Hugh Ivan Baird

Obituary

Hugh Ivan Baird

July 11, 1944 – June 3, 2025

Hugh Ivan Baird, 80, passed away the evening of June 3, 2025 in Apache Junction, Arizona. He suffered a stroke in October of 2023 and because of his condition, chose to live the rest of his life where it was warm.

Hugh was born in Worland, Wyoming on July 11, 1944 to Leon and Vera (Vass) Baird.

He grew up on the Baird family ranch on Gooseberry Creek where he attended grade school. Hugh graduated from Worland High School in 1962. He married Margaret Gottfredson in 1964 and from this union, two sons were born. He entered the Army in 1965 and was discharged in November of 1967. After his discharge, he returned to Gooseberry to work on the ranch with his dad. Hugh and Marge later divorced. Hugh married Bonnie Dietz in 1986, they divorced in 1988 and then remarried in December of 1999. Hugh and Bonnie enjoyed many years of traveling in their RV and spending the winters in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Hugh's favorite time of the year was during calving season. He also took on guiding and outfitting with out-of-state hunters for several seasons. Some of his favorite pastimes were reading, playing cards, reloading shells, hunting, target practicing with his son and grandson and traveling.

Hugh was proceeded in death by his parents; a baby sister; sisters-in-law, Scharlotte Ruff, Betty Goick, Viola Meyers and Elizabeth Coulter.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; sons, Darell (Kim) Baird of Bullhead City, Arizona; Farron (Becky) Baird of Thermopolis, Wyoming; step-children, Michael Dietz of Mission Viejo, California, Gregory (Carmen) Dietz of Newton, Kansas and Raymond (Dawn) Dietz of Kearney, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Lawrence (Nell) Brese; sister-in-law, Mary Lynn Wagner; grandchildren, Chancelor (Sabrina) Baird (serving in U.S. Army), Brandon Baird of New York and Rianna Baird of Worland; step-grandchildren, Drew Dietz of Newton Kansas, Warren Dietz of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jaci Dietz Omaha, Nebraska and Jordan (Austin) Fuehrer of Kearney, Nebraska; great-grandchildren Dorian, Zayli, Elena and Brandon; step-great-grandchild, Beckett.

A public visitation will be held 7:00 PM, Sunday June 15, 2025 at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be held 10:00 AM, Monday, June 16, 2025 at Zion Church in Worland, Wyoming with graveside service being held at 3 PM at Monument Hill Cemetery at Thermopolis, Wyoming. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army, American Legion Post 44 and Patriot Riders. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Washakie County 4-H shooting sports program which Hugh's friend Mason Kelly supported. Please send checks to PO Box 524 Worland, Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.