Obituary of William James Baird

William James Baird (Oct 19, 1928 - Feb 23, 2021) William (Bill) James Baird passed away peacefully at age 92 on Feb. 23, 2021. Bill was born in 1928 in Detroit. He served in the United States Navy and worked on a hospital ship during the Korean War. Bill also served on ships in the Merchant Marines on the Great Lakes in his younger years. Bill studied journalism and education at the University of Michigan and Northeastern University in Boston where he met his wife Rose. They married in Boston in 1956 and moved to Michigan. Bill spent most of his working life as an elementary school special education reading teacher in the Southgate and Taylor school districts. Bill had a passion for watching the news and keeping up with current events. He was an avid reader for most of his life. If you wanted to know what things of historical significance happened in the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, etc you would ask him and he would be able to tell you. He also enjoyed reading, listening to music from the 1920's - 1950's, and travelling in the United States. Bill was a kind and gentle man who taught his children the importance of education, honesty, and to love animals. He will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his children Steven (Kathy) Baird), Paula (David) Lowry, and Rita (Charlie) McKelvie and his grandchildren Aaron Lowry, Lauren Baird, and Anneliese McKelvie. Bill is proceeded in death by his parents Clara (Martus) and William Baird, his sister Helen Gividen who passed away in 2004, his son Thomas who passed away in 1990, and his wife Rose who passed way in October of 2019. Cremation has taken place and a private memorial will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in Bills' memory may donate to Rebel Dogs Detroit (see donation page at https://www.rebeldogsdetroit.com/) or the Detroit PIt Crew Dog Rescue (see donationg link at https://detroitpitcrew.com/ ) Please share a memory of Bill by signing his guestbook.