David Deforrest Baird

David Deforrest Baird (Dave) passed away at his residence in Boise, Idaho, on December 20, 2022 at the age of 94. Dave was born on September 30, 1928 in Riverton, Wyoming to the late Eldred Orenza Baird and the late Alice Eudora (Havens) Story.  Dave married Doris Clark on April 20, 1952 at Orofino, Idaho and they remained devoted to each other for 61 years until Doris passed away on November 9, 2013.

Dave’s parents were school teachers in Wyoming and Colorado during his childhood, but his parent’s divorced while Dave was attending junior high school in Denver. Dave graduated from Florence High School, Florence, Colorado in May, 1945 at age 16. He was the youngest member of his graduating class. On the date of his seventeenth birthday, Dave joined the navy and was stationed in Pensacola, Florida. After he received an inactive status discharge, he joined his mother now remarried to Francis Story and teaching in Orofino, Idaho. While working various jobs in Orofino, Idaho, he met Doris Clark, but at the advent of the Korean War, Dave was recalled into service and stationed at Hickman Field in Honolulu Hawaii. While serving in the navy in Hawaii, Dave and Doris became engaged via correspondence. At the conclusion of his service, they were married, and began a life together in Orofino.

In early 1953 they moved to Boise, Idaho and Dave began a career as a photo engraver, a profession that he would pursue until his retirement in 1993. Dave worked for a small Boise firm, Idaho Artcraft Engraving, for seventeen years, until in 1970, he went to work for the Idaho Statesman, the Boise newspaper. Dave finished his career working for 23 years at the Statesman. During his time as a photo engraver, the profession evolved from a very hands on craft to a virtually hands-off computerized process.

Dave and Doris were committed to family. They had four children, Michael, Carol, Ronald, and Richard. Dave took his role as a father very seriously. He worked hard all of his life to provide a proper home and family foundation. Dave and Doris loved to camp and explore with their RV in the wilds across North America, but all of the children and grandchildren fondly recall the many trips to the Sawtooths for the family campouts.

Dave lived a simple life, but he was very intelligent and he had a keen memory for names and dates right up to the very end. He loved to tell stories of his experiences. He started college after his first tour in the navy, but the Korean War and his recall into the navy prevented his receiving a college degree. The failure to finish college was one of his biggest regrets at the end of his life.

Dave and Doris always had a dog. Both of them were animal lovers and the dogs all lived a pampered life. Each dog and all the family benefitted from Dave’s sweet tooth. The kitchen always contained a stash of cookies, various candies, and large containers of ice cream. Despite his large sweet tooth Dave kept a slim and trim body for all of his life, as he kept active. His sweet tooth was only matched by his voracious appetite for reading. Dave always had a book by his side and his knowledge of history was legendary. Dave and Doris enjoyed an expansive list of friends, many of which were lifelong. Both Dave and Doris enjoyed gathering with friends and family over a table laden with homestyle cooking.

Dave was preceded in death by wife, Doris, youngest son Richard, and two of his three siblings, Barbara Bell and Burton (Billy) Baird. He is survived by his brother Robert Baird (Honey); son Michael (Kathleen), grandchildren Rial Baird, Caitlin Baird (Sam Wells), Patrick Baird; daughter Carol Newhall (Garry) grandchildren Cristin Newhall, Jennifer Lesso (Jordy); son Ronald (Diana), grandchildren Jamie Collins, Kelley Siebenaler (Brent); grandchildren by Richard- Scott Mione (Jessica), Stephen Baird (Amber), Becky Baird, Christopher Baird, and  Devon Carlson.  Dave left many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was much loved and he will be missed by all. Dave was a member of the Grace Bible Church and a devoted Christian. At the end he stated, “I am ready to go meet my savior and join Doris”.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and thanks for the wonderful care, friendship, and love that the staff and residents of the Plantation Place facility provided to Dave over the 9 ½ years that he resided there. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made in Dave and Doris Baird’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.