Allan Burnell Bird, OSJ, CD is a retired Executive of the Public Service of Canada and has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Royal Heraldry Society since 2001. He was born in St. Catharines, Ontario, spending his formative years in Montreal, Quebec. Educated at McGill University in Montreal and Carleton University in Ottawa, Allan holds two degrees in Political Science. Allan joined the Department of Communications in 1971 and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1973. He was posted to Ottawa, to British Columbia and back to RCMP Head Quarters in Ottawa in 1978, where he remained until his retirement in 2006. Eager to serve with the Canadian Forces, Allan received his Commission from the Canadian Forces in 1994, as a member of the Royal Montreal Regiment.

Allan served as the 22nd President of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada from 2006 to 2008. He continues his work with the Society as a Director on the RHSC Board and holds the position of Director, Ceremonial. Allan has been a member of the RHSC Board since joining the Society and served as President of the Ottawa Valley Branch of the Society from 2003 to 2005.

Allan lives in Ottawa with his wife Mary Lou, his children and grandchildren. He is involved with a number of charitable organizations and has been an active fundraiser for the St. John Eye Hospital. He is currently the President of St. John Ambulance, Federal District.

Honours and awards

• 2015 Honorary Fellow of the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada
• 2014 Officer of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John
• 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal
• 2009 Grant of Arms from the Canadian Heraldic Authority
• 2006 Canadian Forces Decoration
• 2002 Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
  
• Knight of the Order of St. George
• Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lazarus