R. O. Baird, a highly respected Astoria business man, died Saturday night at 10:20 o’clock at his home in this city, following an illness covering a period of several months duration.
“To every man upon this earth death cometh soon or late.” Yet when a man dies in the very height of his mental power, death seems untimely. So it was with Mr. Baird. He died just as he reached his goal, just when he was prepared to enjoy the comforts of his life’s work.
To many who knew him and came in contact with him, his loss is most deeply felt and there is these qualities in his life that will always be remembered — his honesty, his sincerity of purpose, his Christian character. The community in which he resided has lost one of its most exemplary citizens, while his family is bereft of a kind, loving and indulgent husband and father.
We believe that if Mr. Baird’s wish relative to this sad hour could be known he would ask us to publish the following by Tennyson:
“Sunset and evening star.
And one clear call for me.
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea.”
But, sustained by his Christian faith and his hope of eternal peace, he would remind us,
“For tho’ from our bourne of time and place,
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face,
When I have crossed the bar.”
He was an exemplar patient. He was always considerate of others, appreciative and grateful to all for the little courtesies shown him.
Richard Oswald Baird, son of Oswald and Isabel Baird, was born at Bedlington, North Humberland county, England, on January 31, 1864. At the time of death, he was aged 65 years, 3 months and 11 days.
Mr. Baird, with his parents came to the United States in April, 1869. He was not yet six years old. They settled first in Pennsylvania where his father engaged in the mining industry. Later he moved to central Iowa, where they lived for a short time. From there they moved to Colchester, Illinois.
In 1885 he united with the Church of Christ at Colchester. On October 10, 1886 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Morrison in Colchester. To this union two sons were born, Earl O. and William T., both of Astoria.
Thirty-six years ago he moved to Astoria where he engaged in the photographic business. His reputation as a photographer was soon recognized over a wide territory in this section. In April, 1911, he graduated from the Southern school of Photography at McMinnville, Tenn., thus making his knowledge of photography, both technical, as well as practical.
Immediately after locating in Astoria he united with the Christian church and became an active member. He was soon after elected by the congregation to the office of elder, which office he faithfully held and conscientiously discharging his duties to the best of his ability, until the call came to make him a member of the Church Triumphant. He was a devoted member of his church, always present at the services. A devout Christian and a student of the Bible. It is said that there are but few laymen in the community who had a better knowledge of the New Testament Scripture than did Mr. Baird. He taught a Sunday school class for twenty-one years and for the same number of years was clerk of the church board.
He also gave a great deal of his time to public duty. He served on the village council for fourteen years, one year of which he served as mayor. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, the Knights of Pythias and M. W. A. for many years.
Besides his wife and two sons, he is survived by four brothers, John T. Baird, Thomas T. Baird of Colchester, James A. Baird of Los Angeles, Calif., and George H. Baird of Rushville. Also one sister, Mrs. Mary Alters of Rio Hondo, Texas. There are also two grandchildren, Richard O. and William R. Baird.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 o’clock at the Christian church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. T. Nichols, assisted by Rev. W. R. Seitzinger, Rev. E. O. Norris, Rev. W. H. Day, Rev. S. G. Bucher and Rev. Fred Thompson. The pallbearers were: R. E. Anderson, V. R. Kidd, Don Roosa, W. L. Justus, T. M. Camp and George Saurbaugh. Burial in Astoria cemetery.
Members of the I. O. O. F. lodge attended in a body. The floral offerings were most profusing and beautiful.
In recognition of the high tribute in which Mr. Baird was held as a citizen and business man, all the stores were closed during the hour of the funeral.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus