Vaughan L. Baird 6 September 1927 - 17 August 2013

As a youth, Vaughan Baird competed in boxing, diving, and swimming. This is where he developed many of the leadership skills that would later serve others so well and in so many capacities. His work with the Commonwealth Games Association of Canada is extensive and distinguished. He was a founding director and solicitor of the Commonwealth Games Association of Canada Inc. and of the Commonwealth Games Foundation of Canada Inc. He served as Vice President of the Commonwealth Games Association of Canada from 1979 to 1990 and as a director of the Commonwealth Games Foundation of Canada from 1982 to 1991. He raised considerable funds as Chairman of the CGAC Finance/Marketing Committee from 1979 to 1990.

Above and beyond being a consummate leader and administrator, Vaughan was an internationally renowned diving judge. His involvement spanned 1964 to 1990, when he worked at every major competition, including four Commonwealth Games, as well as World Championships, Olympic and Pan American Games. He was a member of many international committees, including the Commonwealth Games Technical Diving Committee.  He is the founding director of the Manitoba Sports Federation, founding/present chairman of the Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame and Museum, founding president of the Canadian Amateur Diving Association, founding director of the Aquatic Federation of Canada.

He was an accomplished solicitor for many sport organizations and was also a barrister of note, arguing before the Supreme Court of Canada. He received his Queen’s Counsel designation in 1966, one of the youngest to ever receive such an honor.

For all his hard work and dedication he was honored with the Silver Jubilee medal in 1977. He is the recipient of the Bill Schroeder Service Award from the International Association of Sports Museums and is also a member of the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.  He is the recipient of Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws from the University of Winnipeg. Vaughan Baird was also appointed a member of the order of Canada.

His years of continued devotion to the betterment of amateur sport and the Commonwealth Games movement, speak for themselves. He has used sport to build within communities. His impact has been phenomenal as a volunteer involved in just about every aspect of sport and the Commonwealth Games movement.