Bruce J. Baird
1938-2012
Bruce J. Baird, a long time resident of Pataskala, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, January 4, 2012. He was born on October 11, 1938, to the late John Noel and Lula (Fraker) Baird.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years Judy, and their daughters Susan Baird, Sandra (Paul) Gundler and Catherine Baird, four grandchildren, namely Alex Baird, son of Jay (deceased) and Carol Baird, Madelyn and Sarah Gundler, and Greyson Baird. He also has one brother Charles Baird of Weatherford, TX, and nephews David Baird, Mark Baird and Tim Baird and niece Rebecca Baird Thiebaud of Texas. His cousins include Lewis Fraker, Donna Jean Stagg, Jerri Westfall, Wayne Burdette of Westerville, and Doug Burdette of Howard, Ohio. Bruce was preceded in death by his dear son Jay Noel Baird in 2005.
Bruce was a 1956 graduate of Summit High School (nka Licking Heights), a 1960 graduate of The Ohio State University, and received his Masters at Ohio University. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at OSU. He taught vocational agriculture at Northridge High School and Watkins Memorial before opening his real estate office in Pataskala.
Bruce served three terms as Mayor of Pataskala, is a past president of Council (Pataskala), served five years as a Trustee on the Southwest Licking Community Water & Sewer District, was a Charter member and past president of The Pataskala Area Chamber of Commerce, was a charter member of the Pataskala Rotary Club and had perfect attendance for thirteen years, was a 50 year member of the Pataskala Lions Club and recently was awarded its Melvin Jones Fellow Award, was a past Elder and Deacon and life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pataskala, was a member of the West Licking Historical Society, past president and member of the Licking County Sheep Improvement Committee, past 4-H Leader, former member of the Republican Party Central Committee, served on the Licking County Aging Program Board and the Licking County Tourism Board, and was awarded the Master Shepherd Award.
He was a part-time farmer, raised sheep and showed them at the Hartford Fair, Fairfield County and Knox County fairs, and Ohio State Fair. He greatly enjoyed the Hartford Fair each August, Buckeye football games, and watching his grandchildren play soccer and basketball, swim, and learn to use the Red Ryder BB guns he gave them for Christmas. He also shared his love of electric trains with his family.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 8, 2012 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at Kauber-Sammons Funeral Home, 289 S. Main Street, Pataskala, OH. The funeral service will be on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 1 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Pataskala, 405 S. Main Street, Pataskala, OH., with Rev. Dennis Whitt officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the ALS Association of Central and Southern Ohio, 1170 Old Henderson Road., Ste. 221, Columbus, Ohio 43220, the Hartford Fair, 14028 Fairgrounds Road NW, Croton, OH 43013 or the Cleveland Clinic in memory of Bruce J. Baird.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 15, 2012
Susan Baird
My father was a great man, who will be forever missed. He was a man of honor, integrity, and love. He loved Pataskala and Licking County. He loved serving Pataskala. He loved his family and always put us first, and for that I am thankful. He taught us how to care for animals, how to show at the fair and how to be kind to everyone. He gave us a job, and wanted the best for all 4 of us. We were perfect to him, and I am blessed to have had him for my father.
I miss you Daddy. I pray that my son grows up to be as remarkable as you and Jay. I love you Dad!
January 22, 2012
Vince & Charlotte Becker
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
January 21, 2012
I remember Bruce from when I worked in Pataskala 6 years ago. It was always a pleasure seeing him and dealing with him in the community. I hated to hear of his passing. My sympathies to the family.
January 14, 2012
Susan, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I always liked to talk to him when he was in the store. I will be thinking of you as you adjust to the changes in your life. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. God bless & take care....Linda Peck
January 13, 2012
JUDY ,SORRY I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO BRUCE'S FUNERAL.HE WAS QUITE A GUY AS YOU KNOW.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. BEN WHITEHEADD
January 13, 2012
Katherine, Judy & Family,
So sorry for your loss. Bruce was an asset to his community in many ways and we will miss him.
