The English Canadian Holy Cross Fathers announce with sadness the death of their confrere, Father Edward Baird, CSC on Monday, June 21, 2010, from cancer at the Welland Hospital (ON).
Born and raised in Fort Augustus, Prince Edward Island, he was the son of the late Tyrell and Catherine (Cassie) Duffy Baird.
He attended the one-room elementary school at Webster's Corner, St. Dunstan's University Boarding School and then St. Dunstan's University, where he earned a B.A.
He was received into the Congregation of Holy Cross August 15, 1957, made his First Profession August 16, 1958, and his Final Profession August 16, 1961. After M.A. theology studies at Holy Cross College in Washington, DC, he was ordained priest June 16, 1962. Subsequently he earned an M.A. in History at the University of Notre Dame.
Twenty-eight years of Father Baird's ministry were devoted to Catholic secondary education in the Diocese of St. Catharines (ON) at Notre Dame College School in Welland (1962-1978), at St. Michael's Church, Corran Ban, P.E.I. (1978-1979), then back to Notre Dame College (1979-1982) and then as part of the inaugural staff at the new Saint Paul High School in Niagara Falls (1982-1988). Then his ministry took a pastoral turn: at Red Deer, Alberta (1988-1990), at Villa Madonna Retreat House, Saint John, N.B., (1990-1998) followed by serving as administrator of St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Columba and St. Charles Borremeo Parishes in his beloved P.E.I. (1999-2007). Failing health prompted his move to the Holy Cross Retirement Residence in Welland.
Father Baird's students will fondly remember the skilled history teacher with a roar of a laugh and great rapport. He was well organized, observant and generous with his time, always willing to take on extra tasks. He was a delightful story-teller and was gifted with a great sense of humour.
Father Ed was very proud of his P.E.I. roots and loved to spend time with family members in the summer months.
Father Baird is survived by his brothers, Vincent (Kay) and Stephen (Pauline) Baird of P.E.I. and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister and her husband, Rita and Elmer Laverty.
Visitation will be at St. Patrick's Church, Fort Augustus on Thursday, June 24, from 7-9 p.m. and Friday, June 25, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Vigil prayers will take place at St. Patrick's Church with the Knights of Columbus, Friday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m.
The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, Fort Augustus, Saturday, June 26, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed toward the Holy Cross Fathers Missions or St. Patrick's Parish.
Online condolences may be made to hillsborofuneral@eastlink.ca.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hillsboro Funeral Home.
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