Buhrman Kenneth "Yogi" Baird
September 9, 1923 ~ January 19, 2011
Services:
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD with Pastor Daniel Moore officiating. Interment will remain private.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 28, 2011 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD.
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“Yogi, I enjoyed many refreshing conversations with you in Hollywood Burchmart. Thank you for your friendship and your service in the military, most of all , Thank you for your kindness toward me, You were so well respected and kind of a superstar at Hollywood Burchmart and all over the community. God bless you and we thank God for your beautiful soul and for your presence in our life. We will miss your great attitude toward life , no matter how trying it was for you. Peace be with you brother.”
“We and our young kids loved seeing you walk, and always wondered where you got so much energy. We admired that about you. We will miss seeing you! Keep walking in Heaven…and Rest In Peace. “
“We never knew you, but we all saw and admired you walking with your lawnmower. You touched our lives….and you will be missed!”
“Yogi, may God give you the ability to view these comments so that you may know how many people’s lives you touch and to know how you filled our lives by witnessing your spirit every day we say you on the road. Your fierce independence served as a lesson to us all. We will miss you and all of us will pray for you safe voyages up and down the roads of heaven. You will never know of all those that admired you.”
“Rest In Peace. and you will be missed.”
“I used to work at Hollywood Burchmart and Yogi came in there every single day. Mrs. Lori would make his special sandwich and have it waiting on him. I always told everyone he was my boyfriend. He told me he was going to take me for a ride in his helicopter. I now live in Kentucky, and have still thought about him many times over the years. My heart is breaking. Hollywood will never be the same without him. May you rest in peace, sweet Yogi.”
“Yogi you were a big part of Hollywood, more than you will ever know. Often you were seen pushing your lawnmover to Burchmart and along the road. You brought a smile to my face and showed me determination. As a Hollywood resident, I am sadden to hear we lost another good one. You tragic death was untimely. You will be miss. Rest in peace.”
” I’ll truly miss seeing you mowing the grass across the street from my house and I’ll see you outside your camper working in your garden area. You didn’t deserve to have to run down like this and I hope justice is served to this man with your blood on his hand. I know you in heaven now, mowing their lawns,Hollywood MD will never be the same without you, Yogi. Rest in peace “
“Bless his soul.”
“Yogi: All of us Hollywood citizens will miss seeing you walk up & down the road each & everyday…you had such a get up & go and ambition for life it is just so amazing…thank you for all your service for our country & for our county. you will be deeply missed by so many. may you walk forever in heaven now. Rest In Peace our fellow friend”
“May the Angels keep you close….”
“Rest In Peace Yogi. We’ll miss seeing you, doing what you do despite all odds. You are the definition of determination and perseverance. May you rest in peace among the angels & our Heavenly father. You will be so missed!”
“Yogi,My family will definitely miss seeing you walking down Hollywood/Leonardtown Road. Thank you for proudly serving our nation; may you rest in peace.”
“May you rest in peace Yogi. You will be missed,,.”
“We have lived in Hollywood most of our lives and have seen Yogi walking the roads all the time for many, many years. We would see him often in Burchmart and he always had a smile and a story to share. We always worried about him walking these busy roads but he always stayed off to the side. Only God has the answer to why he was taken. Yogi, you will truly be missed. Thank you for your dedication and service to our country. May you rest in peace… God Bless YOU Yogi!”
“Yogi – Your strength to get up every morning and make that walk inspired me to make changes in my life and showed me it is never too late. Thanks.”
“Yogi, I did get to see you last night when you were in the drug store and got to talk to you for a few minutes but it just won’t be the same without you coming in and giving me a hard time like always. WE WILL ALL MISS YOU!!! REST IN PEACE! GOD HAS A GOOD ANGEL BY HIS SIDE.”
“Yogi..Rest in peace. I will miss seeing you at McKays and at Burchmart. You always had a smile on your face and a kind word. God be with you.”