Bob & Rae Johnson
January 10, 2012
L. Ann Salyer
The Family Of Bruce'
Susie I know you always had something to say about your Dad when I was in the store, so my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Bruce was a gentle, fair man. A great Realtor to co-op with, he got the job done.. He will be missed by all who knew him
January 10, 2012
Sonia Kuehner
Dear Family of Bruce
My deepest sympathy . Oh how we will all miss him. He was the best broker any realtor would ever hope to have. Always teaching with a kind gentle manner and expecting the best. Bruce loved to sell a property. He worked hard all the time and always had a smile and listened to everyone. Everyday always in his office.Dedicated
He will be missed dearly
Sonia Kuehner/Realtor
Paul Kuehner
January 10, 2012
Roger/Sandi Slonaker
Dear Judy and family,
Roger and I were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bruce.They started first grade togather and were great friends growing up..remembering their camp outs with their pony's and all the fun things that boys do in the summer time.We remember our senior banquet and the pictures Bruce took of everyone.We remember seeing you both at Town and Country and his big smile as he introduced you as his bride to be. There are so many memories of such a wonderful caring and gentle man that loved his family and worked hard to improve his community for generations to come.May God hold you in his arms and bring peace to your heart knowing the legacy he left behind.A job well done dear friend.Love and prayers, Roger and Sandi Slonaker and family.
January 10, 2012
Want to pass on thoughts and prayers to the family. Word came from my mother and remember many positive times while growing up in Pataskala as well as having Bruce as a teacher in High School. He left many gifts to the community and touched many lives and will always be remembered. Bill Mead Victoria Minnesota
January 10, 2012
Hazel Keeran
and prayers are with you Susie and all your family. Hazel Keeran
January 9, 2012
Bruce will be dearly missed.
January 9, 2012
Darlene Perry-Mortine
Bruce will be missed by many. He has been our neighbor for as long as I can remember. Always a smile and a wave of his pipe as he drove by. Rest in Peace.
January 9, 2012
Paula
Bruce was the first person I met when I moved to Pataskala a little over 8 years ago. I was standing in line behind him at the Post Office and I got to know him throughout the years. Very nice man, and he will be missed by many! May you RIP Bruce!
January 9, 2012
Helen Burgoon
Susan and Family,
My Thoughts and Prayers are with your family, with the loss of your Father.
He was one of the kindness gentlemen I have encounted. I first knew him, when I worked at the Village Market. Always pleasant and had a great smile!! May the memories live forever in your heart, and bring comfort and strength, in the days too come!! You have my Deepest Sympathy.
A friend, Helen
January 9, 2012
Judy - I was so very sorry to hear about Bruce. Please know that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences to all of you. Sincerely, Marty and Linda Miller-Ciriachi
January 9, 2012
Madeline Hart
Bruce was a friendly and kind man who served our community very well. I will see him again in heaven. He will be missed. Will pray for all the family and friends who will miss him. Former Lion, Maddy Hart.
January 9, 2012
The Broehls
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Bruce will be missed in the sheep barn at the Hartford fair.
January 9, 2012
Rox
Our sympathys are with the Baird Family. Loving memories sustain us in times of sadness. Bruce was a good Mayor, boss, and friend. Bruce was always kind,honest, fair and his advice always worked. Roy, Brenda Rox
January 9, 2012
Darlene Mckittrick
I will miss you bruce
January 9, 2012
It will seem odd not having Bruce at our Thursday morning Rotary meetings. He will be missed there and throughout the whole community. It touched my heart to see the Flags Over Pataskala at half mast. We have lost a dear friend and an advocate for our community. Linda Dalgarn
January 9, 2012
Darlene Mckittrick
I met Bruce ten year's ago and very glad i did what an amazing person he was. He was so full of joy and laughter and so willing to help other's. He is going to be missed by so many. My prayer's go out to his wife and family. May you rest in peace bruce
January 9, 2012
Jim and Mary Pyle
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry we couldn't be with you at this sad time.
January 9, 2012
Mark & Sheila Zeune
Bruce was always a smile 'for' the face of Pataskala He had a huge impact on many lives , people and sheep : ) He will be missed but not forgotten
January 9, 2012
Jimmy Calland
My deepest sympathy to the Baird family. Bruce was one of the most delighful souls I've been blessed to know. Always so comfortable to be around. I'll always remember the times I would spend at his parents farm while his mother & mine would be going over school work. What a wonderful bunch of people. I'll think of him often, and it will bring a smile to my face.
January 9, 2012
Anne Petit
Dear Mrs. Baird -
Please accept my deepest heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr. Baird. The real estate profession has lost a shining star and all of us associated with him are honored to have known and worked with him.
