Thomas David Baird Sr.'s Obituary
Thomas D. Baird Sr, 85, passed away peacefully in his Scappoose home, with family by his side on November 7, 2024.
Born August 14, 1939. Thomas was adopted by Edna and Thomas Baird where he then moved to Cabool, Missouri, where they tried their luck with farming. These trying times shaped Thomas’s character deeply. The Baird’s eventually moved back to the Northwest and Thomas spent his grade school years in Rainier and other parts of the region. Thomas spent parts of his early teenage years at the Oregon coast where he began to formulate cherished friendships that would truly last a lifetime. Thomas graduated from Taft High School in Lincoln City, Oregon in 1958.
After a brief stint in the army and completing his obligation with the National Guard, Thomas began his professional career. Thomas received his Oregon Barbers Certificate and began his career as a barber in downtown Portland before moving into the plywood industry and eventually becoming a shareholder with Multnomah Plywood. Thomas’s early years at the mill had him still fulfilling his barbering duties during the day and then working various nighttime shifts at the mill, but later Thomas proudly served on the board of directors from the 1960s through the late 1980s. He would mention often he respected individuals he forged friendships with while on the board. He later transitioned to the ironworking profession and retired from Universal Structure Incorporated in Vancouver, WA in the early 2000s.
On July 26, 1969, Thomas married Kathryn Wong, and together they raised three sons. Thomas is survived by his sons, Tommy (Sheri), Jason, and Joseph (Sonia). Brothers, Albert and Robert, and sister Edna, as well as his beloved grandchildren Kiana, Alex, and Alyssa. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
A lifelong enthusiast, Thomas found peace and joy in the water, spending weekends fishing and as a familiar face at local racetracks. Thomas had a way of never forgetting a birthday or anniversary and always recalling the dates of special milestones for loved ones, like his granddaughter’s college graduation. However, when it came to finding his house keys, that was another story! Thomas was known for his generous spirit, infectious smile, and warm heart. He embraced life with enthusiasm, never letting a moment pass by. He lived a life by a type of philosophy that was simple yet profound. The best way you can phrase it that matches him is, “Life’s track won’t slow down for you, so hold onto the wheel and enjoy the ride!”
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