though his spirit and legacy live on through his family and all those he touched in his eighty-eight years of life.
A lifelong learner, Bill earned degrees from Wittenberg University and Ohio State University, culminating in a Doctorate in Economics. He taught at Wittenberg University and Antioch College before settling at the College of Wooster, where he would spend most of his career. He was held in high regard for his insights in Labor/Sports Economics and his work training healthcare providers in effective teaching methods in the Advance Cardiac Life Support program.
In college at Wittenberg University, he met the love of his life, Jean Baird, née Matsumoto. Jean gave up her homeland of Maui in favor of central Ohio – an expression of true love if there ever was one – where the two enjoyed a beautiful life raising their children and serving their beloved Wooster community. Bill and Jean remained deeply in love until her passing in 2009, an inspiration to all who knew them.
Charismatic, sharp, and funny to the end, Bill enjoyed his golden years at Brookdale Trillium in Columbus, Ohio, where he could often be found holding court in the lobby, surrounded by jovial laughter. It was at Trillium that he met his special friend, Margaret Holloway, with whom he shared much love and joy in his final years.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother. Mary (Edmonson) and father, Norris, as well as best friend and brother, Bob. The two shared careers as economics professors, a love of fishing, and the Baird Brothers trophy which passed between them in the annual football game between Case Western and the College of Wooster. They will both be remembered for the Baird Brothers martini: cold gin with an olive over which you whisper, “Vermouth.”
Bill is survived by his two children, Mike Baird (Lisa) and Terri-Lynne Smiles (Mark), his grandchildren Lianne (Andy), Stephanie (Braden), Andrew (Liz), and Taylor (Jordan), and great-grandchildren Oliver, Claire, and Maggie.
The family will be holding a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Jean Baird Scholarship For the Arts through the Wayne County Community Foundation, or to the Wooster Fund at The College of Wooster. Bill was, and will always be, a Fighting Scot at heart.
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