Pittman, James Baird January 21, 1940 - July 11, 2014 MONTEREY, CA

Baird was born in Arlington, MA and raised in Sudbury, MA. A graduate of Brown University, he enjoyed careers that took him from London, Minneapolis and finally Monterey, CA where he was the owner of Associated Hosts, a destination management company. He searched for a meaningful career and found it. Through work and leisure his love of travel took him to over 50 countries. Think of a place and Baird Pittman has been there. Baird's zest for life brightened everyone's day.

He believed it was important to give back - not just monetarily but through hard work and wisdom. Baird enjoyed being involved in his community. He was Chair of the Methodist Hospital Foundation Board (nka Park Nicollet Foundation) and successfully chaired the Second Century Campaign. The sculpture in front of the hospital was an outcome of that campaign. He worked many years at Gage Marketing Group and was a leader in the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. Baird was also very active in many community organizations in Monterey. Baird's humor could have you in stitches or rolling your eyes. He could make you laugh till you cried. He was a fabulous husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He loved tennis, golf, biking and hiking.

Baird passed away peacefully on July 11, 2014 after a courageous seven-month battle with ALS. His strength, humor, curiosity and en-thusiasm for life will be carried on in his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth of 26 years; son, Andrew (Kari); daughter, Emily (Chris); stepdaughter, Michelle (Jeff); stepson, Darren (Shinta); grandchildren, Olympia, Aleia, Riley, Kelsey, Bailey and Elliana; sister, Priscilla; nieces, Debra and Susan (Tony); and last but not least, his loyal 4-legged friend, Cooper. A very special thanks to Jerry and Gerry Carnazzo and Christien and Rob Petrie for their deep friendship.

A memorial service will be held this Friday, July 18th at 11:00 AM at Asilomar Conference Center, 800 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations can be sent to The ALS Association, Golden West Chapter, PO Box 565, Agoura Hills, CA 91376-0565.

Published on July 17, 2014 in Star Tribune (Minneapolis/St Paul, MN)