John W. Baird, who led his family’s Chicago-based brokerage Baird & Warner for decades, died Friday night in hospice care at age 98 after suffering a stroke eight days earlier. Up until his death, Baird, who was the fourth generation of Bairds to lead the independent brokerage founded in 1855, served as the firm’s chairman.
In addition to leading the firm, Baird also helped create open space and preserve landmarks in the Chicago community as a longtime member of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks; was the co-founder of a group that maintains community gardens; and a member of other Chicago civic commissions including the Trust for Public Land. In the latter role, he helped guide the creation of two notable Chicago parks.
John’s son, Stephen, currently serves as CEO and president of Baird & Warner and was recently named one of Inman News’ 100 most influential real estate leaders in 2014.
Source: Chicago Tribune