Born on January 11, 1919 in Bangor, California, Birdsley served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and flew more than 50 combat missions in the Pacific, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross three times and the Air Force Air Medal eight times.
After the war ended, Birdsley returned to the states and enrolled at Palmer Chiropractic College, graduating in 1948. He maintained a busy practice in Salt Lake City, Utah for 32 years before retiring in 1980.
Dr. Birdsley served the profession at a variety of state and national levels. He was the president of the American Chiropractic Association from 1968-69, the president of the Utah Chiropractic Association for two terms, and a member of the Utah State Chiropractic Board of Examiners for 15 years.
Dr. Birdsley's interests outside of chiropractic included being a college football official in the Western Athletic Conference for 25 years; a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints; a past Kiwanis Club member; and a past member of the Fort Valley Country Club.
Dr. Birdsley is survived by his wife of 57 years, DeNae; sons Galen (who graduated from National College of Chiropractic in 1977) and Rob; daughters Pamela Faulkner and Kristen Coomans; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
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