“Yogi, you will surely be missed, may you rest in peace. “
“Hollywood MD will not be the same without “Sneedy”. Sneedy is well known throughout the local Southern Maryland community; he was a proud war veteran – rarely seen not wearing his camo jacket. He got his nickname “Sneedy” when he was a paratrooper in the Military, around the same time he helped to build PAX River Naval Base in 1944.Sneedy always amazed me, a man of his age and health walking miles and miles on a daily basis. It wasn’t uncommon for him to walk from the Hollywood McKay’s all the way to the California Lowes; that’s a 16 mile round trip! He was a very independent man, he didn’t take rides from anyone, only people he knew and trusted. Sneedy had been through a lot in the last few years; he survived a terrible fire (suspected arson), suffered severe burns, and injuries that effected his speech. With all of his injuries he was advised to stay at the nursing home in Leonardtown while recovering, well Sneedy wanted things his way so he did what Sneedy did best, walked out! The town rallied around him and offered him places to stay, but Sneedy was proud and independent, he did accept an offer to live in a pump house! Soon after he was able to save some money and bought a $5000 camper – powered by a kerosene generator. Many thought the infamous lawn mower gave him something to lean on – it was actually used to carry kerosene back to his home. Although Sneedy’s body had aged and suffered injuries, his mind, memory, and sense of humor remained sharp. He loved to talk about his life, times in the military, friends/family, ups and downs; laughing and smiling the whole time. After the fire his speech was sometimes hard to understand, many thought he had suffered a stroke, was mentally challenged, or even drunk; this was definitely not the case. The speech impairment didn’t faze Sneedy, people having to listen a little closer only meant Sneedy got to talk a little louder! Nothing was going to stop him from telling his stories, enjoying his life, or walking to the local convenience store to get in on the latest town gossip. It may have been hard to catch every word but he made sure to get his point across! Sneedy gave my mother some papers a few years ago, saying that if he were to pass away he wanted them read at his services. I know she wasn’t the only one he gave them to. Sneedy was an inspiration and an example; he let nothing slow him down and faced many challenges head on, all with the best of attitudes, courage, strength, and spirit. Some believe angels walk among us; I know I was brought up like that, “be kind, help those in need, be gracious, non-judgmental, and always thankful – you never know…” Although if Sneedy was an angel he didn’t walk among us, he walked circles around us! He will be truly missed, and always remembered! “
“Our family was so sad hearing the news this morning of Yogi’s death. He was just seen by a family member that evening on Leon. Hollywood rd. He always made us smile when we saw him, my kids thought he was the coolest. Yogi you will be so missed here in Hollywood. May you rest in eternal peace..”
“Yogi, you will be missed by many. I only met you a couple times, but enjoyed you sharing with me your war photos, Rest In Peace Yogi!”
“Will miss seeing you on the road walking and not hurting anything and anyone you go Yogi, rest in peace we will see you soon.”
“Rest In Peace, our hollywood friend you will be missed by all Lee and Lorraine Fish”
“Yogi, my family and I have known you for the last 11 years since we moved to Hollywood. Its going to be different not seeing you at Burchmart or making your way around with your trusty lawnmower. May you rest in peace.”
“I like all these, did not know Mr. Baird, but hearing of his passing, my heart goes out to his family. GOD has a very special person with HIM now. Rest in Peace Mr. Baird, I hope you see from above how special a person and how you touched each person who saw you on your many walks. GOD BLESS”
“”Rest in peace Yogi” You will be missed by so many.”
“Enjoyed your company,and I will truely miss you , you will always be in my heart. Love you always, Nancy”
“Yogi, I can see by all the postings on here that you touched many lives. I know you touched mine when I first joined the fire department in Lexington Park you were one of the first to come up and welcome a young 16 year old kid into the department. We all loved to listen to your stories of your service to this country during World War Two. You served as the president of our department for one year in the 60’s and you were a member for many years during that time. After I moved to Hollywood I would always see you walking up and down the road with your trusty lawnmower and I would stop and talk awhile. You never wanted a ride. So now your long walk is over and I hope that the arms of angels wrapped themselves around you so you have to walk no more. All the members of the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department offer their condolences to all who knew and loved this gentle man.”
“I am saddened to hear of your passing. When you used to come into the Mailboxes Etc I struggled to understand your stories, but I am ever so happy that I had the privilege to hear them from you. I’m thankful for our time together, you inspired me in ways that can not be explained. You are certainly a kind spirit and full of energy. May you rest in peace, friend.”
“I didnt know your name but will never forget the icon that touched so many lives here in Hollywood. It broke my heart hearing that your life was taken so quickly. May you rest in peace.”
