He leaves behind his loving parents, Kris and Gayle Baird, and his cherished siblings, Cami (Jake) Peterson, Stephanie (Joe) Canny, and Sarah Baird. Matthew was a beloved uncle to Olivia and Dean, children of Cami and her husband Jake Peterson, and to Calhoon, Antonia, and Redmond, children of Stephanie and her husband Joe Canny. He also leaves behind his grandparents, Ted and Celeste Covington, and was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Dixie Baird.
He had a profound relationship with his family. Matthew grew up in a family as the one beloved son with three sisters. Matthew and his mother had a special connection, often engaging in deep conversations about life while his mom put together puzzles. Matthew and his dad, united in their enthusiasm for basketball, historical documentaries, and action movies, formed a tight-knit duo in a household otherwise dominated by women. He shared a tender bond with his younger sister Sarah, who was a significant support during his times of need along with sharing many interests including books, shows, video games, and movies. Being only 15 months apart with his older sister Stephanie, he followed in her footsteps in many things such as playing soccer, running cross country and reading Harry Potter, but he had much more talent and physical advantages with his 6’ 2” frame. Matthew and his oldest sister, Cami, would engage in playful wrestling matches until Matthew reached high school. That’s when Cami, recognizing his growing strength, decided to quit while she was ahead.
Throughout his life, Matthew resided in various states including Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Nebraska. Being born in Lexington and spending a significant portion of his childhood in Kentucky, he was a passionate fan of the Kentucky Wildcat basketball team, thoroughly knowledgeable about the team’s statistics and the professional careers of its past players. Matthew also cherished the time spent watching NCAA March Madness and college football with his dad and grandparents. Beyond sports, Matthew enjoyed action movies, history documentaries, and running 5ks.
Matthew was known for his sweet, thoughtful nature, and his belief in the teachings of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, which he openly shared with his family. He reached the rank of Eagle Scout, showcasing his leadership and commitment to community service. Matthew was remembered for his remarkable memory and ability to retain information he read, attributes that were matched by his kind and generous heart.
Despite facing more than his fair share of challenges, Matthew navigated his journey with grace and resilience. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life, remembering the profound impact he had on those around him and the deep love he shared with his family and friends.