WILLIAM CHISHOLM BAIRD

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WILLIAM CHISHOLM BAIRD September 18, 1913 - October 27, 1999 Major William Chisholm Baird, 86, of Truro, Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, and Winnipeg died on October 27, 1999 after a long illness at Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg. Beloved husband of Ann Kelso and loving father to John Cameron of New York and Roger David of Vancouver; and grandfather of Renardo Narita, Naima Maya and Charlotte Logan; great-grandfather of Sara and Shelby; and devoted father-in-law of Sharon-Amber and Miho Narita. Born in Truro on September 18, 1913, the youngest son of Frederick Cecil Baird and Gladys Coates, he graduated Colchester County Academy and became a member of the class entering Royal Military College in 1932 and very much enjoyed his class reunions there in 1976 and 1992. He volunteered and was appointed to Commissioned Rank the Canadian Army (Active) on August 1, 1940. He went on to serve with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa until September 14, 1945 at which time he was acting Colonel of the Regiment. He participated in every major battle from D-Day until V.E. Day in which the Third Division was engaged. He received the 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp, and Croix de Guerre avec Etoile de Vermeil which was presented to him on Thursday, November 14, 1946 by Count Jean-Marie Francois de Hauteclocque, French Ambassador to Canada in an investiture in Council Chambers at Hamilton City Hall. By order of the King his name was published in the London Gazette on April 4, 1946 for distinguished service. He was married on August 29, 1943 in Middlesex, England. After V.E. Day he was Officer-in-Command of the Canadian Army Massed Pipe Bands, consisting of the bands of the 18 Highland Regiments in Canada, that participated in victory celebrations throughout Western Europe. He received personal recognition for these efforts from Lieutenant-General Burns, GOC, Brussels Area. After the Second World War he resumed a career in business in Guelph and then Hamilton. In 1950 he moved to Winnipeg where he formed a firm and enjoyed a successful career as a businessman until his retirement in 1984. He enjoyed memberships at the Winnipeg Winter Club and the Niakwa Golf & Country Club where he golfed enthusiastically and had many good friends. His family and extended family including Marshall and Elba Haid and their daughter Lara, Roger and Jacquie James, Kevin Dwyer and friends will greatly miss him. Bill had a great love of life and a unique ability to bring good cheer to others. A true gentleman who loved people, music, animals and all living things, his sparkling wit and wonderful sense of humour enriched the lives of all he met. He is survived by his brother Thomas McHenry of Waterloo. His brothers, Robert Cecil and John Edward predeceased him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to 4E, Riverview Health Centre, Neurological Unit, 1 Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4 where he was lovingly cared for during the last eight months, or to the Winnipeg Humane Society. A memorial service was held at 2:30 p.m. on October 29 at Riverviews Chapel. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street, 949-4860

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 1999