AMA Hall of Famer & Leading 60’s Enduro Rider Bill Baird Passes

Mr. Baird was the leading AMA National Enduro Rider from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s and won seven consecutive national enduro championships during that time. He was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Baird family. It’s a sad day for the American Motorcyclist Association and for motorcycling,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “Bill Baird, with his wife, Millie, was a strong supporter of the AMA and played a key role in getting the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation started.”

In addition to being a top competitor, Mr. Baird was also a key figure in the AMA, serving on the Board of Trustees for 21 years and being one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum through his activities for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation.

Mr. Baird also was an avid motorcycle collector. Several of his machines have been displayed at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.

Visitation is scheduled for July 21, with the funeral July 22. McDonald Funeral Home in Sterling, Ill., is handling arrangements.

Mr. Baird’s AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame profile may be viewed at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.