Daniel Blake Baird

Dan Baird, 80, of Oakland, Oregon, passed away on September 13, 2023. He was born on December 16, 1942 to Blake and Rachel Baird in Oakland where he lived until his death.

Dan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, teacher, coach, and friend. Dan was known and appreciated for his honorable nature, engaging personality, steadfastness, admiration for tradition, and great sense of humor. He always placed his family first. He deeply
loved his family and cherished spending time with them.

Dan attended Oakland High School and later pursued higher education at Seattle Pacific University. While attending, he married his first wife Ida and mother of their three children. She and Dan raised their three children together. Ida preceded him in death in 2011.

He dedicated more than 34 years of his life as a fifth-grade school teacher at Oakland
Elementary School, positively impacting the lives of countless students. He enjoyed his years coaching boys basketball, but mostly the decades he spent as Coach Baird for the high school cross-country team. The summertime as a youth and young adult, Dan worked alongside his father in the logging industry.

Dan was a member of Calapooia Free Methodist Church, a place of spiritual significance for him, as his maternal grandfather was the church's first pastor. He also served on the board and was church treasurer for decades.

In his free time, Dan enjoyed bicycling, particularly on his recumbent bike, especially with family and friends. He also served as the game clock operator for Oakland High School basketball games, and he ran the starter gun at Oakland track meets for many years. Additionally, he could often be found supporting local football games, working the chains.

A memorial service will be held to honor Dan's godly influence and honorable life. The service will take place at Oakland High School School Gym on Saturday, September 30th, at noon, followed by a light luncheon reception at Calapooia Free Methodist Church 333 Church Rd in Sutherlin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakland Boosters Club PO Box 665 Oakland Oregon. Wilson's Chapel of the Roses in Roseburg is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.

Dan is survived by his wife of five years Karen Baird; children Brian Baird, Andrea (Jeff) Hale, and Todd (Becky) Baird; grandchildren Tyler (Natalie) Baird, Kelsey Barbosa, Caleb Hale, Julie Hale, Leah (Matt) Woods, Brianna (Bryce) Ellis, Nate Baird, Ben Baird, and Maddie Baird; greatgrandchildren Elijah Baird, Sammael, Kylia, and Oceana Barbosa, Mikah Hamilton, Westin Woods, and Scarlett Ellis; sister Joy (Sam) Jones and brother Glenn (Jean) Baird.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Ida Baird, his parents Blake and Rachel Baird, and his brother Norman Baird.

Dan will be missed deeply by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.