Statement regarding Hon Bruce Baird AM

Jen and I are saddened to hear that our dear friend Hon Bruce Baird AM has passed away and extend our deepest sympathies to his children Mike, Julia and Stephen and the entire Baird clan.

To me Bruce was a giant, a mentor and a friend who celebrated and lived out his strong Christian faith, loved his family, served his country, his state and our community in the Shire where he was the much beloved local member for Cook.

Bruce had a tremendous sense of humour and a wonderful heart. He loved life, was always active and quite physically brave - taking on some of the world’s most onerous ocean swims, and always returning to his Shire birthplace for the annual Shark Island swim. He was a magnificent witness and role model, who showed the way to serve as a Christian in politics.

Bruce leaves behind a rich legacy in his family, who he loved and was so proud of, speaking constantly about all of them any chance he could, as well as all those he encouraged and supported, which I was privileged to have been one.

His achievements are significant, most notably the transforming effect he had on our home city of Sydney as the Minister for Sydney’s successful Olympic bid. But there are many more.

In my eyes his greatest moments were his selfless care and love for his wife Judy after the illness that eventually took her life. All of Bruce’s best qualities were on display at that time and it was humbling and beautiful to observe him in those days. They are both now united again in Jesus.

God bless you Bruce and your memory my dear and beloved friend, because you were such a rich and great blessing to all of us.