JOHN BAIRD - 2006

[JOHN L. HINNANT]

Good Morning All.

I am not sure exactly where to place this information, so it can be moved if neccessary.

John Baird who wrote two books on Hawken Rifles recently passed away. He was 83, I believe.

In more recent years, some of the information and conclusions in his books have proven to have been a bit off of the X Ring, but he did succeed in making "Hawken" a household name in the muzzle loading fraternity.

For his contributions to the Hawken story, I am enriched.

Best regards and good shooting,

John L. Hinnant

 

He also published a great magazine, The Buckskin Report.

Sean

 

Yes sirs! on both posts. John set the research ball a rollin' on the Hawken rifle books. The books are the only books to date that has a good collection of Hawken photos for the builders in mind. I thank him for that. I wish someone with a lot a money to spend would come up with a Hawken book with a lot a color pictures in it. Cheers for John Baird!! I am sure his family and friends will miss him.

 

Here's the info as I got it from Ric Carter:
"I have just learned of the passing of John Baird on July 14, 2006. It was his birthday. John was 78 years and 18 hours old. John published and edited the BUCKSKIN REPORT magazine in the 1970s and 80s. John was afflicted with Lewybodies, a form of dementia similar to Alzheimers. Being the sort of man he was, as soon as the diagnoses was made John planned out exactly how his business and personal life was to be managed right up until the end. John left for his final rendezvous with no strings untied.

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. John D.(Betty) Baird at 1902 Range Road, Wadestown, West Virginia 26590. Telephone (304) 662-6220. Betty lives alone there but her daughter lives nearby. I'll bet Betty would appreciate a call. I don't have an email address. There is a possibility that a memorial service will be held at the Eastern Rendezvous in September."

I met John in 1973 at the first NAPR Rendezvous held on Ed Webber's ranch south of Big Timber. He was a true lover and a fine ambassador of muzzleloaders and of buckskinning. I worked with him a bit and had an article in and a cover on the Buckskin Report in the early years. John was always John - warts and all - and I was glad to have called him friend.......
Chuck Burrows, R.I.P. Dinglehofer........... :hatsoff:

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Good Morning All.

I am not sure exactly where to place this information, so it can be moved if neccessary.

John Baird who wrote two books on Hawken Rifles recently passed away. He was 83, I believe.

In more recent years, some of the information and conclusions in his books have proven to have been a bit off of the X Ring, but he did succeed in making "Hawken" a household name in the muzzle loading fraternity.

For his contributions to the Hawken story, I am enriched.

Best regards and good shooting,

John L. Hinnant

Sorry to hear of his passing.

Knew John back in the 70's, visited at Big Timber MT couple times and made a few NAPR rondys he attended.

 

[faw3]

Never got to meet him but know him well. Hawken's would just be another rifle if not for his trying to put what went where, wrong or right he was one of a kind, and a great writer if ya havent read the Muz Blast from the 60s and 70s. Like Bill L he will will greatly missed, I hope he knew of the 1000 and 1000s of views we had on the 3 Hawken spots on perc, long enough to be locked out. It would take a year to tell ya all youv taught me because you got me started in this - leading to other rifles and people on here ans in print. The sky isnt big enough to hold ya,,so long for now "Dinglehoofer...............fw

 

[shmrck1]

John,
He was a traditional blackpowder guy!!!!
That's all I need to know...I've read some of his works and B/P ran thru his viens. He will be
missed.IMHO
snake-eyes :hatsoff:

 

[JOHN L. HINNANT]

Good Morning Grey Wolf,

Many thanks for the detailed information on John Baird. I am sure it is much appreciated by the Forum members.

I met the gentleman in 1983 at Friendship, and the experience can only be described as fun, interesting, and educational.

We all can only hope that when we move on to The Great Range as many good things will be said about us.

Best regards and good shooting.

John L. Hinnant