Obituary of Donald Wilmot Baird

BAIRD, Donald Wilmot OLS - Passed away at the St. Catharines General Hospital with his family by his side on Wednesday March 18, 2009 at age 82. Beloved husband of Joan (nee Bradley). Loving father of Cameron (Lucie Grenier) of Kingston, Jane Baird (Dennis Brookson) of Merrickville, Patricia Baird (Ian Davis) of Campbellford and David (Heather) Baird of Langley B.C. Cherished grandfather of Gabriel, Simon, Stuart, Alec, Cole, Roark, and the late Quinn Baird Brookson (1995). Don will be fondly remembered by his sister Aileen Shaw and his extended family. Predeceased by his parents Major Wilmot J. and Jean (nee Leuty) Baird. Like his father, Don was an Ontario Land Surveyor. He worked with the Dept. of Highways for 30 years in Toronto, Kingston, North Bay and London, and later was Land Registrar for Niagara North. Upon retirement, Don worked as a consultant, specializing in historical property rights. Most important in Don's life were his family, his friends, his church and his hobbies: the Hollyburn Hiking Club for 25 years, rare book collecting, boat building, skiing, cottaging, and wood carving. He was a member of the downtown St. Catharines Rotary Club where he was active in the Youth Exchange program, and a proud recipient of the Paul Harris award. He belonged to the Lamplighters Investment Club, and was a lifetime member of the Probus Club of St. Catharines. Family and friends will be received at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St. on Sunday March 22, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Don's life will be held at Silver Spire United Church on Monday March 23, 2009 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Silver Spire United Church, St. Catharines General Hospital Foundation or the St. Catharines YMCA would be appreciated by the family.