George Peter Baird

George Peter Baird, 66, of McHenry, Illinois, passed away at home on January 13, surrounded by his loving family.

George was born on April 5, 1959, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Cathrine R. Baird (nee Porten) and George C. Baird. He graduated from Carmel High School in 1977 and later attended Harper College in Palatine, Illinois.

Growing up in the Porten Subdivision, George spent summer days swimming and fishing in the Fox River with childhood friends and family, and winter days ice skating and snowmobiling. He participated in many sports while growing up, with baseball and football being his favorites. George made lifelong friends in high school, and their continued love and friendship meant so much to him throughout his life.

George married the love of his life, Karen Cantwell, on September 29, 1979, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cary, Illinois. Together, they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage and raised four children: George C. (Katilin), Christine (Rick), Bryan (Guada), and Emily Moran (Jesse).

George worked for several years building homes across the United States, including Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Utah, and Arizona. No matter where he went, he always built friendships with those around him. He was a hardworking man with a strong work ethic who took pride in his work and in providing for his family.

George was known for his smile, his laugh, and his sense of humor. He had a mild-mannered personality and a big heart. Above all, George had a deep love for his family. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, and swimming, and he especially loved coaching his children in a variety of sports for many years.

George's memory will be cherished by his wife, Karen; his children, George C. (Katilin), Christine (Rick), Bryan (Guada), and Emily Moran (Jesse); and his granddaughter, Abigail Baird. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathy Baird, Sandy Breakfield, Linda Nemeth (Larry), and Rita Schneider (Bill), as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and Godchildren.

George was preceded in death by his sister, Donna April Hartl; his parents, Cathrine R. Baird (Porten) and George C. Baird; and his brothers-in-law, Howard Breakfield, Dan Cantwell, and Cliff Cantwell.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Journey Care Hospice, especially Trista and Patty, for their kindness and care.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, from 4:00–8:00 PM at Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home, 235 N. Main St., Wauconda, IL 60084. On Tuesday, January 20, funeral services will begin with prayers at Kisselburg-Wauconda at 9:30 AM, followed by Mass at Transfiguration Catholic Church at 10:00 AM. A luncheon to follow the burial at the Transfiguration Cemetery.

Memorial donations in George's honor may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.