VAUGHAN BAIRD

Condolences & Memories (38 entries)

• I dove at Pan-Am from 75-84 and though I did not speak with Vaughn often, I remember how he would always take the time to say hello, and always made you feel important to him. Thanks Vaughn - rest in peace. - Posted by: David Lee (Friend) on: Sep 22, 2013

• Please extend my deepest sympathies to the family of an exceptional man who will be missed not only for his great achievements but also for his heartfelt consideration for others. It is mainly his honesty, high ethics and integrity, warm presence and our conversation in french every time we met that I will miss the most. Vaughan had a way of always making you feel unique and important. I remember, back in 1975, I was a young diving coach. I had the honour of receiving from Vaughan a gold pin that had been made for him in a limited number so that he could recognize outstanding achievements of others. I was surprised but also embarassed to receive such distinction so Vaughan said: Let me tell you what the Queen Mother told me once: When you are recognized for your achievements, it is because you really deserve it so don't minimize your accomplishment, be proud, smile and just say 'Thank you'. I love that man. I always cherish the fond memories that I have of him. THANK YOU VAUGHAN - Posted by: Jocelyne Carignan () on: Sep 20, 2013

• Mr. Vaughn Baird, you will be sorely missed and always remembered. As a fellow Winnipegger, I had the privilege and honour to know this wonderful man and share many thought provoking discussions with him. He enlightened me about the wonderful world of art and sculpture and he made sure I understood the canadian political history of our great sport of diving. Thank you for your imparting those inspiring words with me. Thank you for sharing your passion with our community. - Posted by: Aaron Dziver (Friend) on: Aug 27, 2013

• Vaughan Baird had a passion for politics. I met him through the Conservative Club Of Winnipeg, the oldest Conservative political club established in 1889. He was adamant that the club continued to survive. Through the club he was able to bring forward "one person, one vote". That is when I saw the tenacity of this man. He very seldom missed a meeting even driving in through the winter. If he did, it was because he was on one of the cruises he so enjoyed. It is great to meet someone who had so many passions from different walks of life. He will be missed. - Posted by: Maggie Nishimura (friend ) on: Aug 26, 2013

• I only recently met Vaughan but quickly discovered his passion in all things was truly remarkable. I will miss lunches and dinners and discussions of art, travel, politics, and the AHFMC. Vaughan engaged me in his effort to resuscitate the AHFMC less than two years ago and it saddens me that he will not see the outcome. I hope that his wishes for the AHFMC are fulfilled so that his great work over the past few years is completed. No matter what happens Vaughan will be remembered. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Ian Marcil (Friend and AHFMC Inc. supporter) on: Aug 24, 2013

• Vaughan lived beyond most of us because he could, but he always had time to share his zest for life with his friends. We were pleased to be counted amongst them for 46 years. We were fortunate to have shared a Sushi lunch with him at Bel Amis only a month ago. We will miss him. Jean and Don Ayre - Posted by: Jean and Don Ayre (Friends of 46 years) on: Aug 23, 2013

• Vaughan had a friendship with my parents that lasted my entire life, which he was also a welcome part of. A love of art may have been what initially drew them together, but tea and a huge love of life and storytelling solidified the friendship. As I visited Ste Agathe over the years, my love and respect for our gracious, interesting host only deepened. My father considered Vaughan his most important mentor, and he will be remembered with deep fondness. - Posted by: Brianne Selman () on: Aug 23, 2013

• A truly amazing person who lived an even more amazing life. In amongst all of the larger than life accomplishments he always made time to encourage those around him. Whether you were a volunteer, a world champion or a beginner he always made you feel welcome. - Posted by: Kevin Dromereski (Friend) on: Aug 23, 2013

• Vaughan's vision for diving, the Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame and his enthusiasm for all the divers who he knew through the years has been immense. A man who was a true gentleman, a visionary, and always had steadfast determination, will be miss by many. Vaughan may you Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Janet Nutter (friend/diver) on: Aug 22, 2013

• Inducted as a Builder for Aquatics in 1984, Vaughn was also cornerstone for the foundation of the MB Sports Federation and much of what amateur sport enjoys today in the province of MB. A gentleman and a scholar, we'll miss you Vaughn. - Posted by: Rick Brownlee (MB Sports Hall of Fame) on: Aug 22, 2013

• Vaughan will be missed in the field of sport. He was a great help and friend to me thru my career of sport admin. His dedication to Aquatics is unsurpassed and will never be forgotten. Jan coates - Posted by: Jan coates (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2013

• Vaughn! Canadian Diving and Manitoba Diving would not be where we are today if it hadn't been for your visionary leadership and committment to change for the better. I will miss your presence at diving competitions held at the Pan Am Pool... and keeping you up to date with "what is going on". xo - Posted by: Dallas Ludwick () on: Aug 21, 2013

