John David Baird, of Wadestown, WV died July 14, 2006. It was his 78th birthday.
Well known around Monongalia County for his expertise in the construction and renovation of log homes, John's talents were many and varied.
At age 17 he served in the United States Army of Occupation and was stationed in Austria.
An early enthusiast in black powder shooting competitions and rendezvous, he was an expert on black powder arms, specifically the Hawken Rifle. His books "The Hawken Rifle" and "20 Years In The Hawken Lode" serve as invaluable aids in identifying and valuing these guns.
As the publisher of his magazine, "The Buckskin Report", he led the fight for stronger and safer steel for gun barrels, and he served as chairman of the Black Powder Committee of the National Rifle Association.
He founded the National Association of Primitive Riflemen and was a long-standing member of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association and a lifetime member of the NRA.
As a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, John built his own replica WWI bi-plane, which he exhibited locally and at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, in Dayton, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, West Virginia Chapter, 1111 Lee Street East, Charleston, WV 25301.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
The Tennant Funeral Home in Hundred, WV is in charge of arrangements.