Obituary of Pat Baird

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William Patrick (Pat) Baird, 86, of Waterloo, Ontario, passed away on November 23, 2024 at Columbia Forest Nursing Home. 

Pat was born in Kitchener, Ontario to Robert (Bert) and Alma Baird (nee Quehl). He is predeceased by his parents and his brothers Robert (Bob), James (Jim), and John (Jack).  Pat is also predeceased by his beloved wife Elsie (nee Stix).

Grandpa Pat is survived and deeply missed by his daughter Cindy Gaffney (Jim), his son Scott (Marcia), and his grandchildren Sean, Austyn, and Connor (Amelia Lawrey) Gaffney and Hunter Baird. 

Pat and Elsie were lifelong residents of Kitchener-Waterloo. They both graduated from Kitchener Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School; the high school sweethearts were married in 1958 and celebrated 62 years of marriage before Elsie’s passing in 2021. 

Hockey played a big part of Pat’s life in his early years. He played goalie for the Waterloo Siskins and the Barrie Flyers and he was signed to the Boston Bruins in 1958. 

Pat was a partner in Baird Moving Company and he was extremely proud of its great success. During his involvement the company grew to be one of the largest household moving companies in Canada. 

He and Elsie were longtime members of Knox Presbyterian Church where they both served as elders.  Pat was an active volunteer with Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, he was a member of the both the Kinsmen and Rotary Clubs and played goalie for the K-W Old Timers Hockey League. He loved to travel and, when at home, he worked on his hobby of building model ships. When family gathered around, one of his favourite things to do was sharing stories of his colorful life growing up in K-W. 

Pat touched all that he met whether through his work in relocation or community involvement. An outing with Pat most often resulted in running into someone whose life he had touched in a special way. 

As per Pat’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Pat’s life will be held on Friday, December 6 at 11 am at Knox Presbyterian Church, 50 Erb Street West, Waterloo, with a reception following. 

Donations may be made in Pat’s memory to Knox Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, the Kinsmen or Rotary Clubs or your charity of choice and are greatly appreciated by his family.