Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Boyd C. Baird

About

Albion College Wayne State University Western Michigan University

Boyd Baird Obituary

Judge Boyd C. Baird Judge Boyd C. Baird died October 5, 2008 in Traverse City. He was born August 12, 1926 in Cook County, Illinois to Reverend and later Judge Robert S. Baird and Winnie B. Baird. He grew up in Cheboygan where he graduated from high school June 1944 then entered the Army in September 1944. He served as a first combat infantry scout with the Seventh Infantry Division during the Battle of Okinawa. He was Honorably Discharged with a Bronze Star, in 1945. He and Nancy L. Tingley married on November 22, 1947 in Tecumseh, Michigan. He graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 1949. He and Nancy moved to Gaylord in 1949, where Judge Baird served first as a private attorney, City Attorney, and as Otsego County Probate Judge for 27 years. Judge Baird was very active in the Michigan Probate Judge's Association and Michigan Judicial Institute. Judge Baird is survived by his children, Attorney Brett C. Baird of Traverse City and Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Laura L. Baird, her husband Attorney George Zulakis of Okemos, and grandchildren, Michael B. Zulakis, Justin Baird, Travis Baird, and Zoe Zulakis. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Nancy L. Baird, and his grandson, Nicholas L. Zulakis. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 11, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., at the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse, 6726 Center Rd., Traverse City. In lieu of flowers, anyone who may desire is asked to make contributions to the Traverse Area District Library, or to a charity of their choice in Boyd's memory. Please share condolences with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Oct. 7, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Boyd Baird

20 Entries

Scott Yost

October 22, 2008

God Bless you for your service to our Nation and the world during WWII. Your sacrifice bought the freedoms we have today, and will not be forgotten. What you called "just doing my duty", looks like the stuff of heroes, to us. Yours was, indeed, the Greatest Generation. Sincerely, Scott M. Yost, Michigan

Lois Grisso

October 10, 2008

Dear Brett and Laura & families, when the Grisso family moved to Gaylord in 1967, we had the privilege of meeting Boyd & Nancy. Then we also had the privilege of meeting both of you. I have followed your careers and know that you are kids to be proud of. Your father will be missed by you, but he and your Mother will always be in your heart. Wasn't Gaylord a great place to grow up.

Judi Bloomer

October 10, 2008

Dear Brett and Laura,
I send my deepest sympathies from the Vandertills to both of you and your families. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of your folks ,since I practicaly lived at your house. Please know that I will keep you in my thoughts. I cherish our 47 years of friendship, Laura. Take good care,
Love,Judi (Vandertill )Bloomer

Arnie Brandt

October 9, 2008

I knew Boyd through the Thursday morning discussion group at the TC Senior's Center. We disagreed on most topics, but I always enjoyed the exchange of ideas, even though I frequently lost the debates.
Boyd was a very knowledgeable gentleman and his presence will be missed on Thursday mornings.
My condolences to Arlene and the Baird family.

Roger Cronk

October 9, 2008

I remember meeting Boyd about 40 years ago when I was 8 or 9 years old. I remember being told about him by his mom. We lived a few houses away and Mrs Baird (Winnie) taught all of us kids to sew, crochet and paint and play canasta we listened to storys about her kids and how proud she was of all of them. Boyds sister Willadora and brother in-law John were teachers for most of us kids. Boyd helped with an adoption of a child to my brothers family. My condolances to your family.

Philip Vilella

October 9, 2008

Dear Laura and George,

Please accept my condolences for the loss you have suffered. I had the good fortune long before you, Laura, was elected to the bench to have had a chance to meet your very kind and wonderful father. We must always consider the positive side and that is how fortunate you were to have him for such a lengthy period of time.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to both of you and your family along with my prayers.

Bruce Moulton

October 8, 2008

Brett and Laura:
We would like to offer our deepest condolences in the loss of your father. He was a great fun loving person. I always considered him my second father when we were growing up. He will be deeply missed.

Bruce and Diane Moulton

Tammy (Mead) Zaremba

October 8, 2008

I worked for Judge Baird in the 80's as his Juvenile Clerk in Gaylord. He was a wonderful man. My sincere condolences to his family.

Linda Cote

October 8, 2008

Brett and Family,
Sorry to hear about your dad and grandfather. My sincere sympathy to you.

Bruce W. Werts

October 8, 2008

Brett and Laura,

I always liked and respected your father. I know that you will miss him every day. My deepest condolences.

Timothy Hass

October 8, 2008

I considered Boyd a good friend and mentor in my early years as an attorney in Gaylord. He was always analyzing matters from different angles which encouraged me to do the same. My condolences.

Pamela Flesher

October 8, 2008

Brett and Laura:
I wish to extend my deep sympathy in the loss of your father.
May you have cherished memories of a wonderful parent who touched many lives with compassion and fairness.
Bless you and your family.
Pamela (Respecki) Flesher

Fred Schaafsma

October 7, 2008

Dear Arlene
We are very much thinking of you and keeping you close to our hearts. Our hope for you is for strength at this very sad time. You have been at the giving end so very long and now it is our turn to send you the love and compassion that you so frequently and generously give.
Fred and Rebecca

Laura Sabat

October 7, 2008

I have many great memories of Boyd as he was such a unique man. But most of all I will remember his kindness, graciousness and love.

Ronald Provo

October 7, 2008

I was sorry to hear about Boyd. I lived next door to your family and enjoyed many memories. My thoughts and prayers go with you at this time. Ronald W. Provo, Cheboygan, Michigan.

Jim Ward

October 7, 2008

Judge Baird was a great man who had a positive influence on many people and Otsego County during his life. We were very fortunate to have him. My condolences to his family.

Randy Law

October 7, 2008

My deepest condolences for your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Travis Baird

October 7, 2008

Gramps was a wonderful man. He lived a great life that many people, including myself would love to duplicate. He will be dearly missed, but we need to remember that he was at peace with his decision. He now can be with Nancy, the love of his life. He is no longer physically with us, but his memories and stories will live forever. I love you Gramps and thank you for everything you did.

paul Fulton

October 7, 2008

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Judge Baird. I always enjoyed his seminars during my time as a Probation Officer. He was a unique individual. His family should be very proud of his life.

Laura Baird

October 7, 2008

My dad was the most interesting person I have ever known. It was a lot of fun to have him as a father. He was full of ideas and most of them were successful and those that weren't were pretty funny at least in retrospect. He was also a wonderful Grandfather to all of our kids. He is leaving a big hole in my life.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results