Warmest regards & prayers,
Anne M. Petit
Superintendent, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
January 8, 2012
Lance Martin
Dear Mrs. Baird,
Some 37 odd years ago, when I was a student in Mr. Bairds FFA class at Watkins, I think we gave him a start on some of his gray hair. Our class had the habit of trying to talk him into letting us run the agricultural production movies in reverse. Sometimes he would let us do so...and then ask us questions afterwards. I must say that he put up with quite a lot from us, but we always learned something, even if we did not realize it till much later in our lives. Even now when I see a box of oranges or grapefruits at the commissary, I think about the fundraisers for the banquets and all the things we did with him.
Now, he is probably showing the Good Lord how to get gold in Wool Judging.
He will always be "Mr. Baird".
Sincerely,
January 8, 2012
Bob Taylor
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family and friends. We regret that we were out of state at this time and unable to share our condolenences in person. Justin learned of the news and contacted us today. Thought so much of Bruce and admired his dedication to the sheep industry. We know he will be missed by many. Bob and Penny Taylor
January 8, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I enjoyed working with Bruce at Watkins, he was such a pleasant person and was always smiling. We enjoyed playing tennis with him and Judy and getting to know Susie at her Hallmark store. Our deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Don and Connie Ryan
January 8, 2012
Vijay Naidu
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing away of a great person.....may the almighty give your family strength to bear the huge loss, and may his soul rest in peace.......Vijay Naidu, Rotarian, Nagpur, India
January 7, 2012
Jim & Donna (Fry) Stoneking
Dear Mrs. Baird & family,
I often was asked by Mr. Baird to babysit for your young family while in high school. Mr. Baird was such a kind, caring and a stellar man and educator. When on occasion we would run into one another in town...he always had that gracious smile and would take the time to ask how my family was. My prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.
January 7, 2012
Bill Young
Sorry to hear about Bruce. Always a good friend at AGR.
January 7, 2012
Mark Smith
To Judy and family, sorry to hear about Bruce's passing. Sorry I can't be there. Mark Smith
January 7, 2012
Katie (Baker) Leister
My thoughts and prayers go out to Judy and the family. Bruce was a dear friend to me and to all he met. May we all find comfort in the wonderful memories he leaves behind.
January 7, 2012
sold us our house on main st. got pizza from him while we worked on our house he rented a temporary house to us when we had to move for house repairs a good friend our deepest sympathy mike and cindy greiner pataskala ohio
January 7, 2012
Sorry to hear of your loss. Deepest sympathy. Peggy (Compton) Riley 1957 Grad. Licking Heights
January 7, 2012
Joan Runyon-Johnson
It is very difficult to find the right words, my heartfelt sympathy is with your entire family. Mr. Baird was one of my mentors in high school and also throughout my life. We spoke quite frequently while I was working at Guardian Gas Warranty and I looked forward to his calls. He was a true gentleman and made this world a better place, and will never be forgotten by me and so many, many others. His wonderful smile could light up a room! May God hold each of you a little tighter during this most difficult time..Mr. Baird will be sorely missed.
January 7, 2012
Lewie Hoskinson
We have all lost a great friend. Bruce and Jay left us too soon, now at peace, will suffer no more.Thanks for the memories Bruce, you will always be with us in our hearts.
January 7, 2012
Bruce was one of the good guys; please accept my sympathies. Hold your memories close.
Linda Lane
Kirkersville, Ohio
January 7, 2012
Kenny & Diane Lees
Bruce always had a smile, and eyes that just sparkled when he laughed. He was a good friend to us both and we will miss him. The Hartford Fair will not be the same without him. Our thoughts and Prayers are with the family, and may God hold you all in his arms and help you find peace during this difficult time.
January 7, 2012
We give our condolences to Bruce's wife and family and to our dear friend, Charles. Our prayers are with you all at this time. We know that the entire community will miss him. Gene and Donna Harr, Fairport, NY
January 7, 2012
My thoughts of sympathy are with your family. Bruce was a soft spoken kind man.
Randi Mclaughlin Licking County Auditors Office
January 7, 2012
Doug Taylor
Judy:
My thoughts are with you, Catherine, and all your family.
January 7, 2012
Ralph & Charla Devine
We extend our sympathy to the family and will keep you in our prayers. Bruce loved his family and Licking County. It was a privilege to know and work with him.
January 7, 2012
Mary Long
Sandy, Paul and your entire family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are so sorry to hear of your loss.
