Frederick Aldine "Dean" Baird, Jr., 81, of Pensacola, FL, died peacefully on Sunday, December 24, 2023, surrounded by family and friends at his home. Dean fiercely battled pancreatic cancer while celebrating life everyday with those he loved.

Dean was born to the late Frederick Aldine Baird and Rose Lambrelli on December 31, 1941, in Pensacola, FL. Dean attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi and was a graduate of Pensacola High School, where he met and later married late Jane Maxwell "Maxie" Baird in Pensacola, FL, where they had their four children - Deana Baird Johnson (spouse, Kent Edward Johnson), Katherine Jane Baird, and the twins - Frederick Aldine "Tripp" Baird III (spouse, Jennifer Jean Baird) and Suzanne Baird Zimmerman (spouse, Richard Samuel Zimmerman III).

He had three sisters, the late Mary Ellen Charters as well as those by which he is survived, June Baird Guerra (late spouse, Michael Guerra) and Judy Baird Roberts (spouse, Platt Roberts). He is survived by his nephew, Mark Michael Guerra (spouse, Amanda Shelby Guerra) and had a niece, the late Tara Charters Sirmans.

Dean's grandchildren include George Lowell "Trey" Grover III (spouse, Ashlee Grover), Jane Margret Johnson (spouse, Tyler Johnson), Katherine Rose Baird, Frances Jacqueline Zimmerman, Reagan Jean Baird, Frederick Aldine "Major" Baird IV, and Avery Maxwell Baird. Dean's great grandchildren include George Lowell Grover IV, Smith Grover, and Charlotte Grover.

He was born and raised in Pensacola and lived in East Hill on Bayou Texar, where he and his sisters were avid water skiers. Dean was a natural entrepreneur and risk taker, starting his own sandwich shop in his teens as well as owning and operating FAB Builders and opening the first self-storage facility in Pensacola, all before he was 30.

After Dean and Maxie divorced, he set about changing Pensacola Beach for the better. Dean's vision was to make Pensacola Beach a popular, year-round destination for both locals and tourists. He began by building and living in the first wind-powered home in Pensacola in the 1970's and soon thereafter developed and built San De Luna; Tristan Towers; Portofino Island Resort; and the QuietWater Beach Boardwalk, where he also operated Jubilee Oyster Bar and Grille, Rio's Bar and Grille, Aloha Sports, the Pic Nic, and Captain Fun's.

Dean Baird will always be remembered by his friends as "Captain Fun." Many remember seeing him often in his red and white cigarette boat also named "Captain Fun." He was an avid poker player and hosted a regular poker game at his home for over fifty years. He was able to capture peoples' attention with his iconic style, his sage advice, and legendary storytelling. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family, and his spirit will live on through those he left behind.

A visitation will be held 5:00pm-7:00pm Friday, January 5, 2024, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A private family graveside service will take place at Bayview Memorial Park.