildren, will always know that they had a grandmother who loved them very much. Dr. Pamela Bird is survived by her daughter, Rachel (husband Nathan) and granddaughters, Julianna and Autumn Schwam of Sandpoint, Idaho; her son, Brandon (wife Chanity) and granddaughter Loralye of Gainesville, Florida; her brothers, Robert (Sue) Hudek, Ronald (Marge) Hudek, Frank (Thessa) Hudek, Elaine (Jim) Pingle, Kathleen Gerard, and John and Margaret Williams; a sister-in-law, Lois Hudek; as well as countless cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; her beloved labrador, Wizard; along with numerous friends who she cared so much about, including "the girlfriends groups and the fly girls." Dr. Pamela Bird was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Forrest Bird; her parents, Albin and Julia Hudek; and two brothers, Michael and Albin Hudek. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Sandpoint, Idaho and a mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Gainesville, Florida. If you would like to send a thought, memory or photo you have of Dr. Pamela Bird, please send them to Bird Aviation Museum, Attn: Rachel Schwam, P.O. Box 817, Sandpoint, ID 83864.