“I met “Yogi” about 55 years ago when I joined Co 3 FD. We remained friends over the years. I will miss seeing him walking in all weather and not wanting a lift. He will certainly be missed by all that knew him. May GOD bless him. “Rest In Peace Yogi””
“I am so sad to hear of Yogi’s passing. Seeing him stroll down the street with his mower always brought a smile to my face. I wish I had known him personally. I bet he had some wonderful stories to share. May he rest in peace.”
“Yogi, may you rest in peace. I am truly sadden that this happened to you. You will be missed by all. You walked a many miles with that lawn mower, now it’s time for you to use your angels wings and be that shinning star above each and everynight.”
“Rest in Peace my Friend.”
“Yogi, you will be missed. I will always remember that cold snowy day last winter when I stopped and offered you a ride, which you refused. We talked for some time I was freezing, you were very comfortable, stating “the cold does not bother me, I have made this trip many times” May You rest in peace. “
“Yogi, you inspired so many people young, old and middle aged. Nothing held you back, certainly not your age – 87 years old and still able to make so many miles pushing your lawnmower, day and night. My heart is full of sadness that I will no longer see you but we’re all better off having seen what men like you are made of. Hollywood has lost a true icon. Rest in peace dear Yogi! You brought so many smiles to drivers up and down 235.”
“Yogi, God Bless you may you walk with Jesus.”
“I too had never met Yogi, but had seen him several times. Reading all the posts on here, I am reminded of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” wherein a man does not realize just how many lives he touches, simply by living his own life. Quite obviously, Yogi touched MANY lives on his daily journeys. May he find rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father. “
“I will miss you dearly friend! You held a very special place in my heart. I’m so glad the many times I came by to visit you, and just to talk and listen to such a wonderful soul. Thank you for serving our country while in the military, and may God always keep you close to Him! I’ll always keep you in my prayers, you will be greatly missed!”
” I did not know your name, but like everyone else saw you walking every day. My son Andy, knew you and is very upset as your passing. Especially the way it happened. I hope you rest in peace, and I am sure are walking the streets of heaven. God bless you”
“Yogi You and your lawn mower will be missed in Hollywood!! May you rest in peace.”
“Yogi, We were a wonderful human being full of life. We loved the stories you shared with us. We will miss seeing you walking down the road and chatting with you at Foodland and Burchmart. May you fly with the angels”
“We had the honor of speaking with Mr. Baird one day when we stopped along the road to make sure he was okay. He told us all about his experiences during WWII. How I wish those stories could have been written down for future generations. Rest in Peace, Yogi. We will miss seeing you along the roads.”
“YOGI ,WE WILL MISS SEEING YOU ON THE ROAD AND IN BURCHMART. YOU ALWAYS HAD A WAY TO MAKE PEOPLE LAUGH. GO TO HEAVEN YOGI AND BE HAPPY. “
“To whom ever is the family of Yogi. I was so saddened to hear of his tragic ending. Yogi was never to be held down, he got up and went where ever his heart desired. Not even weather stopped him from doing what ever he needed to do or where ever he wanted to go. May he rest in peace and I hope that yogi be an inspiration to anyone else out there that just wants to get up and go.”
“Yogi, all your friends and acquaintances at Burch Oil will truly miss you and your visits. May you finally rest in peace. “
“I didn’t know you personally, I didn’t even know your name,but I saw you walking often with your lawnmower and crate. I admired your “spunkiness” and independence.” May you rest in peace.”
“Yogi, though I did not know you personally my husband was saddened with the news of your passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family. Rest in Peace.”
“Yogi,I only talked to you once and that was at Burch Mart. He carried this sheet of paper around with him which included his age and some of his history. For some reason I believe you were my dad’s friend way, way back which he died back in 1972. You will be missed dearly. Always told my husband that man will live to be a hundred, because of his walking. Take care; you were a great inspiration to all that is older.”
” Rest in peace Yogi. You were a great neighbor and we will miss the sound of the lawnmower this summer. You may be gone but You will never be forgotton.”
“I am so sorry to hear of your passing, Yogi. I only wish I had gotten to hear some of your stories. YOU are an example of how we all have untold stories. Oh how I wish I had listened to yours! God bless you forever. Juliet T. and Family.”
