AUBURN - George E. Baird, 78, of Auburn, died Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005, at Matthew House, after a long illness.

Born in Auburn on April 4, 1927, he was the son of the late Bernard O. and Helen Ericson Baird. He attended Auburn city schools and graduated from Staunton Military Academy. He enlisted and served in the Army Air Corps as a military policeman in Germany. He graduated from Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. Mr. Baird owned and operated Egbert's Mens Shop in Auburn for many years with his brother, Bernard "Bunk" Baird Jr., and retired from Lakeside Printing.

He was a former member of the Auburn Rotary and Owasco Country clubs. He served the Town of Owasco on the Board of Assessment Review, Industrial Development Foundation, Auburn Jaycees and was involved with other community affairs.

He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Audrey, in April 2000, who he now joins "somewhere over the rainbow;" and his brother, Bernie "Bunk" Baird; and nephew, Bernie Baird.

Mr. Baird is survived by his daughter, Rhonda (John) Duncan of Liverpool; two sons, Russell "Rusty" (Jeanette) Baird of Auburn and George Jr. "Rick" (Michelle) Baird of Rensselaer; seven grandchildren, Erika (Walter), David, Jeffrey, Donna, Alyson, Connor and Kate; one nephew, William (Bill) Baird; and many friends.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Contributions may be made to the Owasco Watershed Lake Association, c/o Al Kozlowski, 4869 W. Lake Road, Auburn; Meals on Wheels, 8-10 Hulbert St., Auburn; or the Matthew House, 43 Metcalf Drive, Auburn, NY 13021.

Arrangements are entrusted to Langham Funeral Home LLC, 75 E. Genesee St., Auburn.