Russell K. Baird, age 55, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with prostate cancer. Russ was the devoted husband of Bridget (Chalker) Baird. He is survived by his brother, Donald Baird, his wife Wendy and their children, Erin, Amelia, and Lucas of Ashby, MA, his sister, Susan (Baird) Hilario, her husband Ruben and their children, Jason, Dahlia, Karen and Benton of Guatemala, his sister in law Karen Baird of Timonium, Maryland, his uncle and aunts, Allan and Barbara Nickerson of Pocasset, MA, Diana Ferrazza of San Diego, CA, and Barbara MacSwan of Weymouth, MA, his cousins, Debbie (Nickerson) Yerdon of Holden, MA, Mark Nickerson of Plymouth, MA, Gail (MacSwan) Izbicki of Hull, MA, and Douglas MacSwan of New Fairfield, CT. He is predeceased by his parents, James and Lois (Petty) Baird and his brother Stephen Baird (Vietnam, 1970).
Russ was born in Weymouth, MA and graduated from Weymouth South High School in 1972 and Bentley College in 1976. He later settled on Beacon Hill, an area of Boston. Russ worked in finance for most of his career including working at Bank of Boston, State Street Bank, Fleet Bank, Yankee Bank, a founding partner of Beacon Business Credit, and Boston Financial Funding. Russ and his brother were formerly co-owners of Almor Corporation of Whitman, MA. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of Boston Financial and Equity Corp.
Russ was an attendee of the Community Baptist Church in Weymouth. He enjoyed golfing, playing basketball, and vacationing in warm climates. He enjoyed spending time with family and his many friends. Russ was a wonderful son to his parents and was very generous in the support of his family. He was a mentor to his nieces and nephews and deeply loved by his extended family. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Visiting Hours will be at the C. C. Shepherd Funeral Home, 134 Pleasant St. (Columbian Sq.) S. Weymouth on Friday January 8, from 2 pm – 4 pm and 7 pm – 9 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at the Community Baptist Church, 17 Mutton Lane, South Weymouth, MA on Saturday January 9, 2010 at 11 am. Interment will be in the Village Cemetery in Weymouth. All are invited to a reception to celebrate Russ’ life following at Granite Links Golf Course, 100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy, MA.
Russ’ wife and friends are in the process of establishing a foundation in his name to promote prostate cancer education, awareness, and research. In the interim, in lieu of flowers, those who would like to make a donation may do so in Russ’ name to Prostate Cancer Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Development, BIDMC, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, 02215.
If you would like to leave a message for the family please visit www.ccshepherd.com.