Janet Morton Derby Baird
November 9, 1935 – October 29, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our darling Mom, Janet. She was born in Regina to Alec and Margaret Derby, on the Saskatchewan prairie beleaguered by the depression. She was one of four daughters (Katherine, Janet, Sandra and Joanne), who grew up in tough times that made them appreciate both thrift and generosity.
Janet attended grade school in Regina, Teachers’ College in Moose Jaw and completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Saskatchewan graduating in 1957. When she moved to Winnipeg, she completed the requirements for a B.A. in History and Economics at United College. Janet was passionate about music and politics.
Janet married Dr. Alastair Baird in 1959 and they had 5 children (Shauna, Robin, Islay, Colin and Neil). Janet ran an active, shambolic household where the door was always open, an extra place could readily be set and the debate was guaranteed to be lively.
When the children became more independent, Janet began involvement in bettering her community. She served on the Victoria Police Board, was Chair of Camosun College Board and founding Chair of the Camosun Foundation and was an Alderman on Victoria City Council (1981-1990). She was early to embrace new technology and became a founding Member of Victoria FreeNet Association and Chair of VIATeC. Always passionate about the democratic process, Janet became Returning Officer for the federal riding of Victoria and Deputy District Electoral Officer for the provincial riding of Oak Bay/Gordon Head. She was made an honorary citizen of the City of Victoria and was the recipient of the Royal Roads University Community Service Award in 2002.
Janet loved entertaining and made a point of celebrating all occasions. She faced her last months with brave resolve and cheerful practicality. She enjoyed something of a living wake as people lined up to say their goodbyes. True to her character, Janet chose her date of departure and left on her own terms. Among those celebrating a life well lived will be her 5 children, their spouses (Michael, Iain, Leslie) and 8 beloved grandchildren (Michaela, Callum, Jillian, Natalie, Rachel, Hannah, Alastair and Jane), as well as countless relatives, friends and colleagues. If you wish to celebrate Janet, serve yourself a Dubonnet and red wine on the rocks, go for a swim in the sea, laugh heartily, sing loudly and think of her every time you vote.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Victoria Golf Club on Saturday, November 17, 2018 from 1:00 -4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Dr. Alastair and Janet Baird Award, c/o Camosun College Foundation, 4461 Interurban Road, Victoria, BC, V9E 2C1 (email: camosun.ca/foundation) would be gratefully appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
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20 Responses
I hope with all my heart she knows the impact she had on my life because her kind words got me through a rough childhood. I have never forgotten and will always carry her memory with me. Thank you to Janet and all the Baird family for their kindness.
To Janet’s family. I was so sorry to hear of Janet’s passing. You have my condolences. She was a remarkably energetic and talented person, and I had the pleasure of working with her during her years at Victoria City Council and beyond, well into her “retirement” when she was still very active in the political process, and at the Returning Office. What I most remember was how authentic a human being she was in her political role, she was a true inspiration. She was also blessed with a wonderful sense of humour and I will always remember her laugh. She was immensely proud of her family – I was often given updates on every member, and especially, on her grandchildren’s progress in life. We have lost a very bright spark, and she will be remembered with great fondness. I am sure very happy memories will sustain you all!
Robin, Islay, Leslie, Iain and Callum
Our condolences on the passing of your mother/grandmother.
We hope your grief passes soon, to be replaced by happy memories of an obviously very special woman.
With caring thoughts.
Pat and Rita
Thinking of all of you.
You will have great family memories of gatherings, events, special occasions.
I will not be in town on Saturday November 17th; cannot attend the Celebration of Life at the Victoria Golf Course. I will be thinking of all of you.
I have made a donation to the Oak Bay Rotary Scholarship in memory of Janet. Seed money for this scholarship was donated by my Dad. The scholarship is for students at Oak Bay High School.
Shauna and Michael,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time. We are aware of how INCREDIBLE a woman she was and the positive impact she had on all your lives.
Wishing many fond memories come forth as you move through the grieving.
Jill and Chris Graham
To Shauna, Robin, Islay, Colin and Neil, I was shocked to read about your mother’s passing and send my deepest condolences. I had known your mother for a very long time. I attended her wedding to Alastair in Regina where my husband, Douglas, was the best man – as Alastair was for our wedding in Calgary. Thinking of you all. Catherine Cadger
How blessed was I to know this fabulous human – I’m the better person for it.
I’ll always remember with happiness and thankfulness the time I spent with her on Island Road…the chaotic kitchen, the massive lawn, training Neil’s dog (and neutering!) with her full blessing, silver polishing parties, fabulous dinner parties, always with a wonderful variety of friends and family in attendance, and her amazing laugh. There is no doubt the world (and this city) is a better place for her having been in it.
While there will be no more evenings of good natters with cheap red and Dubonnet on ice, the memories of those that I had over the years, will always bring a smile to my face and remembrance of her.
My condolences to her wonderful family, our thoughts are with you.
To the Baird Family:
I was saddened to read the passing of Janet. She was a grand Lady who was always willing to have one of the Burn Units meetings, Christmas parties, or summer BBqs. Janet was as much a team member to the Burn Unit as was Alister.
She will be missed. My thoughts with you all.
Kathie Johnson
To the Baird Family,
We have wonderful memories of both your mom and dad and are saddened for the recent loss of your dear mom. She was a very giving and gracious lady who was dedicated to her family, friends and community. Both your mom and dad were always ready to lend a helping hand and so willing to support many community endeavors by sharing their time, wisdom, care and energy. We remember so many fun times together with school functions, play dates, sports, get togethers and musicals. We know how much you all loved your mom (and grandma) and how very proud she was of all of you. Her legacy will continue to live in all of you. Sending caring thoughts to all of you. Love Sheila and Allan Graham and Family, formerly of Hewlett Place.
Janet was a Force!. She became part of my life when she was a city counsellor and I was a member of the Downtown Advisory Committee. She had a sturdy common sense that defied all the political nonsense. Between the School Board and the City of Victoria she did so much to shape and define policies that continue to serve us. She had a great laugh, the most wicked sense of humour and invited us to some of the most interesting dinner parties it has ever been our privilege to attend.
Rob enjoyed her as a client so much, she was always so clear sighted and always made him laugh.
You are going to miss her so much. I know she stayed as long as she could . all the best to all of her family who she loved so well