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
www.mccallgardens.com
20 Responses
Shauna, Robin, Isla, Colin and Neil,
I was so sad to hear of your mothers passing, I feel a great loss. She was such a fantastic person.
Looking back at my childhood in Oak Bay, your mother is interwoven throughout it. From letting us sleep on Robins deck under the stars, to baking birthday cakes with money in them (I am still in awe of how she was able to bake the cake just right to ensure Colin and Neil got the largest valued coins).
I remember your mother driving us places in lucy (6 am hockey practice at the Memorial arena), or walking benny the beagle. Your mother was an amazing person, and proved it every day keeping the 5 of you out of trouble.
I hope you are all able to find comfort in this time of sadness, remembering all the good times that you all had. Like the family road trip to Winnipeg in a very large station wagon (with Colin and Neil facing backwards).
I will try to attend the service on Sunday Nov 17. I am sorry though that it must be under such sad terms that we will re-unite.
Take care and love to you all.
Our condolences to Janet’s family.
It was an honour and a privilege to know Janet, a very special woman.
With sincere sympathy
Nola & Andrew Jackson
Our sincere Condolences to Janet’s family. It was an honour and a privilege to know Janet.
Sincerely Nola & Andrew Jackson
Robin,
With sadness I read in the “Times Colonist” about the loss of your mother. I too lost my mother in the last couple of years, and know how one feels to lose one so special to you.
I was only able to notice the obituary because, as you know, unlike your mother who,
“. . . was early to embrace new technology and became a founding Member of Victoria Free Net
Association . . .”,
I am not burdened by looking at endless emails and devote that time to reading the paper first thing in the morning!
It appears that she was not only a great mother and grandparent, but an extremely productive citizen. You and your family should be, and I note are, very proud.
My sincere condolences to you and all of the members of your family,
Brett Vining
I am thinking of you Islay and your family at this difficult time. I remember visiting your happy, friendly Island road home when we were Oak Bay Secondary friends and field hockey teammates. Take good care,
Kelly Galitzine (Davies)
On behalf of us all, we wish to offer our sincere condolences over the passing of Janet. A life well lived and such a lovely lady. My father Patrick spoke so highly of her on many occasions.Sincerely, the Crofton Family.
Shauna, Robin, Islay, Neil and Colin, thinking about you all at this sad time. Your mother was a remarkable , lovely lady. I have such fond memories of you all even though I did not know Robin as well as the others.
Remember all the happy moments.
Charlotte Lane
Our condolences to the family and our thoughts are with you.
Will definitely be down in Victoria to pay tribute to Janet. I will miss her and will laugh heartily, sing loudly and definitely vote! I will not however spoil my wine with Dubonnet that would in Janet’s own words and intonation: “Drive me nuts!” Thoughts and love to the family.
Hello, My deepest condolences on the passing of Mrs Baird. Having just lost my Mother I know how hard it is to lose a Loving Parent and Friend.