Roger Bakkers Baird

Roger Bakkers Baird passed away peacefully at the age of 90 at his Fort Collins, Colorado home on July 11, 2022. Roger was born on November 12,1931 to Virgil and Sadie (Bakkers) Baird. He had one older brother, Virgil Robert Baird who passed away in 2020.

He graduated from Fenger High School in Chicago in 1949. He attended Illinois Institute of Technology and earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1953. He later earned a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Chicago.

After graduating from college Roger joined the United States Air Force as an officer and served during the Korean War. While stationed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma he met his future wife, Bonnie Anne Morgan. They were married on June 15, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri. Following their marriage, Roger enjoyed a successful career as a Mechanical Engineer and Manager at Sinclair Oil Research and Development in Harvey, Illinois.

Between 1957 and 1993 Roger and Bonnie made their home in the Chicago suburbs of Palos Park and Mokena, Illinois. In 1993, the couple relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado, where they resided for the rest of their lives. Bonnie preceded Roger in death in July 2021.

Roger and Bonnie were blessed with three children: Deborah in 1959, Amy in 1961 and David in 1964. In 1975, French Exchange student, Lilian (“Lee”) Michel joined the family. While he lived with the family in the US for only one year, he became the “French Son” and has remained so ever since.

Roger was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins where he served as an Elder and Foundation Board Member. He participated in many mission projects including clean up after Hurricane Katrina.

A natural athlete, Roger enjoyed participating in many sports including tennis, golf, and skiing. Roger loved to spend time outdoors, especially in the mountains at their second home in Breckenridge, Colorado. In addition, Roger and Bonnie traveled extensively throughout the world. More than anything else Roger was devoted to his family and had many dear friends throughout his life.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Anne Baird, his parents Virgil and Sadie Baird, and his brother Virgil Robert Baird.

He is survived by his children; Deborah (John) Alsko, Amy Ehrenberger (Gary Crews), and David (Jerilyn) Baird; grandchildren: Nicole Baird, Taylor (Zack) Gertig, Emily (Matthew) Pearson and Nikolas Ehrenberger: great grandchildren Avery and Ella Pearson.

A memorial service will be held on Friday July 15,2022 at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins with Reverend Larry Kilpatrick officiating. A reception at the church will follow. For those unable to attend in person the service will be livestreamed and available for viewing at either:

https://youtu.be/EU992uO_SN4 (Roger Baird's Memorial Service on YouTube)

https://firstpresfc.org/livestream/ (Church's LiveStream Website)

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church Foundation.