Terrance Baird

Terrance “Terry” David Baird passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, at the age of 67, surrounded by the love of his family.
Terry was truly one of a kind. He was born and raised in Caledonia, NY and was an accomplished high school wrestler. As an artist, entrepreneur, storyteller, salesman, cook, father, brother, friend, and lifelong jokester, he had a personality that was impossible to forget and made a lasting impression, one way or another, on nearly everyone who crossed his path.

He is survived by his children, Joshua Baird (Emily DeGraff) and Julia (Baird) Potter (Jason Snapp); his brother, William “Bill” Baird (Abbie Jean); and many extended family members and lifelong friends whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, David Baird and Shirley Jacobs.

Terry discovered his love of art late in high school and went on to attend Nazareth College, where he pursued a degree in fine arts. That passion eventually became his life’s work. A lifelong sign artist, Terry owned and operated his own sign shop throughout much of his career. His talents ranged from traditional hand lettering and pinstriping to sandblasting, gold leaf, neon, and countless other techniques. He spent his career blending old school craftsmanship with new ideas, constantly evolving his craft while never losing respect for the artistry behind it.

Of course, being talented was only half the equation. Terry could sell just about anything to anyone. His skills as a cunning salesman dated back to his early days in retail and selling Kirby vacuums, and they served him well throughout a lifetime in business.

Terry approached life with the same creativity he brought to his work. He had a quick sense of humor, loved a good dad joke, and took particular pleasure in embarrassing his children with them whenever the opportunity presented itself. Shame was simply not something Terry possessed when there was a chance to make someone laugh.
Above everything else, Terry loved his family. He was an incredible father who worked hard to make sure his children had what they needed, even during difficult times, and frequently put his own wants and needs aside for the chance to spoil them.

Some of Terry’s happiest memories were made at Letchworth State Park, his favorite place and the home of his annual “Bubbaque.” Each year brought together an ever changing collection of family and friends from childhood through the present day for good food, plenty of laughs, and even better company.

Barbecue was another of Terry’s great passions. He spent years perfecting his pork butt, homemade “Butt Spankin’ Sauce,” and dry rub - all staples of the Bubbaque. He loved catering whenever he had the opportunity, often alongside Josh. The two made a dream team at many events. Terry had been especially excited about opening a food truck and sharing his cooking with even more people before his cancer diagnosis made that dream impossible.

Terry was also a lifelong bowler who participated in leagues for much of his life. Together with their mother, Chris, he passed that love on to Josh and Julia, getting them into bowling leagues practically as soon as they could walk.

He loved golfing and was thrilled when Julia finally took up the sport later in his life, allowing her to join Terry, Josh, and Bill for their Father’s Day golf tradition. He was also an avid motorcycle rider who loved nothing more than getting out on his Harley whenever he had the chance.

Terry lived creatively, loved fiercely, laughed loudly, and never had much interest in being ordinary. He was a character in every sense of the word, and the stories he left behind will be told, laughed about, and probably embellished for generations to come.

In accordance with Terry’s wishes, there will be no traditional services or calling hours.
Instead, his family and friends will celebrate him in the place he loved most, doing something he loved most.

A Celebration of Life Bubbaque will be held on Sunday October 25, 2026, at the Eddie Shelter at Letchworth State Park. Family and friends are invited to come together, share stories, laugh, eat, and celebrate a life that was anything but ordinary.

Sign painters don’t die. They just fade away.

And there will never be another Terry.