Raymond J. Baird August 23, 1930 - December 6, 2020 Ray Baird was born in 1930 in St. John's to parents Jack and Jennie Baird. He was one of seven children - Robert (Lynda), Jean (Ken), Florence (Jerry), Gerald (Eloise), all of whom predeceased him, as well as Carmel (Stephen, deceased) and Gertrude (David, deceased). Ray passed away peacefully on December 6 in Corner Brook at the age of 90. Ray married his beloved wife Shirley (Pickering) in 1956, and together they raised seven children - John (Sheila), Ray Jr. (Goldie), Mary Louise (Pat) Cashin, Paul (Daphne), Trudy (Brian) Murphy, Tony (Mary) and Ramona (David) Randell. His loss will be immeasurably felt by them as well as by grandchildren Brittany, Taylor, John-Ray, Jordan, Patrick, Johannah, Maria, Richard, Mikaela, Liam, Christian, Jennifer, Kaitlyn; step-grandchildren Daniel and Hannah; and great-grandchildren Brayden and Raegan; and brother-in-law Albert Colbourne. Ray was the Member of the House of Assembly for Humber West from 1979 to 1989, during which he also served as Deputy Chair of Committees and often sat in the speaker's chair. He was known for being as sharp and quick-witted as they come, and this reputation in no way diminished after his retirement. Ray was larger than life and was beloved in Corner Brook because of his public service as well as his community involvement with the Corner Brook Royals and the Kinsmen. He rarely missed a hockey game. Ray provided keen advice, whether political or personal, to whomever was wise enough to seek it. His friends - including special friends Seumas Gibbons, Darlene King, Matthew Janes, Paul Seaward, Dennis Waterman, and the Skaneses (Dale, Denise, and Maeve) - will miss him greatly. His family and friends will remember Ray as they use one of his unique expressions or sing one of his songs to each other. In doing so, they will every day remember a man who lived life to its fullest, brought laughter to all, and in whose heart was a prayer. There will be a private family visitation from Fillatre's Funeral Home, 4 St. Marks Avenue on Wednesday followed by a private funeral service from the Chapel on Thursday, December 10th with Father Terry Boland officiating. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Patricia cemetery. Donations in Ray’s memory can be to the Western Memorial Hospital Foundation.