Ben Alexander Baird

Our dear, sweet Ben Alexander Baird – son, brother, uncle, and friend – passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 12, 2021 at his home in Rigby, Idaho.

Ben was born October 7, 1965 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the son of Lorenzo LaMon Baird and Zelma Miller Baird.  He is survived by his parents.  Brothers and sisters; Angela (Norman) Shipp of McCammon, Idaho, David (Linda) Baird of Garden City, Utah, Catherine (Kent) Whitney of Layton, Utah, Arnel (Susie) Baird of Idaho Falls, Sally Baird of Rigby, Idaho, Idaho, Michael (Holly) Baird of Pocatello, Idaho, Andrea Baird of Twin Falls, Idaho, Samuel (Karalee) Baird of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Robert (Sharon) Baird of Fruit Heights, Utah.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Mark Baird of Twin Falls, Idaho.

Ben resided in Rigby for the past 30 years where he loved taking care of farm land and helping his parents and sister, Sally.  He is the 8 ^th of the 10 children of Zelma and LaMon Baird.

Ben earned his Eagle Scout award and joined the elite rank of Eagles which included his 4 older brothers.  His two younger brothers also became Eagle Scouts.  He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Nashville, Tennessee in 1984.  After his mission, Ben went to Ricks College where he received an associate degree in horticulture.  He was always taking care of the trees, flowers, and other plants around the house.  He had a connection, a special “green thumb” to help plants grow.  He tenderly nurtured the little rose bush in front of the house that was barely alive.  Early in the day before he passed away, he was so excited to show his mother a single, white rose on the tiny bush.

Ben was loved by all.  He served 10 years as the 11-year-old Scout Leader.  He took them on many Scout day camps, for a day of fun.  He always had a hug and a kind word for everyone.  He was a devout member of the Church and loved the Lord.  He loved giving service to others.  He loved going to the temple with his family.  He was polite, thoughtful, considerate, diligent, thankful, and caring.  Ben loved reading the scriptures and the book “Daily Joy” by President Russell M. Nelson.  He memorized and loved to recite “The Living Christ” (the apostles’ testimony to the world given January 1, 2000).  Then he would recite the names of all 15 apostles who signed it.

His favorite color was orange, because he loved sunsets.  He enjoyed reading Louis L’Amour books and all morally uplifting westerns.  He loved all things BYU and the Atlanta Braves baseball team when Dale Murphy played years ago.  Ben was very competitive and wanted to win, but he was a good sport when he didn’t.  He enjoyed walking around Rigby Lake with his family.  He walked very fast!

Ben has 6 brothers and 3 sisters, 72 nieces and nephews, 63 grand-nieces and nephews.  He knew all their names and loved being with them.  He prayed for all of them every day.

He will be sorely missed by all his family.  We’ll miss his hugs.  We’ll miss seeing him standing in the driveway, waving good-bye whenever we drove away from a wonderful visit.  We love you Ben.

A funeral service will be held for Ben on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 11:00 AM in the Rigby 20th Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (364 North 4100 East, Rigby, ID  83442).  The family will meet with friends Sunday, July 18, 2021 from 6 to 8:00 PM and again on Monday prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:45 AM, both at the Rigby 20th Ward Chapel.  Interment will be in the Milo Cemetery, 8029 East 129 North, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401.