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JAMES ALFRED BAIRD Obituary pic

JAMES ALFRED BAIRD

Date of Passing: Mar 06, 2014

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JAMES ALFRED BAIRD March 13, 1930 - March 6, 2014 Peacefully, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's and Diabetes related illnesses, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Baird on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at the Misericordia Health Centre, at the age of 83. James is survived by his loving wife, Wilma, of 59 years, his sons Laurie (Jill) and Bradley (Mark), three grandchildren, Lucas, Creighton, and Savannah; and siblings Dodie Cochrane, and Tom Baird. His father, James Sr. in 1945, mother Flossie in 1974, sister Donna Lyn in 1998, twin sister Gladys in 2006, and sister Leta in 2013 predeceased him. Jim was born in Indian Head, SK. As a young lad growing up in Dauphin, MB, to help support his mother and five siblings, Jim split wood, cut grass, and worked at the local Woolworth's store when not in school. After graduating from Dauphin Collegiate in June of 1948, Jim joined the Bank of Commerce, a predecessor of CIBC. It was three years later that he met Wilma when transferred to Carman, MB, and the couple was married in April 1954. Family was always a priority for Jim. He was extremely devoted to Wilma, and took great pride in his sons' accomplishments. As a young father and husband he loved spending time with his family, whether this involved activities at home or driving vacations. Jim was a career banker. Early in his career he was transferred to a number of rural communities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwestern Ontario. Laurie was born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay) in 1956, and Brad in Lloydminster in 1959. In December 1960, the family moved back to Winnipeg where Jim continued to advance his career. Retiring in 1988, he had completed 40 years of service and had held managerial appointments in six different branches. The family is most grateful to the staff at Cornish 2 for the care and compassion extended to James during his stay there. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place with a private family service to be held at a later date at the Riverside Cemetery in Dauphin, MB. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in James' name to your local Alzheimer's Society. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Mar 15, 2014

JAMES ALFRED BAIRD Peacefully, on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at the Misericordia Hospital, James Baird, aged 83 years of Winnipeg, beloved husband of Wilma. In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place and a private family service will take place at a later date. Full obituary to follow in Saturday, March 15 edition of the Free Press. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Mar 8, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2014

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

  • I worked with Jim from 1969 to 1972 at the Polo Park Bank of Commerce as a teller. He was the manager of the branch then and did a fine job at running this very busy branch. Four of us tellers had a reunion just this past Friday, after 40 years! This was how I discovered he had passed away. We all remember him as being a very congenial and even-tempered gentleman and appreciated his leadership. May God Bless you and grant you His consolation with your loss. My sympathies to you all. - Posted by: Rosemarie Kennedy (worked with Jim at CIBC Polo Park) on: Jun 09, 2014

  • I have very fond memories of Mr. Baird. Always welcoming and friendly. My father liked him very much. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Miriam Bergen () on: Mar 15, 2014

  • Jim's mother was my Mum's older sister & I spent many days at their home & they in ours. Jim/Wilma moved with the bank to Pt. Arthur where my parents lived, & they became very close when young Laurie arrived. Jim's twin sister Toots was a favorite of mine also. Jim came for dinner many Sundays when he was first posted to Wpg. Rest in Peace, my condolences to Laurie/Brad, Wilma & grandchildren. - Posted by: YvonYvonne & Harvey Cantinne & Harvey Cantin (nee Smith) (COUSINcousincousin) on: Mar 10, 2014

  • Dearest Wilma, I was saddened to read about Jim's passing... He was my branch manager at Henderson & Kimberly branch in 1974/75. Jim was an awesome boss, co-worker and wicked card player during our lunch hours at the branch... I learned a lot from him and he recognized my job skills better than I did...In fact if it wasn't for Jim I would have never taken the step of furthering my financial career within the bank... He was a very, kind, endearing and gentle soul, who I always admired.. My sincere condolences to you and the family - Posted by: Elaine Furda (retired CIBC employee) () on: Mar 10, 2014

  • Wilma, please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Jim. I had the pleasure of working with Jim as his secretary at CIBC Portage & Hargrave for quite a few years. He was always a genuine person, very fair, kind, friendly, thoughtful and always had a good word for every one. I remember when my daughter was 4-5 years she used to collect the Sesame Street figurines and he collected a few and gave them to me for my daughter. To this date, she still has them. Wilma, I remember all the luncheons he used to take us out to for Secretary day and just for any other occasions. I even kept in touch with him for quite a few years after his retirement as you know. He will be missed but never forgotten. He has left a lasting memory in my heart. He is in a special place now. With deepest sympathy. - Posted by: KAREN MAHARAJ (SECRETARY TO JIM AT CIBC, PORTAGE & HARGRAVE BRANCH IN WINNIPEG) on: Mar 09, 2014

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