Stephen John Baird

Stephen “Steve” John Baird, age 77, passed away Saturday, January 4th, 2014, in his home in Knappa, Oregon. Steve was born June 16th, 1936, in Astoria, Oregon. He is the son of Wilfred John “Yukka” Baird and Edna Sylvia Aarnio Baird. Both parents preceded him in death.

Steve attended school at the Svensen grade school. He attended school through the 8th grade. Steve resided his entire lifetime in the Svensen-Knappa area. Steve lived with his parents John and Edna until they died. After that, at age 49, Steve moved in with his sister Nancy and her husband, Don Donovan. Both Nancy and Don provided love and care for Steve as he aged in his life.

Steve took part, in his younger years, in the Svensen Fire Department. He truly loved to go to fires and lend a helping hand. Steve was also very fond of the sound of sirens, and could hear them miles away.

Steve loved the outdoors and enjoyed being with family. Steve’s hobbies included deer hunting in Eastern Oregon with his folks, clam digging, and fishing in the rivers for sturgeon and salmon. His favorite was beach fishing at Jones Beach. He was one of the luckiest fishermen, for there was never an empty hook with Steve.

Steve had a passion for animals and was very fond of cats, dogs and chickens. In the summertime, Steve enjoyed picking berries with his mom, dad, sister and nieces up fertile valley. Summertime also meant woodcutting for Steve. Big Creek was a place he knew best, and he had his wood shed always full for the next few years. He kept large amounts of kindling – that was his favorite.

When Steve wasn’t with family enjoying celebrations, then you could catch him enjoying watching Western movies at home on his TV. His favorite foods were shrimp and not a Cheeto bag could get by him!

Steve was a big fan of the Knappa Loggers, and loved supporting them by going to the games or listening to them on a radio broadcast. Basketball season was his favorite, especially if Knappa went to state, because that meant he was going as well.

Steve most of all had a very fond love for riding his bicycle and picking up cans and bottles. Many friends enjoyed seeing and visiting with Steve on the roadways. When the Svensen Cafe was open, he was a regular at the coffee shop. As Steve got older, he ventured to the local Logger Restaurant on his bike for coffee and lunch and visiting with friends.

Steve had the kindest, gentlest heart of any person I know, and he will be deeply missed by many. He touched our lives in a special way that will never be forgotten.

He is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Don Donovan of Knappa; an uncle and aunt, Walter and Jean Aarnio of Knappa; several nieces and their husbands, Denise and Chet Gowen of Independence, Diana and Lonnie Strain and Suzy and Bill Pitts, all of Svensen, Linda and Ron Geisler of Knappa, Lorene and Shawn Bridgeman of Warren, OR, Denise and Tom Amburn of Burnside, OR, Cynde Donovan of Ocean Park, WA, and Candy and Allen Foster of Jewell; numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins; and a brother-in-law and his wife, Gary and Peggy Ziak of Brownsmead.

Private graveside services will be at Greenwood Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 18th, at 1 p.m. at the Svensen Senior Center in Svensen, for friends and family.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Knappa Fire Department, 43114 Hillcrest Loop Road, Astoria, OR 97103.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the online guest book at www.caldwellsmortuary.com