John W. Baird

John W. Baird of Ephrata, passed on early Monday morning, Nov. 7, 2005, at his home in Shady Acres.

John was born in Hugo, Okla., in 1920. He graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1938. He attended Wenatchee Valley College and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in law.

On July 4, 1943, he married Mary Elizabeth Wine in Monitor.

He served as a lieutenant in the armed forces during WW II as a P-47 Thunderbolt pilot.

After passing the Washington State Bar in 1949, he settled in Ephrata where he practiced law until Nov. 1, 2004. Along with many professional achievements and honors, he served as legal counsel for the Quincy Columbia Basin Irrigation District for 47 years.

John is survived by his spouse of 62 years, Mary E. Baird, his son James M. Baird and two grandsons Jamie John Baird and Alexander Paul Baird. Also surviving him are two siblings, a brother Frank P. Baird of Wenatchee and sister Barbara Anne Sherman of Alaska.

He is preceded in death by brother David E. Baird and sister Virginia Baird-Hurt.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the United Methodist Church in Ephrata. A reception/luncheon will follow the service.

Nicoles Funeral Home in Ephrata is in charge of arrangements.