Harvey Baird peacefully entered into rest on April 10, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, after a short illness.

Harvey was born in Rohnerville to Harvey Baird Sr. and Beryl Godfrey Baird, the third child and only son of their six children. Harvey was a lifelong resident of Humboldt County, remaining in the Rohnerville/Fortuna area his entire life. He never wanted to live anywhere else.

Harvey worked in the woods and various sawmills in his early years while raising his family, often working multiple jobs at the same time. He made lots of friends and shared plenty of laughs with his quick wit and unique sense of humor. In the early 1970s he and Sue purchased The Old West Trading Post at the junction of Highways 36 and 101 in Alton, turning it into “Harvey’s,” a jumping dance bar that served the best pizza for miles around.

Although he loved the music and social life of being a bar owner, he made the decision to change occupations. Harvey discovered he was a very creative wood worker. He made beautiful clocks, furniture and chain saw carvings. He loved using redwood and driftwood for many of his projects. That’s how Harvey’s bar became The Old West Trading Post again. He met people from all over the world, remaining friends with many until his death. Harvey never knew a stranger.

Harvey was an avid outdoorsman. There wasn’t much he enjoyed more than hunting, fishing and diving for abalone, unless it was listening to his three sons play their guitars. His best friend and hunting partner was his son Colley. They had numerous friends and hunting partners along the way and enjoyed all the trips they took together.

Harvey is survived by four children from his first marriage to Fame Thornbury — sons Jesse, Colley (Phyllis), Griff (Wanda) Baird and last but not least, daughter Tana (Jerry) Bryan. He had 15 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren with one on the way, 18 great-great grandchildren with two on the way, sisters Jackie Winsby, Loyce Stovall and Gloria Cottrell as well as his beloved dogs Duke and Piglet.

In 1971 Harvey married Sue Oester, the love of his life. They had a wonderful 44 plus years together. Sue had two daughters, Rhonda Meehan and Debi August, and a son, Jim Oester, that preceded her in death. His marriage to Sue increased his already impressive total of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents Harvey Sr. and Beryl, sisters Beverly and Marilyn and his precious wife Sue in 2015.

Harvey will always be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity and willingness to help others. He was truly a good Samaritan. We will all miss his infectious laughter and endless stream of jokes.

There will be a private burial for Harvey on April 13, 2023. A memorial service will be held on April 22, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Calvary Chapel located at 914 9th St. Fortuna. All friends and family are welcome to attend and share stories and memories of Harvey. Refreshments will be served.

###