Robert T. Baird
November 5, 1921 ~ February 7, 2010
Robert T. "Bob" Baird, 88, of Vienna, Va, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Woodstock, Va. Mr. Baird was born on November 5, 1921 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of the late Thomas Aylwin and Catherine Lauda Baird. A veteran of WWII, he served as a cryptographer in the US Army Signal Corps, stationed in Asmara, Eritrea, Northern Africa from 1942-44, and at the Pentagon from 1944-46. After the war, he continued his career at the Pentagon Telecommunications Center as a civilian, retiring as a Duty Officer for the Department of the Army after 38 years of service. Mr. Baird was the recipient of the Department of the Army Sustained Superior Service Award for Achievement. In 1938, Bob purchased his first camera, which began his lifelong love of photography. From 1952-1974 he worked part-time as a free lance photographer for several weekly newspapers in the Vienna area. He was proud of his first place award for Sports Photography from the Virginia Press Association in 1969. Bob taught his photography skills to his daughter and to many friends throughout his life. During his retirement, "Buffalo Bill" volunteered with Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team (REACT) from 1982-1995. During that time he received Distinguished Service Awards in 1987 and 1988 and was given REACT's highest award for outstanding contributions to the welfare of both his team and the general public. Most recently, Bob started the "Coffee Break Group" and the "Olympus Camera Club" where he made many good friends at the Virginian Restaurant in Vienna. Mr. Baird was a Vienna resident for 54 years, a founding member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and a charter member of the Vienna Woods Swim Club. On September 29, 1946, in Brooklyn, NY, he married Evelyn Melanson, who preceded hi in death on April 16, 2001 after 54 years of marriage. Mr. Baird is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Rory Nansel of Woodstock, Va; his sister-in-law, Frances Melanson of Brooklyn, NY, several nieces and nephews and many treasured friends. Pallbearers will be: Lou Balboni, Lynn Davis, Dean Eversmeyer, Richard Funkhouser, Kerry Nansel, Gene Melanson, Dale Pearson and Don Yetkow. Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, #405, Winchester, Va 22601 or to Capital Hospice, 2900 Telestar Court, Falls Church, Va 22042.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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May the wonderful memories of a loving father be your strength now and in the days ahead. Our sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you now. Our love to you.
My old CB pal, “Buffalo Bob”, I will sadly miss you, but not forget the many good times that we had. Your pal. Walt Lewis aka “Fat Albert”
As I think of “Papa Baird” I can’t help but smile. He was always smiling and laughing and we so enjoyed cracking him up with our stories, and him cracking us up with his! It was always interesting to see what his next “job” was in his detailed photo album of jobs he had been fired from! I tell you though when he was around you always had to be “camera shy” ’cause you could bet he would get a shot that you wouldn’t want anyone to see! (had to love those pool shots) I was so proud when I actually caught him on film taking pictures of our 4-H group at A Way 2 Play a couple of summers ago – he was surprised! It certainly will be these memories and more that will help keep him in our hearts and soul. Carol and Rory, our sympathies are with you.
Carol and Rory, With heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your beloved dad, Bob Baird. All of us who knew Bob have lost a true, close, and wonderful friend. My friendship with Bob began about three years ago when I joined the “Coffee Break” group at the Virginian Restaurant. His presence was joyful and happy; he loved to photograph his friends. “Photo By Bob” was his trademark. So appropriate. His experience and talent allowed him to “capture the moment” on his camera. Bob was a man of dignity, honor, reputation, and patriotism. He loved his country; served his country well in WWII; and continued to prove his patriotism every day for the rest of his life. When God made Bob Baird, He broke the mold, for never will there be another person quite like him. Carol and Rory, this is how I knew and respected your wonderful dad. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. Bob, we miss you. You were the patriarch of the “Coffee Break” group. May you rest in peace.
I was shocked and saddened by Bob’s death. After eight years to know him and cut his hair, but I am glad that I was able to know him so well. He has been a blessing from God. Carol and Rory, I will be praying that God will bless both of you and give both of you strength at this time. Bob, your barber miss you. Kim Tran at Charles’ barbershop .
Carol and Family, I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of you dad. Always remember the good and special times you shared together. Heaven must be a beautiful place since the Lord has chosen him to come and live an eternal life with him. May you find comfort knowing that all your friends are there for you during this difficult time in your life. Blessings to you and your family. Your old OLGC classmate and friend, Patty Payne formally of Vienna, VA
I have some very fond memories of Bob at work in the Pentagon Telecommunications Center. He will always be remembered. God Bless.
Dear family of Bob, I met Bob at Santini’s Restaurant in Oakton in late 2008. He loved to come in on Monday nights and have a liverwurst sandwich. We developed a friendship and realized I knew some of his freinds from Vienna as I worked for many years at the Wolftrap Deli. He took a picture of me and returned later with the picture that he created on his computer. I was impressed with his skills on phot shop. He brought a smile to my face every time I saw him. He will be missed by many. With Sympathy, Mary Carney
Dearest Carol and Rory, So sad we can’t be there in person as you pay tribute to your Dad. Just another time the miles between us are much too far. I (Barb) feel blessed to have met him and gotten to spend time with both him and your Mom. What a fun loving man and gifted with the camera, too. That was a special bond he had with many. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and working on an East Coast visit when things settle down.
I can remember our parents playing poker togehter with the McIntyres. They all had a ball. Then in later years Bob and Evelyn would go away with my folks to play golf. They all enjoyed each other’s company so much. Now all of them are in heaven playing poker and golfing together. No one can take the memories away from you.
Dear Carol & Rory, I can only agree with what Charlene wrote. Our parents sure knew how to have fun and if we listen real close, we’ll be able to hear the laughter and cutting up going on up there (and perhaps the sound of a runaway golfcart?)! We hope today will remind you of how loved Bob was and that hearing all the stories about how he touched so many lives will comfort you in your loss. We so wish we could be there with you today (Tues.) and to exchange BobTales. You know Jouke and I are thinking of you. With love, Denise & Jouke