Obituary of Kenneth Baird

Passed away peacefully at Columbia Forest Long-Term Care Centre, Waterloo on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at the age of 101. Predeceased by his wife Ida Fern (nee Trowbridge) in 1985. Kenneth is survived by his children, Linda Grant (Ed Feick) of Waterloo and Flesherton, Tanya Fitzpatrick (Garry) of Montreal and Boston, and David Baird (Betty Ann) of Victoria and Delhi. Lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Christopher Baird (Elaine), Stephen Baird (Melanie), Jennifer Fitzpatrick (Jacques), Andrea Fitzpatrick, Jamie Fitzpatrick (Jenifer), Marcia Fitzpatrick (Rick), Alison Phillips (Andrew) and Trevor Grant, as well as 14 great-grandchildren. Kenneth is also survived by his brother, Norman Baird (Margaret) of Ottawa and sister, Helen Couchand (Emile) of Bradenton, Florida. Predeceased by his parents, David and Mary (Lewis) Baird and eight brothers and sisters. Kenneth was a dentist, serving as Director General with the Royal Canadian Dental Corps, with the Canadian Armed Forces from 1939 - 1967. He served overseas during World War II from 1941 - 1945. He was also the Queen's Honorary Dental Surgeon during that time. After retiring, he went on to become the Director of Clinics at the University of Western Ontario in London from 1968 - 1976. Following this, he continued to work at the university well into his 80s. He was also a volunteer with the London Family and Children's Services for many years. Ken kept himself very active over the years. He enjoyed many hobbies such as wine making, gardening, golf, curling as well as making furniture and creating models of tall ships. He was an accomplished artist. He enjoyed spending time with his family and took great joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ken's family will receive friends at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 from 12 - 12:45 p.m. The memorial service will follow in the Funeral Home Chapel at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday. A reception will immediately follow the service at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa will be held at a later date. Condolences for the family and memorial donations to the Grand River Hospital Foundation may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. A special thank you is extended to the wonderful and caring staff of the Columbia Forest Long-Term Care Centre is Waterloo, and also especially to the wonderful ladies from Revera Home Health: Lorna, Shannelle, Mo, Shanaz, Ivey, Jasmine, Rita and Rosa. Their kindness is fondly remembered by Kenneth's family.