Laconia------Hugh Alexander Baird 85, former longtime resident of Guilford Connecticut, died Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Hugh was born in Bridgeport, Ct, September 17, 1930, the son of Robert and Marion (Jennings) Baird. After graduating from Stratford H.S., Ct, he enlisted and spent five years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. His service included commissioning the heavy cruiser USS Newport News CA-148 and later a Journalist and Feature writer with armed forces press service (D.O.D.) in NYC. He also attended NYU and the University of Bridgeport. He and Patricia Ericson were married at Strafford Congregational Church, CT on January 9, 1954 and recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
A former editor of the Stratford News in Connecticut, Mr. Baird joined SNET and served 33 years in their public relations department retiring as community relations manager in 1987. Among his assignment included working with governor Grasso's nursing home review committee and fund-raising for the New Haven Green Foundation and the USS Nautilus Museum Committee. He was also a director of the New haven Jaycees, a member of the Guilford Police Building site committee and chaired the citizens against pollution group. A candidate for the Glfd. board of Finance in 1991 he also ran for first selectman on the libertarian ticket. He also served as a Justice of the Peace for ten years in Connecticut and in New Hampshire.
A freelance writer and marketing specialist, he wrote numerous articles for Yankee and True Magazines and various trade publications. he also helped establish the SNET Retirees Association and served as its PR Director and publication editor for four years. He was also active in promoting and is a founding member of the Korean War Veterans Museum in Chi8gaco, Il. Mr. Baird was a former member of the Aaron Burr Society and a co-founder and president of the Allagash Corporation, a home development located in North Haverhill, NH.
Hugh is survived by his loving wife Patricia Baird, of Belmont, a son, Mark Baird and his wife Cindy, Daughter Tammy and JR Newton of Alton, grandchildren, Krista Baird of Belmont, Steven and Gerry Baird and their children Lilah and Lincoln of Clinton, Ct, Alexander and Shannon Meyer of Alton, NH. He was Predeceased by a son Kenneth A. Baird and sister, Mrs. Mary Alice Martin of Devon, CT. He is also survived by three brothers, Robert Baird of Meriden, CT, Douglas Baird of Stratford, CT, Thomas Baird of Palm Harbor, FL, and a sister, Mrs. Sally Rowe of Fairfield, CT.
There will be no calling hours or funeral.
Burial will take place in the family lot in Alderbrook Cemetery, Guilford, CT at a later date.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or online at alz.org.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.