By Katy James

I have some sad news to share.  One of my favorite swimmers and relay mates, Jeff Baird, passed away March 29, 2021 in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was 62.  All I know is that he was at the pool.

Jeff was involved in competitive swimming since way before high school. He was on the ASU swim team and he was proud of the fact he held a national record at one point before it was broken again 8 minutes later. He coached for Wickenburg High School for a few years.  He also competed with Phoenix Swim Club, Swim Devil Masters, and Arizona Masters.  I first met him when he volunteered to run our AZLMSC elections in 2012.  Jeff, Dave Evans, Christie Altman and I were on a 400 meter free relay together a couple years back that was Number 1 in the Fina World Masters rankings.

I asked two of Jeff’s favorite swimmer friends what they liked most about Jeff. 

From Terry DeBiase, former AZLMSC Chair and SDM super swimmer:

Jeff was as unpretentious as the day was long. Jeff was non-judgemental and favored the same courtesy in return. If you were looking for information and an opinion on a subject, you need look no further than Jeff. He loved to compete in the pool, but I always sensed he loved more to visit with his fellow masters swimming friends. He was always up to speed on the latest medical research as it applied to physiology and our swimming. I loved hearing his latest ideas on some new training technique or exercise routine or medicinal alternative, but they were never offered in an obsessive way. He would probably cringe to hear it, but there was an academic research quality to his musings, with his willingness to fill the role of test subject as necessary. Jeff, among the many new holes out there, there is a gaping one in AZ masters swimming without you buddy.

From Dave Evans, SDM super swimmer:

I raced against Jeff for many years.  What I admired was his ability to not be emotionally attached to the outcome of his swims, as well as his occasional unfiltered commentary.

I will really miss Jeff.  I was really looking forward to swimming on relay with him again soon.