George Franklin Baird, Jr. of Oklahoma City blasted off for the last time on October 7th, 2012 due to medical complications. He was 65. He is survived by his wife, Mary Howard-Baird, his son, James Baird, his daughter, Catherine Baird, his brother, Charles Baird.
Born on March 1st, 1947 to George and Elizabeth Baird, he spent his childhood feigning innocence in Butler, Pennsylvania and Bound Brook, New Jersey. In 1974, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and a burning desire to roll 1s and 0s around the insides of those new-fangled computer thingies.
After 32 years of patient service, Frank retired from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Data Services Division. He kept his office stapler.
His many interests included storytelling, practicing Tai Chi, playing chess, supporting our troops, substitute teaching, and reading science fiction. A life long student, he enjoyed studying mathematics, music, and Japanese language and culture.
Throughout his long, life Frank was active with many organizations including, Pershing Rifles at the University of Oklahoma, the Boy Scouts of America, Japanese American Society, Bonsai Society, The Society for Creative Anachronism, The National Rifle Association, and Mensa. Such was the life of George Franklin Baird, Jr., a true modern renaissance man.
Donations to the following organizations in the name of George Franklin Baird, Jr. are appreciated:
Free to Live, P.O. Box 5884 Edmond, OK 73083-5884, (405) 282-8617, www.freetoliveok.org
Pets and People, 701 Inla Avenue Yukon, OK 73099, (405) 350-7387, www.petsandpeople.com
United Service Organization (USO), 1-888-484-3876, www.uso.org