Dale Seth Baird

Dale Seth Baird, 91, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away February 6, 2023, after a long illness.

Dale was born to Seth and Leila (Bird) Baird of Heyburn, Idaho, and grew up working on the family farm. He attended the State Normal School in Albion, Idaho, as one of the first college attendees in his family.

Dale was known for his puckish sense of humor and funded the purchase of an engagement ring by getting his uncle drunk and borrowing the money from him. The ring's intended, Norma Jean Nelson, became his bride on March 27, 1951. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together, they had two children, Bradley Dale and Teri Lyn. The family enjoyed camping, trail riding, and white-water rafting together.

Dale entered the United States Army in October of 1952, serving in the Korean War as a Military Police Sharpshooter. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1954 and from the reserves in 1960. He continued to hone his sharpshooting skills by participating in competitions with the Idaho Peace Officers Association. He often took first place.

An accomplished outdoorsman, Dale went to work for The Idaho Department of Fish and Game in 1956. Dale taught hunter safety courses and was an active member of the local Search and Rescue Units. Eventually, he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Law Enforcement from 1974-1984. He was instrumental in the creation of Citizens Against Poaching, a non-profit organization within the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Dale enjoyed being a referee for high school football and basketball. The highlight of his refereeing career was working the Veteran's Day football game in the Boise State Broncos football stadium.

Dale's wife, Norma, passed away in 1981. Shortly thereafter, he married Diane Barnes Baker. Dale and Diane would snowbird in Welton, Arizona, eventually staying there year-round. They spent many summers in their camper then trailer traveling the west. Diane passed away in 2011. Dale was married to Janice Baldwin from 2012 to 2022.

After his retirement with the Fish and Game, Dale sat on the Outfitters and Guides Board, worked on a helitack firefighting crew for the Forest Service, was tax preparer/office manager for H&R Block, and rode his horse into the back country to take the Census.

Dale enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with his nieces and nephews. He also loved teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to hunt and fish, insisting that they learn to clean and cook their catch. Dale also raised and trained horses, teaching his grandchildren to ride and his great-grandchildren in Idaho and Arizona, to ride and show horses, a legacy he was proud of. Dale will be remembered as a great harmonica player and campfire storyteller.

He is preceded in death by his wives, Norma and Diane; parents, Seth and Leila; sister, Bonnie (Larry) Smith; and brother, Max (Kay) Baird.

Dale is survived by his two children, Brad (Connie) of Boise and Teri (Mack) Smith of Idaho Falls; his grandchildren, Ryan (Summer) Baird, Miranda Marquit, Rachel Gates, Kim Brewer, William (Hillary) Smith, Jeffrey (Lara) Baird, Mack Seth (Lacey) Smith and Robert (Natasha) Smith; 16 great-grandchildren, brother, Vaughn (Juanee) Baird, sister-in-law Kay, and brother-in-law Larry.

The family is grateful to the staff at Lincoln Court and Hands of Hope for their diligent care of Dale during his illness.

A short service will be held at 11:00 a.m. March 2, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2020 South Charlotte Drive in Idaho Falls. Interment will be in Hamilton, Montana.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Citizens Against Poaching, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 600 South Walnut St., PO Box 25, Boise, Idaho, 83707, Attn: CAP. (check or money order)