“Yogi you were and are a true inspiration to us all, thank you for your service to this country thank for your presence at the Burchmart each and every day, thank you for your laughter your pearls of wisdom and your kindness. You will be truly missed by all especially Ms Connie. Rest In Peace Yogi, you are safe in God’s hands now. Love and miss ya”
“Yogi you will be missed. Hollywood will be a lot less interesting without you here. God Bless You. “
“Yogi, you used to brighten my day when I was a young teen working at Roy Rodgers in Lexington Park. You came in everyday with a smile to drink coffee and hang out with your friends. The past couple of years I would see you walking up and down the road occasional on St. Andrews Church Road and worry that you would get hurt. I was so sad to hear about you this morning. You were always smiling Yogi, your smile will be missed! Rest now Yogi! “
“I will miss seeing such a energetic man in my travels through Hollywood. May you rest in peace.”
“Rest in Peace Yogi! Hollywood will miss you!”
“I am in tears at the news of your passing. Rest in peace Yogi. I will miss seeing you each day on my way to and from work. Thank you for your years of brave service for our country. Your daily exercise was an inspiration to me. Seeing you walk regardless of the weather was the motivation I needed to exercise each day. I will miss you.”
“Glad I was able to get to talk to you a couple times Yogi. You were a good guy and I’ll miss seeing you around.”
“I will miss seeing you at Hollywood Burchmart and walking up and down Route 235. Rest in peace my friend.”
“Yogi, you will be missed. RIP”
“My husband Wayne has known Yogi for 45 years and says that he was a great welder. You will be missed and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers”
“”Yogi you will be missed. R.I.P.”
“Yogi you were my best friend. We shared lots of memories together. Love you Yogi. “
“We will miss seeing you walking. Rest in Peace.”
“We didn’t know your name, but saw you often on the side of the road’s walking, thought wow what a person especially at your age still getting out daily. We hoped that you would stay safe on the busy roads. Rest in Peace Yogi…”
“Yogi you were such a good guy and will be missed by so many!!!! I remember you coming to our house one year for Christmas you were so sweet Yogi. RIP. Love ya. “
“He was a nice guy and will be missed. He was a symbol of Hollywood. “
“Mr. Baird affectionately known by many as “Yogi” will be greatly missed in Hollywood. It will not be the same without you! You were an inspiration to many and the gifts of your presence will not be forgotten. Thank you Yogi for your life’s work and service to all. You are truly loved! “
“I did not know you personally, but have seen you walking many times. I always look for you when I am out. I am so saddened by this. I feel like I have lost a family member. You will be missed greatly.”
“Yogi, Rest In Peace you will missed. “
“The ” Mayor of Hollywood ” will be greatly missed. “
“Yogi-While we did not know you personally, the news of your passing brought great sadness to our family. We watched your walk your way throughout the county. First, amazed at the stamina a man your age had and secondly, worried that one day an accident similar to this one would occur. You were so proud of your military service. Thank you for your service to our country. We can only pray you did not suffer. Rest in peace.”
“Yogi, you will definitely be missed in Hollywood by very many people! Rest In Peace Yogi”
“Rest in Peace Yogi,you will be missed.”
“Yogi, you will be missed by everyone that drives through and lives in Hollywood. My condolences to his many friends.”
“You were a constant fixture in the Hollywood area and I will miss passing you while on your travels.”
“Rest In Peace Yogi. You will be missed.”
“Yogi, may you rest in peace Hollywood will miss you.”
“Yogi will be Missed. “
“Yogi was so full of life, a group of his friends should have life celebration. Share stories or tales, someone should make a movie or write a book on his life. A guy is 88 years old and still it seems like his life was cut short rest in peace. GI JOE”
“Yogi you were a man of great inspiration.. You have touched many people and will be very missed by all. The story’s you use to tell me and the memory’s of you riding your Bob Cat to pushing your lawnmower will be greatly missed! You really were one of those rays of sunshine on a cloudy day! “The deep pain that is felt at the death of every friendly soul arises from the feeling that there is in every individual something which is inexpressible, peculiar to him alone, and is, therefore, absolutely and irretrievably lost.” ~Arthur Schopenhauer Rest in peace Yogi “
“Yogi – We will miss seeing you walking down RT 245… with your lawn mower. Rest in Peace .. GOD BLESS “
“The story of Yogi fishing off Halfpone point in a little skiff tells it all. He was overturned by a large cabin cruiser. My father came on the accident just as the cabin cruiser had turned about and come to a stop in front of Yogi. The Captain let out a bellow “can you swim”. Yogi replied “hell no I’am 40 foot tall and standing on the bottom”. Yogi will always stand 40 foot tall in my heart.”
