Karl Smith Baird
Karl Smith Baird
1939 ~ 2024
Karl Smith Baird was born Friday the 13th of January, 1939, in Murray, UT, to Mark J. Baird and Ruth M. Smith Baird. He passed away June 7, 2024, in South Jordan, UT, looking forward to seeing his eternal companion, Jeannine H. Baird.
Karl was raised in Draper, UT. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the West Central States Mission. He also joined the Army Reserves and served for several years. He moved to Southern California, where he attended El Camino College. He met Jeannine through friends, and after she initially turned him down and went off to college in Hawaii, she realized she loved him and returned. They were married June 24, 1965, in the Los Angeles Temple. After their marriage they moved to Provo, UT, where he attended Brigham Young University. He attained his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. Karl and Jeannine began their family while in Utah, later moving to California for a job with Northrop. They ultimately planted roots in Camarillo, in 1978, to raise their six children. He worked at Northrop until he retired. He then continued to work as a consultant engineer for a few more years and managed his last rental property in Provo, UT, having owned and sold many others in Arizona. They resided in Camarillo until Jeannine’s health required greater assistance, causing relocation to South Jordan, UT. They lived with family in South Jordan, UT and Hillsboro, OR, and they returned to Camarillo, CA as often as possible. Several children and grandchildren were privileged to care for Karl in his final weeks battling bone cancer.
Karl & Jeannine loved to travel. They went on many family vacations. They took the whole family around the United States, seeing as many states as they could, in their green RV, nicknamed the “Grasshopper”. Then they took them to all the islands of Hawaii, due to Jeannine’s love of Hawaii. They also traveled through many parts of Europe, including Kent’s mission.
Karl was always willing to serve and loved his family. He enjoyed studying all sorts of subjects, especially the gospel of Jesus Christ! Wherever he was, he would study and share all the amazing things he learned. Karl lived a life of service! He served in many callings of the Church, including as Bishop of the Camarillo 1st Ward. Closest to his heart was serving with his wife as Temple Patrons in the Los Angeles Temple and in Scouting, including as Scoutmaster in Camarillo. He loved working with the ham radio operators for emergency response and assistance. He would help anyone in need, no matter where he was or what he was doing!
Karl is survived by his brother Paul Baird; his six children: Kent, Kevan, Jennifer, Julianne, Janamarie and Keith; his two sons-in-law and two daughters-in-law; and twenty grandchildren. He was greeted to his heavenly home by his eternal companion, his mother and father, brothers Mark & Kim, sisters Claudine & Glenda, and granddaughter Yzabeth, as well as many other family and friends that preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 11:00 am with a viewing from 9:30 – 10:30 am prior to services at the church building located at 11543 Keystone Drive, South Jordan, UT. The interment will be at the Draper City Cemetery. The services will also be broadcast on Zoom for those who can’t make it in person.
Due to severe allergies of immediate family members, please avoid wearing any fragrances including scented lotions, cologne, or perfume if you are attending the services in person so that family members can remain without having to leave. Thank you!
Topic: Baird Zoom Meeting
Time: Jul 6, 2024 11:00 AM Mountain Time
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