It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely death of Neil, our much-loved brother, uncle, and friend. We fondly remember an outgoing and cheerful boy who had many childhood adventures with his identical twin brother, Colin, often involving the substitution of one for the other in circumstances where it was agreed to be advantageous. He was educated at Monterey Elementary, Glenlyon School, and graduated from St Michael’s University School. He found his calling in the hospitality industry, eventually becoming the co-owner of The Beagle Pub and other businesses on Cook Street.
Neil was a highly intelligent, sensitive, courteous, affable, and engaging person. He had a memory like a steel trap, a joke for every occasion, and a gift for putting people at their ease. He gave generously to many charitable organizations and was always available to help those in need. He was blessed with a community of faithful and caring friends who have rallied around in recent days to comfort us with their support and encouragement. We have been fortified, as well, by the outpouring of sympathy from our large, wonderful family across Canada, and in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, the U.S. and South Africa.
Neil was predeceased by his loving parents, Alastair and Janet, and leaves behind his siblings Shauna (Michael), Robin (Leslie), Islay (Iain) and Colin, his nieces Michaela, Jillian, Natalie, Rachel, Hannah and Jane, and his nephews Callum and Alastair. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of his life will be organised on a date to be determined.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Baird” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Pamela Wallace
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Catherine Case So many fond memories from SMU days and his visit to Alberta one summer. He and Colin were great friends and the years since we graduated and parted have gone so quickly. Far too young and so hard for those left behind
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Jason Jones Surprised to see Neil gone so soon. We went to school together for 8 years. RIP
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Katharine Robinson Colin and Baird family,
I send my deepest sympathies to you for this immeasurable loss.
Katharine Robinson
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Kristina (Raine) Morse My heart broke when I heard the news of Neil’s passing. He, and all of you, have been in my thoughts so often in the days since. Neil is entwined with so many of my childhood memories, both at Monterey and through high school. He was an amazing friend – always kind, good-humoured and genuine. Any visit I had with Neil in the decades since were filled with stories and laughter. He had such a great laugh. Neil was so proud of his family and eager to share happy news about his siblings, nieces and nephews. I hope you can take some comfort in knowing how many people adored and will miss your brother. I will remember him always. Please accept my love and sincere condolences.
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Shawn Garside McKean Dear Baird family,
I send sympathy and condolences on the loss of your brother and uncle. I know that you will support and comfort each other in true Baird fashion. I have the fondest memories of Christmas Eve parties on Island Road with everyone singing and making music together! Neil, it was a pleasure to see you on Gabriola in September. Please know that I am thinking of you. Hugs all around.
Shawn
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Roger Bailey Deepest condolences to the Baird family.
You are all a testament to Neil’s kind spirit carrying on.
Roger&Jane Bailey and family
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Douglas Parker Douglas Parker
Shauna, Robin, Islay and Colin,
So shocked to read this. I am very moved reading through the other submissions as it has brought many of my fondest memories of growing up in South Oak Bay and so many familiar names. Every summer when we return to Victoria the Beagle Pub is a must. It won’t be the same. Words can never express the sense of loss but you are all in my thoughts.
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Anne Dunderdale Too loved in life to be forgotten in death.
Anne Iain Jon & C ❤️
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Paul Redchurch I am deeply saddened to read of Neil’s passing as I recall the many happy (sometimes frustrating) hours spent coaching him and his Bays United teammates on the soccer field and in the gym – many, many seasons ago. The team may not have had a lot of success (or even a good coach) but we had fun.
I have such fond memories of those early days; we were all learning.
Condolences to all and especially Colin the other half of my ‘double trouble’ of the day.
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Colin Gardiner Some stars shine so brightly, their afterglow lingers forever. Neil was a hilarious classmate in our Glenlyon days, and I smile whenever I think of him. My condolences to that amazing team — the Baird siblings — plus all of the innumerable friends whose lives Neil grandly illuminated. Lucky us to have known him.
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Megan K I am so sad and sorry to hear about Neil’s passing. I went to school with Neil and saw him often as our works lives intertwined. He was always so cheery and ready to chat! I cannot imagine how devastating this is for all of you. I hope you take some comfort knowing we share your grief and are thinking of you and thinking of Neil at this time.
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Carolyn Graham Sending much love and treasured memories to the Baird family. We were so saddened to hear of Neil’s passing and have such fond memories of the Monterey days, sports events, family get-togethers and meet ups over the years. Neil was so personable, witty and fun. He always had a cheerful smile and the Baird sparkle about him. We grieve with you and are so sorry. Sending warm hugs from the Graham family. Xox
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Joe Sheldrake Shauna, Robin, Islay and Colin,
Neil was an excellent host, great friend and always ready to lend a hand to anyone without hesitation. An outstanding member of the “South Oak Bay Boys.” It’s hard to express how much we will miss him.
