David Baird

July 24, 1944 - November 14, 2019

Visitation: Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, at Anderson Funeral Home from 2:00-7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00-7:00.

Service: A celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 23 at David’s home church for his whole 75 years, Canton United Methodist Church. Prior to the celebration of life, a private family burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

   With country music in his ears and his steadfast bride by his side, David Clark Baird passed peacefully into his Savior Jesus’ arms on Thursday, November 14, 2019.  Beginning with his birth on July 24, 1944, David lived his life peaceably, as well, serving his friends, neighbors, family, and church as a model for a clean, simple, and content life in Christian love.

   David is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-one years, Hattie (Kopsas) Baird; daughters Edie Slifka (Keith), Jill Baird (Butch Bacon), Carrie Forristall (Paul) and son Matthew Baird (Shelley); his six grandchildren Hunter (fiancée Heather Bordwell) and Whitney Slifka, Samantha and Isaac Forristall, and Brooklynn and Matthew Baird; his brother Don (Trudy) and sisters Ruth Pollard, Margaret Fink, Martha Aasheim (Lynn), Mary Mayer (Alan), Elizabeth Kirkebak (Keith), and Dorothy Bos; and much extended family.  Awaiting him in heaven were family who preceded him in death: his father H. Clark, his mother Mary Ellen, and his special aunt Edith Sletten.

   After God and his family, David’s first love was his lifelong farm home southwest of Canton.  He raised his children on the same land where he grew up, which was the same childhood home for his mother and aunt.  He was fond of saying he never moved his entire life, but his address changed four times!  Though a man of few words, David was a gifted and published poet.  He was a quiet artisan and his family has many cherished treasures to remember him by in the form of writings, woodworking, paintings, and stained glass.  His serene way of living touched innumerable lives in his employment at such places as Otis Radio and Adams Thermal Systems, his volunteerism for decades at Canton United Methodist Church and more recently at Avera Hospital, and his leisure spent at Active Generations and traveling to visit family or see new places.

   Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, at Anderson Funeral Home from 2:00-7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00-7:00.  A celebration of life will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 23 at David’s home church for his whole 75 years, Canton United Methodist Church.  Prior to the celebration of life, a private family burial will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either Canton United Methodist Church or Avera Health Foundation.

Leave a Reply to Roger Kleinschmit Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published.

7 messages have been left

  1. Lynn Vaksdal on November 14, 2019 said:

    Hattie and Family ,
    I’m so sorry to hear about David’s Passing!! Our Condolences are going out
    To your family at this time !! David will be missed dearly !!
    Scott and Lynn Vaksdal

  2. Mike & Tami Lappegard on November 14, 2019 said:

    We are so sorry to here about Dave he is wonderful and kind, you are in our prayers Mike& Tami

  3. James McClung on November 14, 2019 said:

    Loss for your loss prayers for you and your family

  4. RThAnn Roethler on November 18, 2019 said:

    To the entire Baird family, especially Carrie, Paul, Samatha and Issac, you have my sincere sympathy in the loss of your father. I cannot tell you how sorry I was to hear about your dad, I was saddened by the news. Stay strong and rejoice in your beautiful memories!

  5. JANEL KALTENBACH on November 18, 2019 said:

    I am so sorry to hear about David. He was a very kind gentle soul. May you cherish all your memories and know there are so many keeping you all in their thoughts and prayers during this time.

  6. Wanda Frederick on November 18, 2019 said:

    Hattie & family,

    Working with you at the Avera Prairie Center, I so enjoyed visiting with you and learning about your family. You and your family will find strength in those who surround you with love and caring.
    May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

  7. Roger Kleinschmit on November 24, 2019 said:

    Worked with Dave about 20 years at Behr, McCord, Always great to work with, never getting too excited or frustrated when things didn’t go quite right. Dave was a very wise man with a great sense of humor. He will be missed. Wish I would have visited with him more after he retired.