Mary and John Long
January 7, 2012
Christy Henson-penwell
Susan, sorry for your loss. I haven't seen you in awhile I think of you always.
January 7, 2012
Allene (Elder) Blackstone
My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of grief.
Allene Elder Blackstone
January 7, 2012
We are so very sorry for the loss of Bruce. Just know we will continue to pray for your family.
The Triplett Family
January 7, 2012
Lena Pruitt
Judy, I'm so sorry to learn of Bruce's passing. I was not aware of his illness. May God grant you and your family the strenght to get through the days ahead. Take comfort in knowing that his reunion with his son was great.
January 7, 2012
Pastor Bill Havanas
Bruce rented us (Christ Church of Pataskala) the building where we have our services. His efforts to accommodate our needs was extremely appreciated by our congregation. We offers our condolences and prayers to the family, he will be missed here on Earth but at peace and health in Heaven.
January 7, 2012
Roger and Connie Veley
May our Lord bless you with happy memories of a fine husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
January 7, 2012
Jim & Karen Papritan
Bruce was the ultimate educator and mentor. He was my Cooperating Teacher when I did my student teaching at Watkins Memorial High School during OSU's Autumn Quarter 1968. Under his wings, I learned and grew into a teacher of Vocational Agriculture and later a Professor of Teacher Education and Agriculture Mechanization. He provided the most positive teacher development experience that I and my fellow student teacher, Clayton Coffey, could have ever anticipated. Bruce taught us how to work with the community and administration for the best student outcomes of every individual in our classes. His view of education did not stop with the classroom but include the most effective use of the FFA outside of the educational facility. His touch on his students, faculty and community will be forever felt in Central Ohio. Thank you, Bruce and may you continue to teach and mentor in your new classroom.
January 6, 2012
Ericka Haines
The sheep community of Licking County has suffered another great loss with the passing of Bruce. He was kind to all he came into contact with and was always there to lend support or a helping hand. Many prayers and blessings to those he has left behind. The Hartford Fair or the sheep barn will never be the same.
January 6, 2012
Gary and Nancy Snider
Dear Judy and Family,
Gary and I extend our deepest sympathy. We certainly enjoyed knowing Bruce and found his sense of humor refreshing.
January 6, 2012
Dave and Deb Veley
Catherine,
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad's death. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy to you.
January 6, 2012
It is with sadness in my heart, as I send condolences to the Baird Family.
Bruce has been a friend to us since before grade school days. He has always been a kind and gentle person and never forgot his old friends.
May you find peace and comfort in your memories.
The Harr Siblings.
January 6, 2012
Emma Crow
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
January 6, 2012
So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. Did not know about his illness. You have my deepest sympathy.
Janice Todd Workman (Licking Heights grad. Class of 1959)
January 6, 2012
Darlene Weaver
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
January 6, 2012
January 6, 2012
My prayers and sympathies are with you at this sad time in your lives. Kay Franks
January 6, 2012
Teresa Stilwell-Williamson WMHS'76
Mr Baird was one of the nicest teachers @Watkins Memorial. I did not have him, but he had taught my older brother, Rick, and upon hearing of his leaving for Vietnam, would often inquire. Mr Baird was always smiling. A man taken long before his time. Though Jay is waiting for him to hang with, possibly selling clouds to angels up there!
January 6, 2012
Lynn Spung
Thoughts and prayers with all of the Family during this difficult time, he will be GREATLY missed.
January 6, 2012
Dick Morgan
January 6, 2012
Lee Burba
Our deepest sympathy to Judy and the family on the passing of Bruce who was the best mayor of Pataskala and a wonderful person to know. His positive outlook and the way he treated everyone was stellar to say the least. He will be sorely missed for a great number of years to come.
PDG Lee and Nancy Burba
January 6, 2012
Judy and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy. We will always remember Bruce and Dad working together at the Hartford Fair.
- The Park Girls: Peggy Martinez,Ellen Currie, Chris Williams and Susan Myers
January 6, 2012
G William Harper
I met Bruce in 1978 when we moved out here. Over the years, we remained friends. I remember working as the voice of Smokey Bear at the State Fair, and he stopped by, not knowing I was there. I (Smokey) proceeded to welcome the "honorable mayor of Pataskala, Bruce J. Baird". His eyes got wide as he tried to figure out how Smokey knew him. What a laugh we had at his surprise, but with his usual good humor, he laughed just as hard when he learned it was me! (George) Bill Harper, Pataskala, Ohio
January 6, 2012
Brandy Mehaffey
We have lost a great man, However Heaven has gained.
