Tom Baird of Vancouver passed away peacefully at the age of 92, at St. Vincent’s: Langara long term care home on December 23, 2022, with his loving and devoted wife Terry by his side.
Born in Reno, Nevada on April 2, 1930, Tom lived in Sacramento and then emigrated to Vancouver with his parents Dorothy Maybelle (Le Sar) and William Thomas Baird (Dolly and Bill) at the age of 12. Tom went to Kitsilano Secondary and attended UBC for a few years before getting a job at BC Tel writing the in-house newsletter and discovering he was a talented copywriter. He joined the advertising business in the early ‘50’s, and quickly rose to become an award-winning creative director and vice president of several major firms in both Vancouver and Hawaii, eventually starting his own successful agency, Tom Baird and Associates.
He enjoyed working with his capable hands and when he wasn’t wielding a pencil, an Underwood or a word processor, Tom was using tools to restore old cars and boats and repair (or modify) anything that was broken, worn out or otherwise needed improvement. He also made wine, brewed beer and developed a passion for gardening later in life.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Terry Roberge, daughters Carol Baird Ellan (Tim) and Kathy McLaughlin (Rob), son Andy Baird (Shawna), first wife Nancy Carter Baird, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his second wife, Lyn Campbell Baird in 2014.
The family is grateful for the excellent care Tom received at St. Vincent’s: Langara.