Obituary
BAIRD, Elmo Bartlett – 1920-2020
On November 4th, the most wonderful man has left this world. Elmo Baird, of Twillingate, born to Harold and Dinah (Manuel) Baird on March 7, 1920.
At the age of 19 when WW11 broke out, Elmo was on the first troop ship out of St. John’s, arriving in Liverpool, UK to work with the Newfoundland Forestry Unit. Although he loved Scotland, Northern England and Forestry work, he felt he could do more for the war effort by joining one of Britain’s military forces and he left the forestry after a year to enlist with the RAF. WWII service brought him to Southeast Asia, then to the Middle East, North Africa and, through attachments to Army and Artillery, eventually up through Italy and into Yugoslavia. After 6 full years of service he returned to his beloved island and married Eleanor Gillett in 1947, also from Twillingate, NL.
They settled in Gander, raising 5 children through the most wonderful post war years in an exciting new airport town. Elmo loved getting out in the woods, relaxing in nature and showing his children the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The evolution of jet travel and his many years with Immigration at Gander International Airport exposed us all to the importance of embracing many new cultures. After 50 years living in Gander, they followed their daughters to St. John’s in 1996.
Predeceased by his eldest son Bernard, tragically in 1972, along with several brothers and sisters, Elmo is mourned by his beloved wife Eleanor, daughters Margaret (Chris O’Dea), Diana (Jonathan Moir), sons, Austin (Belinda) and Roger (Sheri), Grandchildren, Aiden O’Dea (Tina King) and Meghan O’Dea, Matthew Moir (Joana (Lene) Cupatia), Joshua Moir (Janine), David Baird (Gabi Hartmann), Kieran Baird (Lauren Brookes), and Jordan Baird (Tirzah). Also, his Great – Grandchildren; Harlow and Jasper Baird, Sadie and Jack Moir. He also leaves brothers Ted (Mary), Gerald (Phyllis) and sister Pat Baird Bonasera as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the devoted team at Tiffany Village who have provided tender care for 11 years. Veterans Affairs also provided much needed support in recent years.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barrett’s Funeral Home, Hamilton Ave. where cremation has taken place.
For the protection of all, there will be no visitation and a private family celebration of his life will occur at a later date. Please leave your comments at www.barretts.ca , or by mail to Apt 206, Tiffany Village, St John’s, A1A 0G1.
Throughout his long-life Elmo always maintained a strong sense of humour, and being able to put a smile on people’s faces was always a rewarding goal. That is in spite of the many challenges and hardships he endured, particularly in his earlier decades.
In memory of a special and loving man, full of kindness and compassion to all living creatures who loved nature and was an excellent guiding light to all who knew him, please consider a donation to your favourite charity, person or family in need.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Elmo Bartlett Baird 2020..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N