Duncan H. Baird

Baird, Duncan H. 95, of Sunfish Lake. Preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Helen; his wife, Mary; his sister, Jane and his daughter, Jane. Survived by his brother, John, and his daughters, Ann Sweeney (George) and Betty Newburgh (Conrad) and granddaughters, Laura Newburgh, Kate Newburgh and Maggie Newburgh and stepchildren, Molly Boast, Alice Southwick, Betsy Boyle and Davis Shryer; step-grandchildren and a step-great-grandson. Duncan was born in New Jersey, but moved at a young age to Minnesota. He was a 1935 graduate of St. Paul Academy, and of Yale University in 1939, where he majored in history. His law school years at the University of Michigan were interrupted by the 2nd World War. Duncan was commissioned in the Navy, and after training, commanded a sub chaser in the North Atlantic for the rest of the war. After the war he resumed his pursuit of a law degree at the University of Michigan. Duncan practiced for a few years with Dougherty, Rumble and Butler, but left the practice of law to pursue an academic career. He received a doctorate in Political Science from the University of Minnesota in 1961. Duncan's accumulation of degrees was now at an end. He happily accepted a position at Macalester College where he taught political science and pre-law for many years. Never one to retire, he taught Jurisprudence at William Mitchell College of Law. Duncan had three daughters, Ann, Jane, and Betty with his first wife, Jean Baird. They divorced in 1961. He married Mary Shryer in 1966 and stayed with her until her death in 2007. Duncan was a lifelong member of Unity Church, where he is survived by many friends. Duncan loved sailing, the outdoors (especially around the cabin on Lake Saganaga), photography, travel, the law, reading, and above all, intellectually stimulating conversation on just about any topic. His heroes included the philosopher, Thomas Hobbes and the jurist, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Duncan had been on the DARTS board of directors, mayor of Sunfish Lake and a long time supporter of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. He will be missed by his family, former students and many dear friends. Memorial service will be on April 13, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Unity Church, 733 Portland Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104.