• Vaughan was a mentor to me and my family. He was a great friend whose presence at family weddings and graduations helped make them special. Tea with Vaughan always opened lively discussions. He was the legal counsel for the Manitoba Association of Optometrists for many years and guided us through some turbulent times. I was proud to call him my friend and he will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Rod Small (Friend) on: Aug 21, 2013

• I met Vaughan in 2003 at my first Toastmasters meeting at the University of Winnipeg. At the time, I was 18 years old and had no idea who he was or of the remarkable things he had accomplished in his life. I also didn't know that he would become one of the most inspirational people I'd ever have the pleasure of meeting. Our close-knit club met every Friday morning at 7:15am, and while many people came and went, Vaughan was one of the few that was there for the entire six years I was involved. During that time I got to know him in a truly special way. He was a teacher, a friend, a support, and in many ways the heart of our club. I have so many wonderful memories of him and of the lovely visits to his home in St. Agathe. This was a man who truly lived. Vaughan Baird...his favourite adjective was 'scintillating', he adored Napoleon, believed Tony Blair was the best orator of our time, and adamantly insisted that everyone must visit Tahiti at least once in their life. And so, I shall. Here's to you, my friend. - Posted by: Haley Somers (Friend) on: Aug 21, 2013

• Vaughan, you where a good friend to me and the family. I will miss the many visits to your place and yours to our place. I remember the visits with you and your Mom at the "4 hedges" so many years ago. Rest in Peace my friend........Guenter and Christiane - Posted by: Guenter Bormann (Friend) on: Aug 21, 2013

• Vaughan, a true gentleman, loyal friend. His life was art. - Posted by: Linda Penner (friend) on: Aug 21, 2013

• Vaughan "adopted" our family one day at the International Centre in the early 1970s. His love of art and my father's artistic talents led to many creative collaborations. My father was honoured to create "The Diver" in Vaughan's likeness and always valued his unwavering dedication to his sport, to beautiful art and, most of all, to the people he chose to call "Family and Friends". I quoted Vaughan at my wedding "The measure of my wealth is not my possessions. The measure of my fortune is the quality of the people who choose to have tea with me." We will treasure the memories of conversations over tea and sweets. Thank you for sharing a life well lived. - Posted by: Dada Randa, Eli Randa-Iskat, Irek Iskat (Grateful and Fortunate Friends ) on: Aug 20, 2013

• Vaughn.....You will be missed. I recall the many occasions whereby you uplifted the people around you and strived to help them be better human beings. You offered much assistance and guidance in my life and any advice was given from the heart. Thank you my Friend. - Posted by: Jan Bohna (Friend) on: Aug 20, 2013

• A very Special Man for the ages. He increased my appreciation for Art and challenging the Status Quo. I will miss him always. - Posted by: Dwaine King (Friend) on: Aug 20, 2013

• Vaughan's vision for the aquatic sports in Canada was far ahead of many countries. He changed the lives of many through his tireless efforts, his persistence and willingness to fight until the end. His passion for the art of diving will be truly missed but the legacy he left behind will not be forgotten: establishing diving's independence as a national federation; diligent record-keeping resulting in two books documenting diving's history; a life-time creating the Aquatic Hall of Fame and Museum. I hope Vaughan's wish to find a new home for the Aquatic Hall of Fame will come true. It is a tremendous collection. My sincere thanks to Vaughan for dramatically changing the opportunities I was given as an athlete and beyond. - Posted by: Scott Cranham () on: Aug 20, 2013

• Vaughan was a true visionary, a man with strength of character and integrity... passion and commitment. Vaughan's hard work inspired and enabled generations of young athletes to strive for a dream. It was so nice to see you and talk with you again a few years back. Thank you. - Posted by: Scott Pearce () on: Aug 20, 2013

• Vaughan Baird was a man of conviction and substance and a man who was fearless in his promotion of aquatics and of his friends in sport. We are all better people for having Vaughan represent the community we all love so much. RIP my friend, and thank you for being you. Missed but not forgotten. - Posted by: Margie Schuett (A colleague in sport) on: Aug 20, 2013

• I have had the privilege to have known Vaughan for about 52 years. As a child he always encouraged me in my school work, then in university, and finally in chiropractic college. He always went out of his way to cheer me on in my diving career. With time, as I became club president, and provincial president, he always offered his incredible insight and ideas to make things work better. Vaughan, you have left a lifelong impression with me and all whom you have touched. - Posted by: Michael Plueschow (Friend) on: Aug 20, 2013

