Yesterday I found out that Gareth Baird died at the age of 70. Sarah and I both knew Gareth, his wife and some of their kids. It is sad to hear of his passing, but also a relief, he’d been dealing with Parkinson’s Disease for the last eight years or so. I expect there to be a large turn out at his funeral on Thursday. Here’s the obituary entry from the Modesto Bee:
Gareth M. Baird
Oct. 12, 1934 — Nov. 6, 2004
Gareth Maughan Baird, 70, of Modesto died Saturday at Evergreen Rehabilitation Care.
Mr. Baird was a native of Brigham City, Utah, and lived in Modesto 24 years. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a teacher in the church’s education system, serving as institute director in Modesto from 1980-97. He was an Army veteran, and enjoyed ping-pong and basketball.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Olivia Johnson Baird of Modesto; children, Brian Gareth Baird of Hawaii, Roger Johnson Baird of the South Pole, Natalie Bishop of Tahoe City, Lynette Scoresby of Dallas, and Erica Evans, Gregory M. Baird and Phillip E. Baird, all of Modesto; brothers, John E. Baird II of Provo, Utah, and Douglas F. Baird of Ashland, Ore.; and nine grandchildren.
Visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Eaton Family Funeral Home. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sylvan Chapel. Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Brigham City Cemetery, Utah.
Remembrances may be made to The Parkinson’s Institute, 1170 Morse Ave., Sunnyvale 94089.