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.
Laurier & Pauline Fortier says
Our Deepest Condolences on your sudden loss Chantal & Nathan & Kaitlyn, & the extended family.
Wade was always smiling, joking, just full of humour, so sad to see someone so full of life & free spirit, a really caring & loving person to his Family.
Wade you will be missed dearly. Memories of you will last forever in our heart.
Laurier & Pauline Fortier
Therese Oligny says
My deepest condolences to the Baird family 0n the unexpected death of Wade. He will forever be in your heart and memories.
Russ, Teri, Zak and Tyler Skakum says
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Wade’s death. Chantal, you, Nathan and Kaitlyn are in our thoughts and prayers as we remember the good times together laughing over games and sharing our early years of parenting together.
Corey McDonald-Jerrett says
Chantal, Nathan & Kaitlyn, I’m so very sorry for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts in days and months to come. My deepest condolences xo
Charlene Marklund says
Deepest sympathy in this difficult time. Wade had a great sense of humour and always had a story to tell. He was an amazing father to his beautiful children. He was also a kind and caring husband to his wife Chantal.
Danie Branch says
So sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Chantal.
Sending love and prayers to you and the kids from the Branch Family.
Todd, Danie, Dallas, Tyler and Madison
Tracena Cooper says
Chantal, Nathan and Kaitlyn,
Your Wade was loved by anyone who knew him. I worked with Wade at Health Canada and it was only last week that we worked on a resolving an issue together and then took time out to laugh at life. Wade had the most incredible sense of humor! He was smart as a whip and quick as a flash! He made the office a better place to be, not only because of his dedication to his craft but he also saw humor in every stupid thing that working with government brings. We are gutted by his leaving us far too soon.
Judi Bauer says
My heart is breaking for you Chantal, Nathan and Kaitlyn. I’m so sorry this has happened and Wade will be deeply missed by so many. I always enjoyed the chats I had with Wade and know that he was an amazing husband, father, family member and friend. My heart goes out to you during this incredibly difficult time and now you can surround yourselves with people who love and care about you and want to support you in any way they can. Please take care and once again I’m so sorry for your loss.
Judi B
Dan Baird says
Chantal, Nathan& Kaitlyn. Words can not convey the sorrow we feel for your loss! We will always love & cherish Wade’s memory & miss him forever. ❤ Take comfort in knowing that you all are loved by our family, and anything we can do to help would be an honor. Love always Aunty Bonnie & Uncle Danny.
Nancy Belanger says
Chantal,Nathan,Kaitlyn M. et Mme St-Jean et à toute la famille et amis de Wade, je vous offre mes plus sincères condoléances. Je me souviens de Wade comme un papa dévoué et fier de ses enfants. Prenez soin de vous. Bon courage.
The Spencer Family says
Our most sincere condolences to you, Chantal, and the kids.
We are thinking of you. Wade was a very special person, husband and father.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Maureen Smith says
Chers Chantal, Nathan et Kaitlyn,
Nos plus sincères condoléances en ces temps de profonde tristesse. J’étais toujours heureuse de partager un repas et de bonnes blagues avec Wade et vous trois lors de nos visites à St-Albert. Nous vous souhaitons beaucoup de courage en ces moments incroyablement douloureux.
Affectueusement,
Jim et Maureen
Rick Homan says
Dear Chantal, Nathan and Kaitlyn, we were shocked and saddened when we heard the news of your husband and fathers passing. Although we were only able to meet him on a few occasions it was obvious to us that he was an awesome person who loved his family deeply. Please know that Yvonne and I will think of you often in the days ahead and we pray that your pain will lesson as the days go on.
Love and prayers,
Rick and Yvonne Homan
Shirley Munro and Jay Gilligan says
Jay and I are both shocked and saddened by Wade’s passing. We both remember your family visit the year I moved to Montreal fondly. So much fun and laughter! Chantal, Nathan and Kaitlyn, you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope you can find peace and comfort in your memories.
Rachelle St.Onge says
I am so sorry your family is experiencing such a painful loss. Sincere condolences and wishes of comfort and strength as you navigate this difficult time.
Maryann Everett says
Chantal, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Wade sounds like an incredible person and I know you will all miss him.
You are a strong woman Chantal. You are in my prayers.
Kerry Tan says
I worked with Wade at Health Canada and while I only got to meet him in person once, we spoke often over the phone and on Teams. He was one of the kindest men I know, while also being one of the funniest. Our last conversation centred around the fact that the team that Wade headed up was called Hardware Asset Management (HAM). He leaves a gigantic gap in the Health Canada family and we will sorely miss him. My deepest condolences to the family; I’m holding space for you all.
Kerry Tan
Paul P McDonnell says
I worked with Wade for 14 years and for most of that time we sat beside or very close to each other. This made it an ideal environment for us to talk, joke around , prank each other and of course work. Wade’s personality and sense of humor made him an absolute pleasure to work with. Going back to the office will not be the same. There will be a void that will never be filled. I send love and support to Wade’s family. They truly were the thing in life he was most proud of and he cherished every moment he was able to spend with them. Wade, You made a positive impact an all who had the pleasure of getting to know you. Rest in peace old friend. Rest knowing that you will live on through the many great stories people will tell about you and the light you brought to this world will never never fade away
Sandra Solleveld says
Hi Chantal and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. If there is anything I can do, please let me know, my heart is with you.
Shelley Tate says
Chantal, I’m so sorry to hear of Wade’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Jennifer Raimundo says
Chantal, I am so sorry to hear of Wade’s passing. I am sending love and strength to you and the kids as you honour his life and navigate this grief.
Lynda Richer says
Dear Chantal, Nathan and Kaitlyn,
Leo and I send our condolences and prayers to you all. Our hearts break for you in the loss of Wade . May you find strength and peace in the coming days and know we are thinking of you.
Lynda and Leo Richer
Cinnamon Stacey says
Chantal, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am holding you, Nathan, and Kaitlyn in my heart and thoughts through this difficult time. I hope the cherished memories of your time with Wade will help you navigate the darkness of these moments.
Kelli Webster-kelly says
Chantel, Kaitlyn and Nathan,
I worked with Wade at Health Canada and he was our guru of technology. Wade always had a smile and a funny remark on various topics, especially on work issues that never seemed to quite work…his infectious smile and laugther will not be forgotten. Wade was not just a colleague he was our friend. His sudden departure is a loss to all who’s lives he has touched. My deepest Condolences.
Kelli Webster-Kelly
Michelle Ozipko says
Chantal, Nathan & Kaitlyn,
I was so saddened and dismayed to hear about Wade. He was my classmate from Grade 2 to Grade 12, and I knew him as a kind, gentle and funny guy. We played at recess as kids, and I remember him teaching me how to take over his paper route! I had to smile upon reading this tribute. The mutual love and appreciation you had for each other shines through. I’m sorry for your family’s terrible loss. I hope you find comfort in family and friends.
Carmen Samson says
Our condolences to Chantal and family. We are keeping you in our thought and prayers. Sending you all love and strength and know we are thinking about all of you. Much Love!
D'Arcy Claypool says
Chantel I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a heck of a guy, I wish I had a chance to know him. My sincere condolences go out to you and your family.
Bobbie McLean says
My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Chantal. I’m very sorry to hear you lost your husband and father and pray you will receive an abundance of love, comfort and support. Que Dieu vous protège et console.
Anne Marie Salter says
My sincere condolences to you and your family on your loss. I know Wade as a work colleague, and he was one of the most professional people I have had the honour to work with. He was always there with common-sense advice and good humour. He will be greatly missed.
Debbie Tobin says
My thoughts are with you and the children on the passing of your husband. Wade will be missed by all those who dealt with him regarding IT issues or guidance on different procedures .within IT.
Tami Milos says
His sarcasm was second to none. And I can’t count the number of times he thought he was so funny! His smile and laugh were incredibly infectious and I will miss him dearly. Chantal, Nathan & Kaitlyn, hold on the wonderful memories you have. They will bring you great comfort. I love you all so much.
Steve Morphy says
I knew Wade for at least 10 years, but the last 4 we were pretty close work buddies (we loved venting with each other). And in those last 4 years I worked very close with Wade as we were each other’s back-up. And I knew once Wade was my back-up I could actually enjoy a holiday, while he did both our jobs. He truly was an awesome work partner and we really looked out for each other. I will forever remember our talks and especially the laughs we shared. Our work can be pretty stressful at times and we helped each other get through those tough days. I respected how much Wade loved being a family man and he was a all round great friend. I will and do miss him a lot. RIP Wade.
Talea racine says
My sincerest apologizes, I miss him so much, whenever I would be at your house he would always be the nicest and kindest person to me, I loved him and will forever miss him in my heart!
Ken Piercey says
Very sincere condolences, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Wade’s passing. I always enjoyed my interactions with Wade at Health Canada in Canada Place, bumping into him as we arrived for work early, stopping by on an IT matter or such. He was a good man and will certainly be missed.
Lorelei Hauch says
Chantal our heart aches for you and the kids and the whole Baird family. Marissa and I remember his humorous wit and sarcasm that would turn into infectious loving banter at Karen/Darren’s throughout the year’s celebrations. His deep love and connection for his family was so very evident also. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers for peace and comfort for your family and the entire Baird family are sent with much love.
Lorraine Fagan says
Dear Chantal, Nathan, Kaitlyn and extended family, I am so sorry for your loss. Chantal, my thoughts are with you, and if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Sascha Kramps says
Chantal,
I am sorry for your profound loss. My sincerest condolence to you and your children and the extended family. May your husband rest in peace.
Sascha
Emilia Unknown says
Dear Kenny,
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. Wishing you all the very best, the strength, joy, love and courage, thru this difficult time.
With much love,
Emilia