Charles "Charlie" D. Baird

Charles "Charlie" D. Baird, age 74, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018, surrounded by his family in his home at Eau Claire, Wis., after a year-long battle with colon cancer. Charles was born on March 23, 1944, in Williford, Ark., to Irene and Chester Baird. Charles attended Williford High School. After his high school graduation he attended several institutions of higher education including Harding University in Searcy, Ark. (B.A. in Accountancy, 1966), Memphis State University (Master of Business Administration, 1967), and University of Missouri Columbia (ABD degree in Accountancy, 1971). He spent his professional life dedicated to teaching accounting. He taught at Mankato State University (5 years), University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (17 years), and at the University of Wisconsin Stout (18 years). Charlie loved teaching and advising. He cared deeply about his students and was willing to spend numerous hours helping them master accounting concepts. He loved sharing jokes and cartoons in the classroom to help illustrate his lessons. Among his colleagues, he was even known to pull occasional pranks. He retired from teaching in January 2017 with Emeritus Status. In 1971, he started his own private accounting business and helped numerous business owners and individuals with tax returns, tax planning, and consulting over the years. Charlie also worked with the Small Business Development Center. He helped numerous entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans that were launched in Eau Claire and surrounding areas. Seven of those plans he helped prepare went on to become winners in the "Creating Your Own Business" contest. Charlie was a faithful member of the Eau Claire Church of Christ. He was a charter member, and served as treasurer for the Flaming Pine Christian Youth Camp for several years. Additionally, Charlie enjoyed the outdoors; especially fishing, camping, and gardening. Other hobbies included traveling with his family, collecting antiques, and coaching Little League. He loved to watch baseball when the Milwaukee Brewers or the St. Louis Cardinals played which were his two favorite teams. He loved and collected all things chocolate and his grandchildren affectionately knew him as "Grandpa Chocolate." Charles is survived by his wife Kaye of 51 years, his children Sheree Baird of Little Rock, Ark., and Dan (Genevieve) Baird of Searcy, Ark.; his brother CC (Pat) Baird of Williford, Ark.; four grandchildren, Eden, Zane, Kellen, and Ike; and many nieces and nephews and numerous friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Irene Baird. The Baird family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the Eau Claire Mayo Cancer Center and Hospice staff for their care and support. A private memorial service will be held at a future date in Arkansas. Chippewa Valley Cremation Services in Altoona is assisting the family with arrangements. Family and friends may express condolences online at www.chippewavalleycremation.com.