“I met Yogi thru my grandson Darren who works at McKay’s and was so worried because of Yogi walking the road behind the lawnmower, well on the way home that night we saw Yogi pushing his mower and pulled over and I offered to buy him a walker with a seat so he could have a seat with him, BUT he refused, he said with the mower he could carry his gas and groceries, he gave me a hug and told me a little of his service days, it was hard to understand his everyword but I left knowing a sweet dear man and one who impressed my grandson who worried about that kind gentleman. Rest in peace Yogi, God had another plan for you friend. The Ballew family”
“I have really enjoyed reading about Yogi’s life before he became a “Hollywood Icon.” As some of you have so beautifully written, Yogi unknowingly inspired and touched all of us–simply by living his life the way he wanted. After the fire and when he lost his home, Yogi parked his camper at my parents’ house (Tommy and Pat Gray) on Old Hollywood Road. When the kids would get off the bus (and if Yogi was not out on his daily travels), you would find him out in the yard chasing them around or playing ball. Yogi always had a ready smile and boy did he like to talk. Dad and Yogi had a special bond where they enjoyed aggravating each other. Although Dad would fuss Yogi for clearing out all the woods near the house–because remember, before the lawnmower there was the Bobcat!–he marveled at the man’s stamina. As you have read, Yogi was fiercely independent. Mom had to practically threaten and beg him to give her his clothes to wash. Although she did not mind washing his clothes, he just did not want to put her to any trouble. Yogi was very dear to my parents, and they both greatly enjoyed his company and friendship. Mom and Dad, I know right now you miss your old friend. You two were so good to Yogi, and I know he treasured your kindness and friendship. We will all miss his determined spirit. It really won’t be the same without having Yogi around the house, but we have our faith that he is truly in a better place. Yes, the Hollywood community has certainly lost a very unique and colorful personality. “
“May you Rest in Peace – You touched more lives than you could ever know, and will be missed”
“We remember your sweet smile and gentle spirit, you have earned your angel wings, rest well.”
“Yogi will always be a great man. I will always cherish the fond memories of our talks at Four Star. Hate to see you go but glad you can finally rest. You will be missed by all of us in SoMD”
“I only knew of you as the “Lawn Mower Man” but my daughter had stories of you when she worked at Subway, she would come home telling us when you came in how you made them all laugh so much, they loved seeing you. I will miss seeing you on your many, many walks. RIP “Yogi””
“You walked by our house everyday, sometimes stopping to talk, and to pet the dog tied to the tree across the street. We will miss you, friends forever.”
“JUST TWO DAYS AGO I WATCHED YOU WALK WITH YOUR LAWN MOWER.I WILL MISS YOU YOGI AND YES YOU STILL ARE AN ANGEL.”
“Each time I seen you a smile entered my heart, your display of kindness, courage, strength and determination served as an example all should follow. I will greatly miss talking with you. It is evident the lives you touched daily, please know your time on earth was well served. Rest in peace my friend.”
“Yogi, you have touched my heart and my childrens hearts in many many ways. I really didn’t know you that well but I can honestly say I love you!!! This was a total tragedy and we will truely be lost with out you!!! Stay up above in heaven and watch over all of us, please be our guardian angel, you will truely be missed!!!!”
“It is nice that we have this site on which we can leave condolences, but it would also be nice to be able to give Mr. Baird the farewell that he deserves. If he gave someone a document that he wanted to be read at his services, perhaps that person would be kind enough to share it here as he obviously had something that he wanted to say and share. God be with you Marine, your long march is through.”
“Yogi, A Man among Men. I will always remember you as the No. 1 Driver of the old Tanker 3. I rode with you a few times when I worked in Lexington Park and had a split shift during the day. You could handle that Beast better than anyone else. I will miss seeing you on 245 when I’m on my way to Leonardtown. Doug’s right, you would never take a ride even though I told you I had room for you and your lawnmower. God Bless you old friend. “
“May you and your lawn mower rest in peace. You will be missed.”
“I never had the pleasure of really getting to know Yogi, but I did have several conversations with him in Burchmart and will miss seeing him around the area. Rest in peace Yogi!”
