Thomas Lee Baird (64) died on November 7, 2015, at St. Peters Hospital after a long battle of failing health. Tom’s stubbornness showed us during the last three years the strength that he had within. He was born on March 5, 1951 on -20 degree day to Russell and June Baird in Great Falls, MT. He walked into this world loving the outdoors, whether it was camping, fishing, hunting, rock picking, or drift wood collecting with family. He enjoyed making hunting knives & belt buckles out of his prized possessions and making walking sticks out of the drift wood he collected. He had ideas to make something out of everything he found. Tom had a great sense of humor with silly shirts and hats that put a smile on many people’s faces. Tom also showed a love for our Lord Jesus Christ & Savior and was at peace with God’s plan.
Tom grew up in Great Falls, graduated from CMR class of 1969. He enlisted in the Navy, where he trained as a corpsman and dental lab tech. Stationed on the USS Midway, serving from 1969-74. Tom graduated from Carroll College in 1978. After four years with the State of Montana he returned to working in the dental field. From 1987-2015 he owned Crescent Dental Lab.
On June 15, 1974 Tom married the love of his life Denise Jeffries. They moved to Helena, Montana in 1975. In 1979 they welcomed Christopher into the world and in 1982 they welcomed Timothy. In 2006 Stacy (1) married into the family. In 2012 Stacy (2) married into the family. Who would have thought two Stacy’s? By 2012 he was blessed with four grandkids, which he loved dearly.
Tom was preceded in death by many pets, his grandparents Kenneth and Gertrude Baird and Ralph and Virginia Falcon; father-in-law Milo Jeffries. Tom is survived by his parents Russell and June; sisters Cyndi and Kathy; wife Denise; sons Christopher (Stacy) and Timothy (Stacy); grandkids; nieces and nephews; friends; and animals.
Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on today, November 11th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A service celebrating Tom’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12th, at Lifepoint Baptist Church, 2526 Lake Helena Drive, East Helena. A reception will follow the service in the community center at the church. A graveside service, with full military honors, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13th at the Montana State Veterans cemetery at Fort Harrison. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Tom’s name to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 11, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 11, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Thursday November 12, 2015
Lifepoint Baptist Church
2526 Lake Helena Drive
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the service
Thursday November 12, 2015
Lifepoint Church
2526 Lake Helena Drive
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 13, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 11, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Family Receiving Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 11, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Thursday November 12, 2015
Lifepoint Baptist Church
2526 Lake Helena Drive
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the service
Thursday November 12, 2015
Lifepoint Church
2526 Lake Helena Drive
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 13, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Row
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Diane Pedersen says
Denise and family.:
i was so sorry to learn that Tom passed away. I had talked with a co-worker on Saturday and she told me Tom had stablized. I am saddened that did not happen. No one can stop the pain you are currently feeling but take it from me time will heal your broken heart. If there is anything I can do for you just ask, even if it’s just a friend to talk to. God bless all of you at this difficult time. Diane
Sheryl Semans says
Denise and family:
My heart goes out to you and all your family. God has plans for all of us – those of us still walking this earth have another angel to watch over us. Peace be with you all. God Bless!
Chinda Schaff says
Denise and family—-Aunt June and Uncle Russ, Kathy and Cyndi and families So sorry to hear about Tom. Please accept my condolences and prayers for all of you. Heaven has gained another angel who was welcomed into Heaven by all his family before him, they welcomed him Home with loving arms. Tom will always be with you in spirit, you will feel his presence in many different ways. But you will always have him in your heart. They say time heals all, it doesn’t that pain will always you because of your love for him, I know this from experince in losing my son but that’s a good thing, time will ease the pain but it will always be there with you. Take one day at a time, give yourself the time to heal and think about all the good times and then the good times will override the sadness
tim hansen says
Got to really know Tom and Denise at our life group at the Holman’s. His genuine demeanor and honest input added tremendously. His positive attitude is a trait we should all strive for. He will be missed, but knowing he is with our Lord smiling down on us is comforting?You take care my friend?
Jake Smith says
TJ and I have known Tom and family since the mid 70’s. It was a blessing to have their friendship and also close neighbors. Tom was always happy and funny. Denice, the boys and grandkids can always be proud of this man. He was like a breath of fresh air in our neighborhood. Do not stand at his grave and cry. He is not there. He did not die! RIP Tom.
Jake Smith…….Las Vegas
Pastor Rick DeMato says
Shocked to read of Tom’s death Denise. I remember leading him to Christ and the times we all had together at your house. I remember you trusting Christ also. God is so good!!! Kathy and I now live in AZ after retiring from LBC after 40 yrs. may God’s amazing grace be with you and the boys. John 10:28. Pastor Rick
Lynore Hiatt says
My heartfelt sympathy Denise and boys… I have just recently moved back to Helena. Am so sorry to hear this news. My memories of Tom are from far back in time it seems.But no less vivid. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Lynore Hiatt
Douglas and Sharon Haviland and Family says
Our Deepest Sympathy To Tom’s Family, Denise, Chris, Timothy and Family. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all. The Haviland Family
Lynda Reisbeck says
Denise, Tim & Chris, so sorry to hear about Tom.
My deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
Nita Holman says
We met Tom and Denise at church and enjoyed getting to know them in our life group. Tom was such a fun and optimistic man. He loved his wife and children, spouses and grandchildren so much. He always had a story to tell of all of them. We will miss you Tom, but know you are running the streets of heaven and just waiting for the rest of us
Larry & Sylvia (Pioneer Dental Studio) says
Denise and Family, We were saddened to hear about Tom. We are sorry you are suffering so great a loss. It must be heartwrenching to lose the love of your life and such a wonderful father. It was a privilege to know Tom and laugh with him and share dental technology with him for so many years. The last time he stopped by the lab he said that he was up against some serious health issues, but he seemed confident that he would be ok either way. We still have a letter opener that he made us out of elk horn. May the angels of the Lord encamp roundabout you and your family and give you peace. So sorry
Cecelia Robinson says
Denise, I was sorry to hear about Tom. At this difficult time for you and your family I pray that God wil watch over you and provide serenity and peace. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry I couldnt be there yesterday to share with you and celebrate his life. Take care of yourself.