As most of you know, I have been gone for three days attending a retreat for Minister's Spouses. I returned home this afternoon.After catching up with my husband I downloaded emails to see what I had. I was greatly saddened to see an email from my aunt informing me that my cousin, Don Baird, had passed away on Thursday night. He had been battling cancer for a while.
Don was a wonderful man. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious smile. We did not have to coax him much to get him to share one of his songs with us at family gatherings. He even had a song recorded by Willie Nelson. He was also in the process of writing a book.
But Don's first love was broadcasting. WSB Radio in Atlanta was his home from 1962-1974. He then went on to work for CNN for 15 years before his retirement. He was the "voice of Atlanta", one of his colleagues said. He interviewed Martin Luther King and even held his Nobel Peace Prize in his hand. It was such a thrill for him. He was always honest and professional. Many politicians asked for Don when they knew they would be interviewed by WSB radio in Atlanta.
I will miss him. We didn't see each other very often and I will forever regret that I did not get over to see him or get that card in the mail before he died. What a joy to have had him for a cousin. Rest now Don. Your race has been run and your crown is won.
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