1926 – 2014

SCARBOROUGH — Charles B. (Bernie) Baird, 87, of Scarborough, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 22, after a brief and courageous battle with brain cancer at the Gosnell House in Scarborough, with his loving family by his side.

Bernie was born on Nov. 28, 1926, to Frederick T. Baird Sr. and Josephine Hight Woodsum Baird in Lewiston. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1944. In September 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and left immediately for boot camp in Geneva, N.Y. Upon completion, he was assigned to the Fleet Sonar School at Key West, Fla. In 1945, he was assigned to the U.S.S. Alexander Dallas DD 199 —later being reassigned to the Fleet Sonar School as a sonar instructor for surface ships and submarines.

When the Japanese surrendered in WW II, Bernie was discharged on Sept. 7, 1946, at which time he joined his high school, Class of 1950, at the University of Maine and later transferring to Husson College in Bangor, where he graduated in June 1950.

That Oct. 15, Bernie married the love of his life, Kay Merrow, from Newport. They were blessed with four wonderful children, David, Betsy, Anne and Jeff. His working career was spent mostly in sales in the field of insurance and banking, from which he retired in 1995.

Bernie and his wife, Kay, spent several years living in Auburn and were also fortunate to spend many happy years on the shores of Flying Pond in Mt. Vernon. After retirement, Bernie spent six years managing two marinas in Oquossoc, where he and Kay enjoyed meeting many locals and visiting families.

Bernie’s enjoyments were family gatherings, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with hunting and fishing — especially his annual trip to Bradford camps with his son, David and the boys from State Farm Insurance.

Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Kay, of 63 years; his sons, David Baird and his wife, Terry, of Old Orchard Beach, Jeff Baird and his wife, Michele, of Fredericksburg, Va.; his daughter, Anne Drouin of Falmouth. He had nine grandchildren, Tim Baird and his wife, Kiyah, of Blackburg, Va., Nathan Baird and his wife, Heather, of Dayton, Paul Sadler of Lewiston, James Sadler and his wife, Tonva, of Lewiston, Jennifer Drouin and her fiancé, Chris Charest, of Westbrook, Kara Drouin Eaton and her husband, Terry, of Freeport, Megan Bishop, Amanda and Melissa Baird of Virginia. He also had three great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Oliver and Alice Baird; a sister-in-law, Ruth Woodsum of Veazie; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was predeceased by his parents; a daughter, Betsy; son-in-law, James Sadler; half-brothers, Fred Baird Jr. and James Woodsum; and half-sisters, Harriet Hall and Jean B. Hazelton.

To offer condolences and share memories with the family, please go to www.athutchins.com.