Alex, Maddie, Sarah and Greyson you are in my prayers, along with your families
January 6, 2012
Bill Langel
It is with great respect that I remember my teacher Bruce Baird. He was a calm, very positive man, with a wealth of information to share with the students he was trusted with. We had great times on field trips,and Bruce would have the patience of Job and a great smile! I learned of Bruce's passing on a AGR site. My sympathy goes out to Judy and the family.
January 6, 2012
Betty Porter
To Judy and family, I was shocked to read my newsletter this AM and see this article. My condolences to you. I know Bruce will be missed. May you find comfort at this sorrowful time and God give you strength.
Betty L Porter
January 6, 2012
Dear Judy and family, Our sympathy is with you and your family at this sad time. May your many happy memories sustain you in the future.
Sincerely,
Don and Donna Boehm
January 6, 2012
Bruce was a great man and leader who will be missed by many . . our special thoughts are with his family.
The Coughenour Family
Columbus, Ohio
January 6, 2012
Kim Beem
Judy - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I have known no man as kind, gentle, and giving as your Bruce. We are all better people for having known him. May your memories bring you peace and courage.
January 6, 2012
Vickie Swartz
Judy,Catherine, and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cherish the wonderful times and memories that you have with Bruce. He will be sadly missed, and fondly remembered.
God Bless,
Vickie Swartz
January 6, 2012
Lori Burkhart
I want you to know that you have my deepest sympathy, and my heart is truly saddened. I will never forget Bruce's warm smile & gentle demeanor. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
January 6, 2012
Holly Larson
My sympathys are with the Baird Family. Bruce has been my landlord for 16 yrs and has always treated me with caring and respect. Although our contact was limited, I will definately miss him. I always felt Bruce and my dad would have gotten along well, and maybe now their souls will meet.
January 6, 2012
Liz (Bailey) Nye
Judy and family, my heart is saddened by the passing of such a wonderful man. My prayers are with you all in this time of great loss. At the same time I rejoice knowing that Bruce is in Heaven with our Lord. He, Jay, Dad and many of thier friends are certainly having a good conversation I am sure. God be with all of you!
January 6, 2012
Bill and Sue Jacks
Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy and the family. Bruce will be greatly missed especially during the Hartford Fair and the sheep barn. He always had a kind word, smile and very helpful to any one who asked. Take care.
January 6, 2012
BASIL & VIRGINIA RAMSEY
Judy and family -- we send our thoughts and prayers to all of you in Bruce's passing. Always cherish the memories. I recall working with Bruce at SWL.
January 6, 2012
Judy and Catherine,
I am so sorry I didn't have the opportunity to personally know your husband and father. I extend my sincere prayers for the family during this time.
Monty Chase
January 6, 2012
Holly Larson
My sympathys go out to the Baird family. Bruce has been my landlord for 16 years, and has always treated me with wonderful caring and respect. I will truly miss him, even though our contact was limited. Rest in Peace. P.S.- my father passed recently, and I always thought the two would get along, so I like to believe their souls will meet soon.
January 6, 2012
Gary Ruckel
January 6, 2012
I will greatly miss Bruce, his warm smile and his quiet loving ways. As a newcomer to Pataskala, in 1996 he made sure I knew much about the history of the city and the merger that was in process and I came to love living here quickly through his stories. There is no one I know that loved this town more than Bruce. My prayers go out to his family.
Ruby Hall (Pataskala)
January 6, 2012
Suzie Vojacek
My thoughts and prayers to the family at this time of sorrow. Bruce was a great man and will be deaaply missed.
January 6, 2012
Mike Compton
While my thoughts and prayers are with the family, I continue to reflect about Bruce, and marvel at all he accomplished. I will miss his wit and wisdom, and his energy and imput when it came time for what we had most in common, The Antique Power Show. His friendship, support, and advice on everything in life will be missed , but not forgotten.
January 6, 2012
Nick Slonaker
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
January 5, 2012
Suzy Beem Sifrit
I was saddened by the news Bruce had passed..The hartford Fair will never be the same..But I can only take comfort in knowing that hes now a shepard in Heaven with Jay and my mom.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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