“Yogi, For a man that no one was sure had any family you have come to touch so may. for all of us from the streets of California and Hollywood you will be missed a day didn’t go by without you being in our lives weather you wanted to be or not. Your smiling face sense of humour and steady walk will be missed. We first came to know you with your trips in the bobcat up and down to Burchmart then you became the lawnmower man. Rest In Peace “
“Yogi, May you walk into the gates of heaven as proud as you walked the streets around us. You will be missed by all. May you Rest In Peace.”
“I didnt know you at all but I know of you. You have been seen by many Southern Marylanders and by me in your many walks. The unique thing is you were always pushing your lawn mower and wearing your army jacket. This is obviously something you enjoyed doing and this is why you will be severely missed. You and your lawnmower are ICONS of Hollywood and the rest of Southern Maryland. I will definately miss seeing the real life “Lawnmower Man””
“Yogi, with as friendly as you were and as well known among people both close up and afar, It saddens me that your funeral services will be private. There are those of us who would love to pay our respects to you. Perhaps you will somehow be able to see the roadside memorial near where you died to know that people genuinely cared about you. Just being you touched so many of us.”
“Rest in peace. “
“”Yogi, you were my friend & I enjoyed all the stories you would tell me & I would never forget all the times you came by my job to get copies of your papers, joke around w/ me & my employees, come in b/c it was too hot out & needed to cool off & even take naps. May you forever Rest In Peace. & you will definetly be missed by many.”
“This TRULY saddens me! I did not know Yogi personaly, but just like everyone else would see him walking down 235/ Hollywood Rd and often wondered where he was going and if he had any family, but as I can see he has made many friends and has touched many peoples lives and it saddends me the most the way it happened. Everyone knew he walked everywhere pushing his lawnmower. Yogi you truly will be missed by all the lives you have touched. May you rest in peace, you will be missed “
“Mr. Baird, I did not know you personally, but I always looked for you in my travels around Hollywood. You have inspsired many people to be active as we get older. Peace be with you.”
“I never had the privilege of meeting you, but your dedication and determination uplifted me more than you’ll know. I’m going to miss seeing you around.”
“I never got a chance to talk to you but it sounds like you were a great guy. You will be missed in this area. You always brought a smile to my face when I saw you and your lawn mower. May you Rest In Peace Yogi you will be missed.”
“How sad to hear of this; I too, would see him walking along with his lawn mower and I would tell my son, who always drove because he is in the process of getting his “provisional” license, “give the right away to this gentleman on the side of the road with his mower”. I used to think of how he was a little older than my Mother and how good it was for him to be out every day. We sure will miss seeing him. Bless his soul. “
“You have walked a many of a mile in your life time, Now you can rest,now you can talk and walk in heaven with the rest of your family and friends REST IN PEACE”
“Rest in Peace Yogi ~ You sure will be missed though.”
” Yogi–My husband has known you for years, beginning at the Bay Dist Vol. Fire Dept. and many years later, my young son and I was introduced to you (by my husband) in Roy Rogers in San Soucci. Every time we stopped in, you were there with your coffee, and just visiting and entertaining everyone, and like everyone else, I see you walking in Hollywood, refusing those many rides offered to you by many people, and We will truly miss you. I saw you on Monday with your lawnmower, going to the Hollywood Burchmart, to visit your friends there. Yogi, Rest in Peace, as you are now a true member, of the “Hollywood Stars”. “
“So sad to hear of your passing. I will miss seeing you in my travels. Good Bless you.”
“Yogi-I loved seeing you at Burchmart, you always made me smile. You were truly one of a kind. I sit hear with tears knowing I will never again walk in and get your greeting, see you smile and hear your laugh. It will never be the same world without you. “
“Yogi, you will be missed along with your kindness and contentness.”
“I did not know who Mr. Yogi was have never seen him walking the roads of Hollywood.He may not have had any wordly goods but there is one thing Mr. Yogi did have was RESPECT of all people young and old.. We send our condolences.. May he rest in peace…”
“Yogi you will always be missed you were a good kind person who never hurt anyone always waved when someone called your name, we will miss seeing you coming by the house on Hollywood Rd. Rest in peace you will be missed and in everyones thoughts God Bless You.”
“Thoughts and prayers go out to you. We will truly miss seeing you on the road. “
“You were such a welcome sight to see when driving through Hollywood – we will miss seeing you. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.”
