Obituary of Robert Gordon Baird

Born on September 18, 1921 in Peking, China to the late Dr. Kenneth and Isobel (McCurdy) Baird.  Passed away in Saint John on July 4, 2011 at the age of 89. Cherished husband of 37 years to Joey (Foss) Baird, loving, protective father of David Baird (Marcia Hollins), Daphne Wetmore (Stan), Alanna Baird (Alastair Fox), Cindy Vihvelin (Tom), Heather McBriarty (John), Jennifer Allaby (Drew) and Alexandra Allen (Kris). Brother to Dr. David (Betty), Dr. McClure, Donal Baird (Vi), Rosemary McMillin (Andrew) and Audrey Manzer. Beloved Grandad to Holly, Farrell (Monica), Dylan, Laurence, Thomas, Andrew, Kenneth, Liam, Alice (Andy), Liisa, Derek, Zack, Graeme, Colin, Max, Sophia and Connor. Gordon was predeceased by his parents and first wife of 28 years, Alice (Evans) Baird.  Gordon served with the Merchant Marines and the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII. An alumnus of UNB, he had a rewarding career as a Professional Engineer in the manufacturing sector in Ontario and New Brunswick. He was a member, then president, of the Rotary Club of Burlington, and member of the RHYC and the RKYC. In his retirement, Gordon moved to Pocologan, NB, where he served as a volunteer fire chief, president of the NB Fire Chiefs' Association, and as a member of the Maritime Fire Chiefs' Association. He was a member of the Local Service District and of the South West Solid Waste Commission. He belonged to the Canadian Power Squadron, as a member and instructor, for 50 years.  Well traveled and intellectual, Gordon was an avid sailor, navigator, skilled craftsman and boat builder. He will be missed for his strength, kindness, wisdom and ingenuity.  Visitation will take place at Brenan's Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John on Thursday and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral service will be held at Brenan's Chapel on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances to Do It For Dad - (SJRH) would be appreciated by the family.