LACONIA ---- Leslie ‘Les’ Russell Baird, 77, of Union Avenue, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Laconia Rehabilitation Center, with his daughter by his side.
Les was born on July 22, 1947, in Lynn, MA, the eldest son of Richard and Shirley (Porter) Baird.
He was known as a "gentle giant" who always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. In his early teens he learned to play guitar and has been a part of many bands over the years, making new friends everywhere he went. He was an amazing musician that brought happiness, smiles and fun anytime he played. Les served in the Army just after graduating from Lynn English High in 1966. He then went on to work as a 1st class lineman in his hometown. After moving to New Hampshire in 1985, he discovered his love of bass fishing. He competed in many tournaments in and out of state, again making new friends everywhere he went. Some of his favorite quiet times were sitting on the lake early in the morning with his beloved Golden Retriever, Kodi.
Les is survived by his daughter Leslie Waycott and her husband Jonathan of Laconia, NH, step daughter Colleen O'Neill and fiancé Jack of Alexandria, NH, stepson Shawn O'Neill and wife Kate of New Hampton, NH, grandchildren, Brittney Waycott, Rebecca Leslie-Ann Waycott, Tia Murphy-Dore, Cory Cohen, Ashley Lester, Patrick O'Neill and Evelyn O'Neill, great-grandchildren Chevelle Waycott and Alexis Cohen, his aunts May Porter and Rose Woodrome (Porter), many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. In addition to his parents, Les was predeceased by his brother John Baird.
At this time there will be no services, the family will be planning a celebration of life later this summer.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.