It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our darling Mom, Janet. She was born in Regina to Alec and Margaret Derby, on the Saskatchewan prairie beleaguered by the depression. She was one of four daughters (Katherine, Janet, Sandra and Joanne), who grew up in tough times that made them appreciate both thrift and generosity.
Janet attended grade school in Regina, Teachers’ College in Moose Jaw and completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Saskatchewan graduating in 1957. When she moved to Winnipeg, she completed the requirements for a B.A. in History and Economics at United College. Janet was passionate about music and politics.
Janet married Dr. Alastair Baird in 1959 and they had 5 children (Shauna, Robin, Islay, Colin and Neil). Janet ran an active, shambolic household where the door was always open, an extra place could readily be set and the debate was guaranteed to be lively.
When the children became more independent, Janet began involvement in bettering her community. She served on the Victoria Police Board, was Chair of Camosun College Board and founding Chair of the Camosun Foundation and was an Alderman on Victoria City Council (1981-1990). She was early to embrace new technology and became a founding Member of Victoria FreeNet Association and Chair of VIATeC. Always passionate about the democratic process, Janet became Returning Officer for the federal riding of Victoria and Deputy District Electoral Officer for the provincial riding of Oak Bay/Gordon Head. She was made an honorary citizen of the City of Victoria and was the recipient of the Royal Roads University Community Service Award in 2002.
Janet loved entertaining and made a point of celebrating all occasions. She faced her last months with brave resolve and cheerful practicality. She enjoyed something of a living wake as people lined up to say their goodbyes. True to her character, Janet chose her date of departure and left on her own terms. Among those celebrating a life well lived will be her 5 children, their spouses (Michael, Iain, Leslie) and 8 beloved grandchildren (Michaela, Callum, Jillian, Natalie, Rachel, Hannah, Alastair and Jane), as well as countless relatives, friends and colleagues. If you wish to celebrate Janet, serve yourself a Dubonnet and red wine on the rocks, go for a swim in the sea, laugh heartily, sing loudly and think of her every time you vote.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Victoria Golf Club on Saturday, November 17, 2018 from 1:00 -4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Dr. Alastair and Janet Baird Award, c/o Camosun College Foundation, 4461 Interurban Road, Victoria, BC, V9E 2C1 (email: camosun.ca/foundation) would be gratefully appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Janet Morton Derby Baird November 9 1935 October 29 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique
