Bruce J. Baird

Bruce J. Baird, age 83, of Jenison, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 30, 2016.  Bruce will be greatly missed by his family, including his wife of 46 years, Gertrude (Seif) Baird of Jenison.  Bruce is survived by his two sons, Donald Baird and Larry (Michele) Baird; four daughters, Paula (Gerald) Mouthaan, Debora Baird, Lisa (Elden) VanDyken, Kimberly (Tami) Holladay; 12 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; step children, Carol (John) Stuive, Linda (Roger) Ward, Frank (Deb) Smith, Don (Pam) Smith, Dale Smith, Terry (Kate) Smith; 16 step grandchildren; 36 step great grandchildren; and two brothers.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; two sisters; and step son, Steve Smith. Bruce was born on May 21, 1932 in Lakeview, Michigan, the son of Harrison and Bertha Baird.  He was raised in Lakeview with his five brothers and two sisters.  In 1952 , upon graduation from high school, he went on to serve our country in the Air Force as a staff sergeant where he spent seven years in the service during the Korean War.  Following the war, he made his way back to Michigan and spent 30 years working at Bell Fibre Products, retiring in 1992.  Bruce had several hobbies including golfing, bowling, and Tigers baseball.  He was a member of Lee Street Christian Reformed Church.  Bruce and Gert were inseparable, enjoying many trips together over the years, as recently as October, along with many activities with their combined 13 children, 28 grandchildren, and 40 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Lee Street Christian Reformed Church, 1261 Lee Street SW, Wyoming with Rev. Kent Rottman officiating.  Entombment will be held at Rosedale Memorial Park.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from 3:30-5:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW and Tuesday from 10:00-11:00 AM prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, please consider Lee Street Christian Reformed Church or Faith Hospice.