“”Semper Fi” Ole Marine,R.I.P.”
“Yogi, you poor sweet man. We are so sorry that we cannot all come and pay our respects. You were such a happy soul and we will all miss seeing you.”
“I worked at the Burchmart gas booth for a while and Yogi’s visits were a regular occurrence. He loved ice cream sandwiches. We would talk every time he came by. Yogi was kind of hard to understand, but that was part of his charm. His speech problem was from an injury in WWII I think. On one visit he showed me an old paper from the V.A. That explained it and documented how he had been fighting them for benefits for a long time. He finally won that battle. He was a proud Vet and a gentleman and will be missed.”
“It hurts my heart to hear that you are gone, and saddens me that you lost your life doing what you did everyday, walking on the side of the road pushing your lawn mower, doing odd and end jobs for some extra money. You had a heart of gold, always brought a smile to peoples faces. I am truely going to miss passing you on a daily basis. Bless your heart, and may you rest in peace you beautiful soul. “
“The sight of the “Lawnmower Man” along Rt 245 and Rt 235 will be greatly missed. Rest in peace.”
“Yogi, I am shocked that he is gone. He truly was a nice man to everyone. I would often see him at the Hollywood Post Office, he would hold the door for me and I would ensure he goes in first. He used the lawn mower for balance – to help him walk he told me. I liked to walk. He was very wise. This is a loss for St. Mary’s County. Rest in Peace, my friend!”
” None of us wanted to see Yogi to pass away while doing what he loved to do. May you rest in peace Yogi.”
“It’s Amazing how one good soul can change the hearts of many throughout the entire county. He is the perfect example of how we ALL should be to one another “Kind” and always be nice to your neighbors and strangers, you never know they could be an angel. I do know this though Yogi walks now with the Lord along with his lawn mower. Bye for now friend, til we meet again someday.””
“My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Though I never knew you personally, I know you were a very kind man. You will be missed dearly.”
“Is it not amazing that one seemingly insignifigant life has touched so many so profoundly? Including me, Yogi is proof that NO life is insignifigant.”
“Yogi you are such a special person…we are so very sorry that your were tragically taken away from us on the very roads that you fought hard and proud for serving our counrty…for our freedom..we remember you in the Burchmart in Hollywood telling your intriging stories with such passion and your laugh and smiles…we saw you everyday walking PROUD on the side of the roads always on a mission…Yogi It was an honor and a priveledge to know you…You will truley be missed our dear Hollywood and St Marys county ICON :):) May God hold you in his loving arms and may you be at peace on the golden peaceful roads of Heaven. You will NEVER be forgotten “
“Yogi held the door for my daughter and I as we entered St. John’s Pharmacy one day. We tried to let him go in first but he wouldn’t have it that way.He proudly informed us that Mama had raised him to be a gentleman. To Yogi’s Mama , “You did one fine job” Yogi was a gentleman every day in more ways than can be said.Thus a lesson we learn, it’s the little things we miss the most when they’re gone. Rest in Peace, Yogi.”
“Traveling from Tall Timbers to Hollywood to pick up my grandson I would see Yogi and his lawnmower – I would tell my grandson what a tough old man to be out here on Route 245 or Route 235 with all this traffic. “Rest in peace Yogi with your lawn mower”.”
