William Torrey Baird IV, known as Bill to his friends, passed peacefully on April 24, 2024 at his home in Inglis, FL. He was 65.

Bill was born January 28, 1959 in Bay Shore, NY to Robert Breckenridge and Esther Steere Baird. Bill is survived by his wife of 31 years, Susan Carole (Swedborg) Baird of Southhampton, NY, his sons Daniel and Steven Baird of Happauge, NY, and his mother-in-law Carol Swedborg of Sayville, NY. Bill also is survived by siblings Barbara, Mary, Esther, Lyle, Cammie, Belinda, David, Andrew and Cathy Baird as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were Bill’s parents and sisters Margaret and Cynthia Baird.

As a youngster, Bill moved with his family to Quogue, NY around 1968 where Bill began his life-long love affair with salt water, especially boating and sailing Sunfish and Celebrities on Shinnecock and Tiana Bays and surf-casting for stripers and bluefish on the southern shore of Long Island. Bill had very fond childhood memories of the Eaglebrook boarding school he attended from 1968-1972 in Deerfield Massachusetts.

A brief first marriage, to Donna Kempster, ended in divorce. After marrying Susan, they moved to Laurel, NY and started their family and what Bill lovingly referred to their “gentleman’s farm”.Bill liked nothing better than watching his boys various sporting events or taking his boat out- in the middle of the night—preferably in stormy weather—to Plum Gut to fish for stripers.

Bill spent many years traveling the world as a sales executive for Robert B. Baird and Company and specialized in the importing and exporting of specialty rubber and chemicals. Bill was known throughout the cosmetic industry for the fine raw materials and specialty ingredients that he sourced from all over the world. In 2004, Bill expanded that work, starting Rossow Cosmetiques, USA Company with Susan before selling it to Rossow fr. in 2011

In his free time, Bill was an EMT with the Westhampton Ambulance for several years. Bill had a special way with dogs, and he volunteered at the Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton, NY. He had many canine companions throughout his life, including Flakey and Freddie, both of whom had a special place in his heart.

Bill was a thoughtful person with a wry sense of humor who was unflinchingly honest about himself and was always ready to help a friend in need. He loved his wife and sons and was especially proud of his sons’ achievements. Besides fishing and boating, he had a passion for motorized vehicles of all kinds and took particular pleasure in owning physically and driving various cars, trucks, tractors, dump trucks, campers and golf carts during his lifetime. He loved Jimmy Buffet’s music, especially the song Barefoot Children because it reminded him of the simpler times of childhood. He delighted in surprising the wait staff in restaurants by ordering “just one more dessert” each time they approached him with the check at end of his meal. He will be missed.

No formal services are planned. A reception to honor Bill’s life will be held at a later date, details to be announced.

Friends who would like to remember Bill are welcome to make a donation in his memory to the Kent Animal Shelter at 2259 River Road, Calverton, NY 11933.

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