1970 – 2021
It is with indescribable shock, sorrow, and regret that the family announces the untimely death of Wade Baird. He is survived by his wife of 21 years Chantal and his children Nathan and Kaitlyn.
Also left to mourn his passing are his mother, Beatrice; siblings, Kent and Karen (Darren); nephew, Austin (Trisha); niece, Autumn (Billy); in-laws, Ronald and Madeleine; brother-in-law, Marc; sister-in-law, Bailey and two young nieces, Aria and Autumn.
Wade was predeceased by his father William.
Known for his mischievous, cheeky and teasing nature, it would be remiss if his obituary were a solemn depiction of his too short but memorable life. Case in point: finding a suitable picture for this obituary was not an easy task as Wade was not the type to take a serious selfie and would often doctor pictures of himself with the help of filters, and the weirder, the better!
Wade sincerely loved his family. He fully supported and lauded Chantal’s work accomplishments and although he often said that she was the smartest person he knew, Wade still would not let his wife near the barbecue nor the lawnmower. Wade and Chantal shared a love for 80’s music and happily subjected their children to the songs despite their protests. Nathan, his eldest child, has grown up with a serious love of anything “tekkie” and would likely be a good employee for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Kaitlyn, the one who could match her dad’s teasing nature, was learning to drive with Dad as the ‘critic-coach’. Wade insisted that she drive the F-150 and not ‘that puny little’ Mazda. Wade had much respect and pride for the efforts and successes the kids made at school.
Wade had strong political opinions and would unapologetically share them with everyone. Saucy, humorous, and sarcastic banter with colleagues and close friends were a staple of his repertoire. He usually got the last barb in and it was, inevitably, a very good jab.
Wade was happiest with steak on his plate and a beer in his hand. He relished asking his mother-in-law to serve steak & lobster at Christmas and could not understand why in the world people chose to become vegetarian.
Technology is everywhere in the home, especially in his man-cave! As Hardware Commodity Manager for Health Canada, Wade was highly respected in his profession as witnessed by the innumerable messages of condolence that the family has received from across Canada. Much to his wife’s chagrin, he steadfastly maintained that, in order to be technologically current, he absolutely had to purchase anything new and unique that came on the market. CSIS would be proud of this home!
Travelling was an important aspect of family life, as both Chantal and Wade believe that travelling enhances one’s learning and cultural experiences. Wade would invariably wear some type of outlandish hat, maybe with a parrot in one hand, a drink in the other, and all the while sporting a grin like the Cheshire Cat.
Wade had a fervent love of animals, especially rescue animals. Rescue animals, according to Wade, love you unconditionally because of the fact that they have been saved. Hence, Rosie, the chihuahua wannabe pit bull, was forever ensconced in his arms like a small baby. People learned early on not to make a sudden move towards Wade or they would likely be looking for bandages.
Being a fanatic Oilers’ fan might be a bit conservative in describing Wade. In all the years that the family can remember, he never missed a televised, online game even during the ‘sucky’ years. The family believes that Wade left this mortal world despondent that he had to leave so soon but happy in the thought that the Oilers had won the previous night’s game.
Wade’s life will be celebrated as he would have wanted: a private family gathering.
All invited attendees will require to show valid ID and proof of vaccination or a negative Covid -19 test within 72 hours of the service.
In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Wade’s love of animals, the family would much appreciate that a donation be made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (albertaspca.org) or sent directly to Alberta SPCA, 17904 118 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5S 2W3.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
