William Bernard Braid

1944 - 2022

William Bernard Braid, 78, passed away May 25th, 2022.

Born in 1944 to John & Carol Braid (neé Niels) in Baltimore City, Bill graduated from the Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School in 1963 and immediately volunteered for the U.S. Army. He was deployed to Vietnam where he served as a Helicopter Mechanic. Bill achieved the rank of Specialist 5th Class and was discharged with honors in 1967 – a decorated soldier who received the Air Medal, among other distinctions.

Upon his return, Bill worked briefly at the AAI Corporation, and Ward Turner Machinery. In 1971, he joined Good Samaritan Hospital's Maintenance Department – beginning a long career in healthcare facilities management. Bill spent the mid-70s with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, fabricating orthotics and prosthetics, before returning to Good Samaritan as Maintenance Supervisor. It was there, in 1983, that he crossed paths with the love of his life, Andrea (Andy) Adler, who had just joined the hospital's administration.

Over the next 25 years, Bill would hold pivotal positions overseeing Facilities Management, Operations and multi-million dollar expansion projects at Mt. Washington Pediatric, Howard County General, Union Memorial and Northwest Hospitals. In 2006, Bill was elected President of the Chesapeake Area Society of Healthcare Engineering. He retired in 2009 and proudly volunteered at his local VFW Post 7472.

Early on, Bill was in bowling leagues and on softball teams, but his true passion was fishing. He was a member of the Goose Harbor Yacht Club, serving as Commodore. Bill was a master craftsman. He undertook renovations of 3 houses culminating in the Ahearn-Braid House, a Catonsville Victorian granted Historic District status by the Baltimore County Council. Known for being able to fix anything, he restored antique furniture, clocks, statuary, and even made a boat-shaped coffee table.

The family fondly remembers the many 4th of July parties and Christmas gatherings hosted by Bill and Andy, annual beach trips, Florida vacations, antiquing expeditions, and many fishing trips. Bill was always the life of the party, bringing laughter and warmth wherever he went.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife Andy, his son Scott (Mikey), his daughter Mariel, sister Ellen, brother Niels, many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins and former wife Pam Braid (neé Cannen). All will miss his big bear hugs, his infectious laughter, and mischievous smile.

Mac Nabb Funeral Home in Catonsville handled arrangements. A Celebration of Life will take place in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Warrior Canine Connection or VFW National Home for Children.