Ronald C. Bird, founder of Ameri-Can Engineering Company, passed away on Monday, Aug. 30, at the age of 89 at Compassus Hospice in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Ron and Gladys Bird founded the company in 1988 and are considered industry innovators for their work engineering and developing premier quality luxury restroom and shower trailer systems. The Birds were recognized with the 2005 Andy Gump Lifetime Achievement Award from the Portable Sanitation Association International.

“Ron loved the people of the industry and the trade shows,” says Keegan Campbell, chief operating officer for Ameri-Can. “The sight of Ameri-Can trailers set up in a trade show booth would bring Ron to tears of joy and pride. He instilled that pride into every team member of Ameri-Can Engineering past, present and future.”

Bird is survived by children Kimberly Ann Young and husband Elmer of Indianapolis; Sandi Bird Korzen and husband Tim of Glenview, Illinois; David Copley Bird and wife Kimberly of Carmel; Steven Compton Cook and wife Lisa A. Stevens of Indianapolis; David R. Harling and companion Renee of Culver; Thomas A. Harling and wife Elizabeth of Fishers; Patricia Harling Lontz of Greenfield; Kathy Harling, wife of Warren Harling (deceased) of Fishers; and Garry A. Harling and wife Angie of Cicero; along with 26 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Bird in death are his parents, his wife Gladys, and sons Robert Scott Harling and Warren Sewell Harling.