Robert Lawrence "Larry" Baird

Robert Lawrence "Larry" Baird, 82, of Louisville, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born December 27, 1942, one of four children to the late David W. Baird and Eleanor Newman Baird. His siblings David and Bruce Baird and Ann Mallard, all precede him in death.
A Louisville native, Larry attended St. James Catholic School, graduated from St. Xavier High School in 1960, and went on to earn his law degree from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. He was recruited out of law school by Wyatt, Tarrant, and Combs and quickly ascended to Partner and remained with the firm during his 40-year professional career. Larry specialized in real estate law and was respected for his intellect, professionalism, and integrity.
Larry's life was defined by loyalty; to his family, his friends, and the institutions he loved. His faith was central to who he was. Larry was a strong Catholic and a longtime member of St. Albert the Great Parish, where he attended Mass every Sunday and remained an active part of the church community throughout his life. He was also a lifelong supporter of St. Xavier, volunteering at more than a dozen Phonathon events and he also served as president of the Louisville Arthritis Foundation. As a passionate University of Louisville athletics fan, he proudly held season tickets for both basketball and football, rarely ever missing a game.
He had a deep interest in history, particularly World War II. Larry read extensively on the subject, visited the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, and traveled to Normandy to pay his respects to those who gave their lives in service.
After retiring, Larry and his wife of 60 years, Sandy, traveled widely, visiting places from Alaska and Hawaii to Italy, Hungary, Scotland, Ireland, and England. He returned from each trip with stories and occasionally a bottle of limoncello to share with family and friends.
Golf was another passion for Larry. As a member of Glen Oaks Country Club, he played often, usually five times a week, and always insisted on walking. But what truly defined him wasn't his hobbies; it was how he approached life and family. Larry never missed a moment with those he loved. From sporting events and theater productions to art shows and graduations, he showed up for everything, no matter how small. He was the kind of grandfather who made life fun, teaching his grandchildren to embrace every experience and find joy in the little things.
When asked what made him happy, Larry's answer said it all:
"In no particular order, being with my family on a Florida beach, or at our lake house, a Cardinals win and beating the Cats in anything. Oh yeah, back-to-back birdies on the golf course (that latter is exceedingly rare)!"
Those words capture who he was a man who loved deeply, laughed often, and lived life to the fullest.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sandy; his children, Cathy Creek (Todd) and Rob Baird (Lynne); and six grandchildren: Caroline (Trevor) Zagara, Connor and Matthew Creek, Mariah (Dave) Walters, and Emily and Alyssa Baird. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and many friends. The family is deeply grateful to his caregivers, Tonya and Trina, for their exceptional care and kindness during Larry's illness.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church. Visitation will be Monday, November 24, from 3–7 p.m. at Ratterman Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Xavier High School or the Arthritis Foundation.