My deepest condolences.
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Michael Wale My sincere condolences to Colin the Baird family.
After several years apart, we recently met up again at our 40th school reunion. I have many good memories of our time together at school. I remember Neil as a positive, friendly and kind person. Although we had lost touch over the years, the his memory lives on and I know he will be missed.
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Cathy Denny To the very much loved Baird family I send my deepest condolences on the passing of Neil. Hugs to you all during this unbearably sad time. With love from David and I.
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Christine Monaghan Shauna, Robin, Isla, Colin,
So many joyful memories on Island Road in your home in our formative years – so much laughter, fun, love. Sending much love to your family who truly defines creating community with family and friends. Condolences to all of you.
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Earl Pleasance My most heartfelt condolences to Colin and the rest of the family.
The twins’ antics, whether together or separately, brought many laughs to the halls of St. Michael’s.
Such a tragedy to lose Neil at such a young age.
May his memories bring you smiles and comfort during this difficult time.
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Vanessa Young So very sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. I knew him and Colin at SMUS, and recall just barely being able to tell them apart. Back flips on the rugby field. Living in Fairfield for the past 14 years, we came to love The Beagle, taking countless friends there to enjoy the amazing food and fun atmosphere. Walking my dog along Dallas I bumped into Neil a year or two ago, and we chatted, catching up, he so quick, and with that twinkle in his eye. Hugs to his family. Gone far too soon.
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Heather Benson My deepest condolences to you all. I’ve been a gardener for 3 members of the Baird family most recently Neil. I will remember him fondly as a kind, witty and generous person. We caught up regularly while I tended the yard over the past few years and I always enjoyed our conversation and the funny stories he shared.
So sorry for your heartbreaking loss.
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Jason C I am homeless and this man came out of nowhere down on Dallas road and gave me a backpack that I am using right now. This was about a year ago. Thank you kind sir.
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Duncan and Sue Shauna, Robin, Islay and Colin,
I was so sorry to hear about Neil’s passing. I will always remember his inviting smile and friendly demeanour. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome. I can still picture him, dog walking at Clover Point, the sun glistening off the ocean, his face glowing with warmth and kindness. He truly seemed a friend to all.With sincere sympathy.
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Deanna Wiens Dear Shauna, Robin, Islay and Colin,
I have just found out that your brother Neil has died. What sad…tragic really…news. My heart goes out to the four of you. I’m very glad you have each other in what must be an extremely difficult time. There is so much I’d like to say to you about how much I have appreciated all the family dinners which you dutifully attended over the years when the relatives were in town and how I regret having lost touch with all of you now that your mother is no longer here to keep us in touch…but this is not the place to do it. Thinking of all of you.
Love from Deanna, your mum’s “baby cousin” from the Prairies.
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Valla and Iain Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved brother, uncle and friend. Hoping the joyous memories soothe some of the profound sadness.
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Yvonne Cownden My deepest sympathy to Colin and the Baird family. I have fond memories of working with both of you at the OB Marina. May you find comfort in the memories you shared. xo
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Kirsten (Olson) Pipes Such a joy when the Bairds moved in next door to us on Island Road. Five kids under the age of 6 and the cutest and most mischievous were Neil & Colin. Our deepest sympathy to your family and friends for the loss of someone so loved and cherished. Take care of one another and know that there are so many people who have you all in our hearts.
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Audrey and Gérard We are deeply sorry for your loss and hope that your happier memories will help you through these very difficult times.
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Joni Denroche I am deeply sorry to hear of Neil’s passing and the void this will leave for all his friends,family and community. I loved Neil’s laughter, smiles and ready helping hand. May we all remember and cherish the love, laughter and good memories we shared together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Susan Brice Shauna, Robin,Islay and Colin…
You and your families are in my mind and heart as we all process with sadness the passing of dear Neil. Memories of him as the adorable kid and kind adult are constantly in my thoughts over these past weeks.
As Island Rd neighbours it was my joy to sit in Janet’s kitchen and watch you all growing up and filling your home with laughter and debate. What a joy it was and now to know that the memories of Neil will be treasured by all who knew him over the years.
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Iain Dunderdale Dear all,
We are feeling your pain and heartbreak, in losing Neil at such a young age.
His warmth and hospitality will long live on in our memories, as well as his mischievous spirit.
Yours aye,
Iain and Anne
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Leslie Albers ( Olson) Dear Baird family
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. My memories of your family are from the early Island Road days . Babysitting the five of you was never dull! May your many cherished memories of Neil provide comfort at this sad time. Please take care.
I used to love bumping into Neil and trying to get his name right when you hadn’t seen him for a while -Colin? Neil? Driving that valiant with the top down
So sorry to hear of his sad passing
My deepest condolences to the family
Take care
Pam Wallace