A Tribute to Midge (McCune) Baird: A Life Filled with Magic and Love

Midge (McCune) Baird made the transition from this life to the next after 3 months of courageously facing the uncertainties of cancer. On November 6, 2024, she passed away in her home in Richland, WA – a home where each room held a story, every corner a whisper of her beautiful heart. Until her final moment, Midge lived up to one of her favorite sayings to “be the best in the worst conditions”. She maintained her kindness, quick wit, compassion, and an appreciation of beauty. She poured her love into her large family and a vast circle of friends.

Midge frequently expressed gratitude for the merriment of life. She had a love for the magic of every opportunity. Even when faced with uncertainty, she did everything with originality, prayer, and integrity. Midge had an unquenchable thirst for the Savior and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her testimony will carry through generations.

Born in Concord, CA, on October 17, 1954, to the late Keith and Mary Lue McCune, Midge took pride in her roots. She admired her sisters, Darcy, Sally, and Shannon, and cherished the bond she shared with her late younger brother, Mark. Midge often reminisced about her vibrant childhood spent in Concord, CA, Greeley, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT, sharing stories of those treasured memories with her loved ones.

At Ricks College, she gave her heart to David Baird. They married for time and all eternity on August 6, 1975 in the Salt Lake Temple. This became the day she embarked on her own “Happily Ever After,” embracing her most cherished identities as wife and mother. Throughout the decades, she exercised her skills in homemaking, child development, filling the home with music, Jane Fonda workouts, and being her kid’s biggest fan by going to their performances, sporting events, and various school activities. She had a gift of making sure each of her 10 children felt individualized love and guidance.

Midge is survived and deeply missed by her loving husband David Baird and her children: Mindy (Tom) Draper, Jeni Baird, Kymberli (Adam) Eastman, Amy Baird, Scott (Kaylee) Baird, Lisa (Renton) Maxfield, Stephen (Kristen) Baird, Megan (Joseph) Boster, Bradley (Makayla) Baird, and Mason Baird (Gina). By Midge and David’s 49th wedding anniversary, they had expanded their posterity with 49 children, spouses, partners, and grandchildren. Midge will forever be cherished by all 29 grandchildren whom she spoiled and made unique memories with.

Midge treated everyone as a friend. Children were particularly drawn to the magic of her childlike spirit. Every vintage toy was the best she had ever found. She loved colors and creating unforgettable experiences, even if only taking grandkids on a shopping spree to Walgreens. She was an observer and a lover of words. Songs took her back in time and opened her heart to special memories. As a mother and grandmother, she always craved traveling to visit her family across the country. Midge loved the beauty of the earth – especially the beauties of Hawaii. In the summer, you’d find Midge and David loading up their boat with some snacks to sit on the Columbia River listening to music while the sun set over the Tri-Cities. In the winter, you’d see them snuggled up drinking hot cocoa in snowy Leavenworth, WA.

While in her most favorite of places, Leavenworth WA, Midge felt ill enough to come back home and seek medical attention. She held David’s hand while hearing the life altering diagnosis of cancer. From that day forward, Midge tackled challenge after challenge alongside her husband and children. She relied on the things that comforted her the most – prayer, her favorite purple blanket, romantic comedies, chapstick, and the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

On November 6, 2024 she took her final breath so she could begin a new adventure. Her legacy has become abundantly clear – to have a “Pollyanna attitude” while cheerfully choosing to live a life of meaningful acts of love and Christlike service. We will see her presence in the wildflowers, ocean waves, fresh air, crisp autumn leaves, and holiday lights. We will feel her heavenly counsel in the meaningful quotes she left us or a sign hanging in a store. We will remember her through countless stories told. Through laughter, tears, and quiet reflections, we will honor her by living with the same magic and love she strived for every day.

Midge’s life will be honored on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse located at 895 Gage Boulevard in Richland.

Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.