• Vaughn is the patriarch of the Canadian diving family and will be remembered and cherished always for his commitment and dedication to our sport. We will miss him deeply but know that his memory will live on through the celebration of the art and the sport of diving. Thank you Vaughn for sharing your love of diving with us. - Posted by: Kelly Stark-Anderson () on: Aug 20, 2013

• Growing up diving in Winnipeg, Vaughan was a constant benevolent presence. He always gave his full support to diving, aquatics and the people he felt were under his charge. I remember going to compete in Israel and being astounded when he showed up on the pool deck completely unannounced to offer nothing but encouragement and good cheer. He was a true giant and will be sorely missed. As always, Sportman's regards Vaughan. RIP. - Posted by: Mark Fromson (Friend) on: Aug 20, 2013

• Vaughn was a towering giant in the diving world and a wonderful person. I had many laughs with him over the years and he was always incredibly supportive of me. RIP Vaughn. You have earned your wings. - Posted by: Trevor Palmatier (Friend and Colleague) on: Aug 20, 2013

• Dear Vaughn, you will be missed by so many people whose lives you have touched. We promise to keep working for the ideals in sport and will forever cherish the lessons you have taught us and demonstrated through your passion for sport, most specifically diving. You have left us with a legacy that has strengthened our sport around the world. - Posted by: Nancy Brawley () on: Aug 20, 2013

• For those of us in the Canadian and International diving community who have known Vaughan for many decades, his presence will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on. He not only emphasized the 'art' aspect of the sport, he elevated us professionally, organizationally, and emotionally. He built facilities and he built communities. His absolute belief in our sporting nation and his joyous spirit still breathe life. And the Canadian diving community is all the better for it. Vaughan was one of our most fearless leaders and we are forever grateful to him. - Posted by: Linda Cuthbert () on: Aug 20, 2013

• Vaughan has been a tremendous friend and mentor over the decades. Conversations about art, politics and life with a cup of tea will be remembered forever. One of the most unselfish yet incredibly successful individuals in so many ways. His wisdom, his historical knowledge and kindness was second to none. Rest in peace until we meet again. - Posted by: Randy Clowes (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2013

• You were a man of character and civility Vaughan and we are proud to have known you. May you rest in peace. - Posted by: Brad and Lew Bayer (Friends) on: Aug 19, 2013

• a quality human being; one of a kind; they broke the mold when they made him; he will be truly missed; - Posted by: Harvey Slobodzian (friend and former law colleague) on: Aug 19, 2013

• To the man who introduced my father & I to Art, and in doing so changed my life forever. Rest in Peace my friend. I am honored to know you. Your contributions to Aquatics and Constitutional Law are known by many. - Posted by: Jay Tapp (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2013

• The death of my dear friend marks the end of an era in Canadian Aquatics history. Vaughan's commitment to Canadian Aquatics lead to the creation of the Aquatic Hall of Fame and Museum in the Pan Am Pool in Winnipeg, a Hall graced by the presence of outstanding Canadian athletes and a Museum as a repository of art and sculpture. Never a man to seek recognition, Vaughan denied his friends the pleasure of inducting him into the Hall of Fame, his absence therefrom being the Hall's greatest loss. Vaughan was a man of great integrity and a fighter for justice and a fighter to overcome injustice. It has been a privilege to have known Vaughan, to have had a cup of tea together, and to have benefited from his great foresight of 1967. - Posted by: Eldon C Godfrey, FCA (Formerly a President of Diving Plongeon Canad) on: Aug 19, 2013

• Thank you for the great contributions of Art for the public to enjoy, I will miss your visits. REST IN PEACE - Posted by: Klaus Lahr. (Winnipeg Convention Centre ) on: Aug 19, 2013

• I will always remember the many times Vaughan invited me into his office to share tea, cookies and a few good stories with him. It was a welcome break from a hectic practise. He allowed me a small role in some ground breaking case that I otherwise would not have been involved in. I'm proud to have known you. - Posted by: Ralph Neuman (( former law colleague)) on: Aug 19, 2013

• Rest well, my friend. You will hear more from me; as promised. - Posted by: Guy Simonis (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2013

• Mr. Baird (aka "Uncle Vaughn") was our good friend. He will be missed dearly. We enjoyed many visits in the Ste. Agathe solarium, topics usually included politics and travel (occasionally art). His addition of maple syrup to vanilla ice cream was a demonstration of his love for sweets. Nathan Janzen & Candy Wong - Posted by: Nathan Janzen (Friend) on: Aug 19, 2013

• Proud to have known Vaughan and to have practised law with him. One of the great "unconventional" persons in my own story. - Posted by: Doug Steinburg (former law partner) on: Aug 19, 2013