Surrounded by loved ones, Keith Baird of Pleasant Grove, Utah passed away on September 1st. Keith was born June 19th, 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up in Holladay. His parents were J. Reese Baird and Ruby A. Huish, and siblings Hugh, LaRee, Rey, Jim, Bob, and Charles.
Keith describes His birth and childhood with this poem: “And what is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days.”
He loved music, scouting, gardening, hiking, reading, camping, and working in the temple. After graduating from Granite High School and seminary, Keith attended the University of Utah on scholarship, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Keith also attended institute and served a mission in California for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly before graduation, Keith met and married Colette Jacques Booth in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 8, 1958. Later, Keith and Colette served together as missionaries in the Kansas City, Missouri mission.
Keith was famous in his family for reading stories, singing, playing the guitar, planning exciting camping trips, sharing his incredible garden, making delicious waffles and homemade ice cream, and for his tender, unshakeable faith. His children appreciated his patience in teaching us things we didn’t understand, and they think he is the best dad in the world! He stayed active and cheerful despite many health challenges.
He is preceded in death by his son, Steven Baird. Keith is survived by his wife, Colette B. Baird, children: Suzanne (David) Clayson, Michele (Michael) Perdue, Thomas (Deanna) Baird, Catherine (Nathan) Pomeroy, 14 grandchildren: Jeanette, Matthew, Anne-Marie, Rachelle, Monique, Tim, Tyler, Tana, Brittany, Amanda, Joanna, David, Alex, Geoffrey, and 7 great-grandchildren.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the missionary fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They would also like to thank the wonderful hospice nurses!
A family funeral will take place September 5th.
Heaven is Blessed to receive the return of such a great soul. But those left on this earth grieve his leaving. Take time to grieve your loss. When you take the tears out of death, you take the love out of life.
Keith is closer than you realize. The veil is very thin and you will feel his presence from time to time. God will bless each of you, until you meet again.
I love you Colette and Cath,
Karen Millett
Keith and Tom Beisinger were fellow construction workers at Kearns with whom I became acquainted during the summer of 1950. Near the end of the summer, Tom proposed that the three of us take a three day trip to the Uintah Mountains and hike to Four Lake Basin. We parked Tom's truck at Mirror Lake, notified the rangers of our plans, then hiked the ten miles to the basin enjoying good success at fishing which resulted in a succulent dinner the second day of butter fried rainbow trout and fried potatoes. The last time we met, Keith had brought family members to the Mormon Handcart Visitors Center in 2000 where my wife and I were serving. I shall ever cherish my friendship and acquaintance with this noble soul. May you be comorted at his passing. Loads of love. Clee Wright
Dear Collette
I just saw this obituary. We send our love and sympathies. We enjoyed so much our time with you and Keith. You were true friends. God bless you and comfort you and your family.
Love,. Paul and Donna
Keith and I were involved in musical activities in junior and senior high school. Although we have met rarely since then, the memories of these joyful experiences are vivid. With you, I celebrate a good and purposeful life that has touched many souls for good.
Jerry
