Philip G. Baird, 85, a resident of Wilmette, formerly of Springfield and Sterling, Ill., died Jan. 21, 2005 at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston.

Mr. Baird was born March, 12, 1919 in Lawrence County, Ill. and graduated from Bridgeport Township High School in 1937. During the war, he worked as a civilian instructor at Chanute Air Base in Rantoul, Ill. In 1942, he married Freda M. Price.

In 1946, Mr. Baird completed his bachelor of science degree from Eastern Illinois University and his master of science degree from the University of Illinois in 1964.
He was a carpenter in the family business, but began a 30-year education career as an industrial arts teacher in 1943. In 1948 he was the new shop instructor, planning for the new Industrial Education Department of Olney Area High School. After eight years of teaching, he worked in the life insurance industry but returned to education in 1960 as a trade and industrial education supervisor for the Illinois State Board of Vocational Education and Rehabilitation.

In 1965, Mr. Baird was involved with the founding of the Vocational Industrial Club of America, a national organization serving teachers, high school and college students who are preparing for careers in technical, skilled and service organizations. The Vocational Industrial Club of America became SkillsUSA which has served more than 8.5 million members.

As Mr. Baird's career unfolded and he was busy raising five children, he was also involved with many community and church organizations. He was a member of Rotary International, received the Junior Chamber of Commerce Key Man award in 1953 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1954. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Mr. Baird was a Lone Scout as a youth. He became very involved with the Boy Scouts of America as the father of four sons. All of his sons were involved with scouting with three sons and two grandsons attaining the rank of Eagle. He spent many years as a scoutmaster in Springfield, and went on to serve as a unit, district and council commissioner. He also served as the district chairman of Blackhawk Area Council and was awarded the Silver Beaver award for lifetime achievement.

Survivors include a daughter, Barbara (David Dion) of Glen Ellyn; four sons, Bruce (Betsy) of Bluford, Ill., Bradley (Happy) of Wilmette, Brent (Janica) of Clinton, Ill., Brian of Rock Falls, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Freda M. Price.

Glencoe News (IL) - Thursday, February 3, 2005