Dale F. Baird, Sr. OHL17 Post 100
    February 19, 1926 – March 29, 2016

    Dale Baird, Sr. was born near Buffalo, NY, and moved to Denver, CO with his family as a teen. He enlisted in the Army at age 17 in 1945. He was assigned primarily to the Air Corps at Lowry Base in Denver, and was a crewman on a B-17. Dale stayed with the Army Air Corps during the Korean War and partly into the Cold War. He loved the B-17, and volunteered at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum (the principal hanger of the former Lowry Base) to teach visitors about "his" airplane. In 2009 he took a cross-country trip for veteran airmen in a restored B-17.

    Dale was a long-time member of the Colorado St. Andrew Society and instrumental in the organization of the Colorado Scottish Festival and Highland Games. He became a member of SAMS in the early 1990s and joined Post 100 when it was chartered. He was proud to serve in the Color Guard. He was also very proud of Clan Baird, served as its President, and organized a trip to Scotland for his kinsmen.

    Dale and the Rev. John Pauls of Colorado Springs petitioned the Colorado Legislature – continually – for State recognition of Tartan Day on April 6. Dale’s efforts included hanging a pair of trousers from the ceiling, insisting that any petitioners wear kilts, and bringing his granddaughters to perform Highland Dances in the House chambers.

    He became a Knight Templar in the Order of Jerusalem, and generously supported pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. The St. Andrew Society recognized him with the Tartan Award – their highest honor. Post 100 recognized him as Man if the Year in 2003.

    Dale remained active in SAMS and Scottish activities until about 2014, when advanced age and frailty kept him house-bound. He died at home, and is survived by two sons and a large extended family. A Memorial Service was held May 14, 2016, at which Post 100 Presented the Colors and supplied a bagpiper. Military Honors were provided by the Army National Guard from Buckley Base, CO.