Buckley, who corresponded with Mr. Baird during his illness, said he was “continually impressed with his positive spirit during his battle. Most recently, all of us were touched by comments that Chuck made as he prepared for the end of his journey thanking us for our prayers and support. Even as he prepared for the end of his earthly life, Chuck was reaching out via video to assure us all that he was at peace and prepared.”
Sandra Kelly, executive director of the Deaf Cultural Center in Olathe, Kan., has known Mr. Baird for many years. Mr. Baird established a foundation for emerging deaf artists under the umbrella of the center. In a hallway of the center is a photograph of Mr. Baird; beneath it is a quote from him: “Mix together. Learn together. Love together.”
“That embodies what his work was all about, to love each other no matter what,” Kelly said. “Chuck just brought so much to life for both the deaf and the hearing communities. And he continues to touch the lives of so many people through his art.