Wolcott Dean Baird, Jr., age 79, died December 3rd surrounded by loved ones at his home in Fairfax Station, VA after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.

Dean was born on February 7, 1946, in Pensacola, Florida to Dorothy Mae and Wolcott Dean Baird, both of whom served in the military during World War II. He was the oldest of five siblings. Dean grew up in Metairie, Louisiana and credited his mother and Aunt Ruth for his sound upbringing. He attended Centenary College earning his B.A. in History, and in doing so, became the first college graduate in his family. It was there that he met the love of his life, Carolyn Wallace. They were married on December 23, 1968, and would go on to have two children and six grandchildren.

After graduation, Dean entered the Navy and fought during the Vietnam War. He served 22 years and had a decorated career as an Intelligence Officer. After leaving the military, Dean worked for another two decades, first at Booz Allen Hamilton and then for the Navy as a civilian. It was in retirement, however, where Dean hit his stride. If he wasn’t driving around in a convertible or Jeep with a Diet Coke from 7–11, Dean was at the gym, playing bridge or word games, eating at one of his favorite restaurants, vacationing in Ocean City , New Jersey with his family, or attending one of hundreds of recitals, award ceremonies, swim meets, athletic practices and/or games of his grandchildren. Around northern Virginia, Dean was simply known to many as “Grandpa.”

Dean is survived by Carolyn, his son, Duke Baird and his wife Anne, daughter, Becky McDermott and her husband Kevin, his grandchildren—Luke, Matthew, Adelaide, Eleanor, Ryan and Maddie—and his sisters, Portia and Victoria. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Carl and Richard.

Dean loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was an avid baseball fan, a coach, and an admirer of history. He will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity, for always showing up and doing the right thing, and his never-ending love for his family. He will be missed by all who knew him.