Barclay A. Baird

Barclay Baird took his final breath at home & surrounded by love. Those were his wishes, but in reality, he wasn’t ready to leave the life that he had created. Although his body fought a hard fight, cancer ultimately won. He was forever grateful to his sister Bryn who gave of herself, providing cells for his bone marrow transplant 30 yrs. ago. Without her, all who loved Barc would never have experienced the many moments spent with him.

Barc graduated from the Taft School & the University of Denver (English Literature). He worked in advertising with Alcoa for a time but eventually found his passion for home-remodeling. His own homes, as well as family members and friend’s homes showcased his talents. He and his stepson Dagan started their own company (APlus Homework) and worked together for 17 yrs. until his retirement. Everyone who was privileged to welcome them in their home saw the beautiful end results of their perfectionism and eye for detail.

He was a humble man and unaware of what an amazing role model he was to those who knew him best. He was always the one who would come to assist, no matter the task-all it took was a call. He never judged anyone and met them exactly where they were, in silence or with spoken words. He displayed an easy manner in conversations (deep & meaningful), truly caring about who he was speaking to and wanting to know their feelings and thoughts. The words he put on paper were deep, honest and encouraging to those he was writing to. He showed people their strengths even if they couldn’t see them for themselves.

His favorite experiences throughout his life were: time spent in the Thousand Islands, windsurfing, flying a kite, throwing frisbee, golfing, gardening (he was a master gardener), crossword puzzles, a good book, great dinners and any type of project he could find. Several days prior to his death he spoke warmly about the things he could still enjoy-time with his family and friends, watching golf/football (no commercials!), a good movie & a competitive game of Yahtzee. He focused on these simple pleasures in life knowing his days were coming to an end. His heart wasn’t ready to say goodbye, and he expressed with sadness the pain of leaving those he loved. For all of us who were given the gift of Barclay Baird, we are as sad as he was and the void left is profound. Grief and love are deeply connected, and sorrow reflects the depth of love shared by those who knew Barc. In the end, we are all better human beings because he touched our lives.

Barclay was born on April 28, 1952, in Rochester NY, the son of the late William C. & Mary-Edwards (Newell) Baird. He was married for over 22 years to Cynthia Campbell-Baird.

Surviving are his siblings: Daniel Baird (Anne Mortell)-Neenah WI, Gordon Baird (Carol)-Fredonia NY, Mary-Bryn Tucker-Rochester NY, Lisa Kyle Clark (Chris Nord)-Amesbury MA. Sister-in-Law-Ann Campbell Patton (Michael)-Phoenix AZ & Brother-in-Law John Campbell (Rebecca)-Naples FL.

His children: Michael Baird-Nanticoke PA & Rache Baird Brand-Simsbury CT.

His grandchildren: Iza Brand, Zai Brand & Braxton Baird.

His stepchildren: Bree Hawthorne Kelly (Shawn), Trisha Hawthorne Schoenberger (Michael), Lauri Hawthorne & Dagan Hawthorne (Tami Garber)-all Elizabethtown PA.

His step grandchildren: Hannah Kelly Mongno (Armani), Jett Kelly, Dax Kelly, Dallan Schoenberger, Tavan Schoenberger, Kaia Becker & Devyn Becker. One great grandson-Waylon Mongno. He is also survived by several nieces & nephews & will be greatly missed.

He was recently predeceased by his brother-in-law Alan Tucker & his mother-in-law Iva J. Campbell.

A Celebration of Barclay’s Life will be a luncheon, sharing moments & toasting him on Sunday, November 08, 2026, from 1pm-4pm at The Cap & Cork Hotel, 480 New Holland Ave. Lancaster PA 17602. Kindly RSVP, confirming your attendance by clicking the "RSVP Button" on this page by October 25, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Barclay’s memory may be made to the Campbell-Baird Endowment within the Four Diamond Fund by clicking this link.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com. Arrangements entrusted to Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Elizabethtown.