Brian Alexander Baird (19 Dec 1947 - 4 Jun 2020)

In loving memory of Brian Alexander Baird who sadly passed away on 4th June 2020.

Brian Alexander Baird was born on the 19th of December 1947 to Peggy and Alec Baird and spent his early years in Hotspur St, Maryhill. Brian’s sister, Alayne was born and the family then moved to Kersland St in the West End of Glasgow. Peggy and Alec were both in the army and this is where Brian’s keen interest in Tanks and Planes originated. He was always trying to kindle this interest in others and even last year was still bringing aircraft magazines on holiday.

Brian and Alayne spent a lot of time together growing up although when traveling across Glasgow on the subway he would make Alayne sit in a different carriage. Brian attended Hillhead Primary and Secondary School where he made lifelong friends with many happy memories and stories to share. In secondary school Brian came in to his own as a gifted sportsman, he was a very talented rugby and football player but he really excelled at swimming. Brian enjoyed the competitive side of swimming and represented the school on many occasions with great success, he was also a member of Arlington Baths where he enjoyed the downright dangerous side of swinging on the trapezes.

A lifelong passion of Brian’s has always been rugby, playing for both school and Whitecraigs Rugby Club. He was delighted that his grandsons have the same love for rugby, playing for school and club (even although that club is GHA and not Whitecraigs!). Brian was also a talented football player, in a school exchange to Nuremburg some of the boys went on a tour of the Adidas factory. The local kids used to hang around to see if any professional footballers turned up. Brian and the boys told them they were the Scottish International Team and gladly signed autographs. One of the boys signed Denis Law but we are not sure what Brian signed. Being the totally honest person that he was it was probably “Brian Baird”.

After School, Brian joined Davidson and Workman Accounting Firm where he met Rosemary and they married in 1974. Brian qualified as a chartered accountant in 1976 the same year his daughter Kirsten was born. In 1978 his son Allan was born.

In Brian’s early working years, he met Jim Thomson who became a close friend and together with his wife Sharon the two families spent many happy years together, enjoying holidays in France, cycling and finding his favourite beer - Leffe. In the 1980s Brian added mountain walking to his list of favourite things to do. It always surprised his family to know he could successfully climb a Munro but could easily fall off a pavement.

Later in his working life Brian met John Kearney who became one of his closest friends, they would meet regularly on a Monday evening to discuss ‘business’ interspersed with gateau and Tunocks Caramel Wafers, always returning home in time to watch The Walking Dead with Rosemary.

Brian was delighted when he gained a son in law, Andrew and later a daughter in law, Allison to the family. In 2005 his first grandson Matthew was born followed by Daniel and then Cameron, James and only 9 weeks ago Patrick, he was an extremely proud grandpa. Some of the most enjoyable times for Brian were watching his grandsons play sport which included Rugby, football and swimming. He was also delighted when the grandsons showed an interest in wading and exploring the rock pools at the beach, he needed no excuse to join in and on one occasion he actually fell in up to his chest in water and had to have his wellies cut off, but he loved it.

There was nothing more enjoyable for Brian than family time, Brian and Rosemary were always at the heart of this and there is nothing more true to describe Brian and Rosemary than “Behind every great man is a great woman” together they have built this family. There have been so many amazing times together, whether that was just family meals or holidays in St Andrews, Northumberland and his favourite place – Portugal. Brian was a keen photographer and his camera was never far from reach, as a result we have many wonderful memories captured on film.

Brian was an avid reader, often reading many books at one time, some people would have reading glasses in every room, Brian had a book in every room. The Sunday papers were a must and were read throughout the week. You could never ask him to put the papers in the bin as he would always find a section he had to read again. Brian also loved his food whether it was a fancy cake from a bakery in Portugal or a curry with his friends. Brian enjoyed going to Zyka with John Kearney and Willie Ferries and the Shish Mahal with the Hillhead ‘Boys’.

Brian was a true gentleman, a wonderful husband and dad and a devoted grandpa. He led such an interesting and full life, filled with kindness and laughter. He has so many amazing friends and you can only have good friends if you are a good friend. He meant the world to his family and he knew that, there is no way to express how much he will be missed by us however we hope that by sharing this that you will also share your memories of Brian.