Obituary of William Ellison Baird

Mr. William Ellison Baird, 87, of Saratoga Springs, died November 14, 2008 at his residence. Born September 15, 1921 in Gloversville, Mr. Baird was the son of the late Leon and Ethel Porter Baird. A graduate of Gloversville High School and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy; he also did post graduate study at Union College and R.P.I. Mr. Baird served his country in the Aluetian Islands during WWII. He was stationed with the Coast Guard in Washington, D.C. after WWII, where he would eventually meet his wife, "Becky", whom he married April 6, 1946. Mr. Baird began his career with General Electric Co. as a mechanical engineer and traveled extensively .He retired from the Bristol Co. in Connecticut as vice-president of manufacturing in 1987. He and his wife traveled the world in post retirement. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping, especially the beauty of the Adirondacks and his camp on Scott Rd. at E. Caroga Lake. In addition to his wife, Florence "Becky" Beckett Baird of Saratoga Springs, he is survived by his daughters and son: Ms. Anne Baird of Saratoga Springs, Nancy Baird of Colchester, CT and Steven Baird and Jo-Ann DeMila of E. Hartford, CT. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Rebecca Smith, Ian Baird and Jessica Mibbs as well as great grandchildren, Robert Mibbs and Abigail Mibbs. Mr. Baird was pre-deceased by a daughter, Ellen Baird Carolin, a grandson, Matthew Doolittle and a brother, John Baird. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of his family. Cremation took place at Parkview Crematory, Schenectady. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the American Lung Association, 5096 Commercial Drive, Yorkville, NY, 13495. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St. Gloversville. A special thank you to Deb Lafayette and Jeff Johnson for their endless loving care and devotion, to Dr. Richard Farrell and staff and to Saratoga County Hospice.