Benjamin Watson Baird Jr.'s Obituary
He was born in Salt Lake City to loving parents Benjamin Watson Baird and Norine Fae Manwaring. He graduated from South High School in 1974 and was working at the Red Barn. After High School he was working at Olympia Kitchens making kitchen cabinets and they made him a manager. He went to work with his dad at Christensen Diamonds and became a machinist. He ran a CNC machine, which he loved. He started working at Parker Hannifan making aircraft parts. He married Rhonda Lund in July 1976 and had 2 beautiful children, Cory and Taran, who he loved so much. Later divorced and remarried Debra Blacknick and was dad to two wonderful step children, Rich and Val, whom he loved. The kids all became very close to each other and are still close to this day. He loved building models, war airplanes, battleships, and later cars of any kind. He also loved camping and fishing, even though most of the lakes he went to had his fishing poles and gear in them. If he didn’t catch a fish, he would throw the rod in. He was a poor sport, if he didn’t win the game it would go flying (ask Kami or Lisa about that). He loved doing yard work and when he worked on his cars or truck, if the parts didn’t fit right away, they would go flying. He loved rock and roll, knives and skulls. He had quite an amazing collection of all these things. He liked to ride ATV’s in the Uintah mountains. He loved his little kitty Sam, who was unfortunately left behind but not abandoned. Thank you to Sydney Powell who took care of him in his later years.
He was a very large man but had a very large heart. He would do anything for anyone. He was the best dad who gave the most amazing Baird hugs. Later in life, he helped Rhonda take care of Cory. Taking him to doctor appointments, MRI’s, Chemo appointments and any other tests that needed to be done, he was there. He felt like he and Cory bonded again. He felt like he got his son back. He was very much involved with all of his kids. He was so proud of Taran as she followed in his footsteps and became a CNC machinist too.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Cory and a bother in law Lear. He left behind his daughter Taran (Colton), Cory's Fiance Alyssa, stepson Rich (Brittany), step daughter Valerie (Russ). Sisters Marie, Pam (Wade), Wendy (Mark), and Roberta. Four grandchildren, Cole, Conner, Kinsley , Kayslin and 6 step grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held in his honor. Family and friends will be notified when and where.
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