Arthur George Baird

Arthur George Baird, known to his friends as Art, was born eighty-six plus years ago, August 1, 1938, in Petosky, Michigan, to Arthur John Baird from Minnesota and Joren Hegland from Norway. Both parents came from farming families. Arthur John's ancestors originally settled and farmed in Massachusetts before the United States was formed. The family relocated to Pennsylvania and subsequently to Minnesota. Joren’s family arrived through Ellis Island in 1904 and farmed in Minnesota. But times were Changing. Art was their fourth child. Art’s sister Mildred became a schoolteacher like her mother Joren, brother Orlie was a Captain in the Navy and brother Chester successfully dabbled in Real Estate and carpentry. That put the pressure on Art. When Mt Sinai in Chicago offered pay for Art to become a nurse, Art not only became a nurse he became a Nurse Anesthetist. Anesthesiology was a dangerous profession at that time. Doctors were not yet certified. Doctors and nurses often praised Art's anesthesiology work and his efforts to enhance patient safety and effectiveness. When he retired from Kaiser Hospital, Art became a volunteer sheriff for Placer County and a volunteer firefighter for Roseville. When he was not working at Kaiser and volunteering, he was remodeling and managing his rental properties. Art was not only an energetic person who accomplished much, he was also a great storyteller, often telling stories about Minnesota and his family. He always had time to talk and listen to others no matter how busy he was (unless he was engaged in an operation.)  He was almost always in the company of his dogs and cats, as he had a deep affection for animals. And Art always took time to be a coach for his children’s and grandchildren’s baseball and volleyball teams no matter how busy he was.

Art Baird is predeceased by his wife of 51 years, JoAnn McFall, and his daughter, Dawn Marie Baird. He is survived by his beloved dog, Guppy, and his daughters, Roxann Marie Baird and her husband Bradley Alan Reynolds, as well as Victoria Louise Baird and her husband Gary Anderson.  Dominique Nicole Baird and her husband Matthew Groom, Brian Bills, David Bills and his wife Christina Stricker, and adopted grandson Elias Battershell-Baird are the four grandchildren. Six great-grandchildren Violet Groom, Beckett Groom, Jayce Bills, Layla Bills, Savannah Bills, and Jonathan Bills. And his wife of almost 14 years Alfa Lee Battershell. Art also leaves behind his sister-in-law Gaylord (Gay) McDonald-Baird, and many nephews’ and nieces, along with many other extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

We invite you to attend Art’s celebration of life May 24, 2025.  Please RSVP via email to Alfa Lee Battershell at life.celebration38@GMAIL.COM SUBJ: Art Baird, and list names of attendees.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that interested donors please consider contributions to the Baird Battershell Scholarship Endowment Fund at American River College, or to animal welfare organizations in Art Baird’s memory.  Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.

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