“Yogi,how we will miss seeing you pass our house every day,often stoping to cut the grass by the mail box or clean out the ditch,where did all your energy come from? It will not be the same without you and your mower. “
“Dear friends, the following was sent to The Enterprise before I found this wonderful website. What a great outpouring of love for our friend: Although maybe called by other names, he introduced himself to me as Jim Baird, and that’s the way I’ve always known him. Jim was a kind and friendly man, known by many here in St. Mary’s County. Most of us who traveled locally couldn’t help but see him pushing his lawnmower along the shoulder of the road. Like me, others stopped to offer him a ride only to be graciously turned down. He needed the exercise was the usual answer. Jim Baird was a World War II veteran who ended up with a metal plate in his head and metal in his leg. Many can attest that these injuries did not slow Jim down! He was quite proud of his service to his country. Jim always had a story or a joke to tell and I always enjoyed listening to him. He was an opinionated, but respectful man and enjoyed life. I first met Jim on Election Day quite a while ago. On several occasions he would post and distribute articles about a relative (cousin or brother) who was in charge of PAX River’s initial construction back in the 1940’s. Jim indicated he tried unsuccessfully to register to vote in St. Mary’s … I believe the reason was he could not produce satisfactory evidence of residency. Jim was obviously disappointed. To this day, I cannot understand how such an event could occur for one of our wounded veterans. I’m sure many locals have fond thoughts of Jim. A growing memorial of flowers and lawnmowers can be found at the accident scene. I hope you write a deserving article about him. Please feel free to crop or use the attached photograph of us. Best regards, Dennis Jack Hubscher “
“To: yogi’s friends I just want to let everyone know that I’m tryin to get a service going for him since I was his only family he had he really didn’t want services but I would like to do it for everyone who cared for Yogi so you can say your good byes if you have any questions please feel free to call Connie Jameson at (240) 587-0065. “
“I was very sad to hear about Yogi’s passing. I never knew him personally but, like many in the community, were accustomed to seeing him pushing his lawn mower here and there, and greeting people at the Burchmart. It is nice to see that so many others were touched by Yogi’s presence, and didn’t even know him. I think a memorial to Yogi and his lawnmower in Hollywood would be a nice tribute. I’ll miss seeing him around town.”
“May we all walk a mile in your shoes Yogi. Your shrine on the side of the road shows you how people will surely miss you.”
“I am so saddened to hear of your tragic passing. I will miss seeing you on my travels. It won’t be the same. You will never be forgotten. Heaven has received a very special angel. Rest In Peace.”
“I always felt the presence of greatness when Yogi was around. Nearly every morning his “Got any money, waitin on my welfare check.” He never wanted money, just put a smile on your face. You will be missed Yogi, rest in peace buddy.”
“His life was an example for all of us, to love one another, to be kind, generous, and be willing to help someone, or just say hello to a stranger! We can all become better people by always willing to care for others, and not only doing things for ourselves. Rest in peace Yogi, we love you!”
“At least once a week or so, I would see this elderly gentleman, whom I did not know from Adam, walking along the road pushing his lawn mower. I often wondered who he was, what he needed, why he pushed that lawnmower to and fro, and all the general things people might wonder when seeing this sight in such limited context. Having read these texts, the condolences, and anecdotes of the interactions of friends and chosen family, I wish that our paths had crossed more closely – that I might have had the opportunity to converse with a man of such interesting character. Rest well, good sir… and Semper Fi.”
” We will miss you in the store.Rest in peace Yogi.”
“Yogi, You will be missed. It is a great trade walking with the Lord via the lawnmower.”
“Yogi, although I never met you I would see you walking all the time and would hear many stories about your life and not once was anything ever bad. My Nephew Ayden who was 4 years old at the time met you with my Sister and Mom and he just thought you were so cool and he thought you were a cowboy and came home and told me all about the cowboy he had met. I will miss seeing you, you were such an inspiration to so many. May you now rest in peace and I believe you will always watch over Hollywood like you have done for so many years.”
“My brave Yogi survived the second wave at Normandy on D Day. You were so proud and brave. I paid for coffee one morning & later you let me know you were OK. Your independence & spirit were so uncommon. God Be With you my friend.”
“Rest in peace. You deserve it. God bless.”
“We’ll miss seeing you pushing your lawn mower through Hollywood. You always said hello in Burch Mart and always smiled or joked around with everyone, Rest In Peace Yogi.”
“Yogi, I will miss you and the conversations we had in BurchMart May you rest in peace and dance with angels. “
“We have lost a true gentleman and Hollywood will never be the same again. God bless you Yogi. Seeing you every few days put a smile on my face because I knew that no matter what was happening in the world, the sun would rise and set and Yogi would always be walking.”
“I am sad to see you go Yogi, but happy to see that your simple walks around SMC with your lawn mower, your stories and your kind smile, has touched so many. You are missed and will never be forgotten! May you rest in peace for all of eternity!”
“Yogi, you will be so missed here in Hollywood! I treasure the conversations I shared with you. I admired the energy and positive outlook you had. I always smiled when I saw you in your travels and will continue to smile when I think of you! Thank you for your service to your country and our community.”
“Yogi, you will be greatly missed in this world, but your legacy will live on forever in people’s hearts across St. Marys County.”
“Like so many others, Yogi touched mine and my children’s life. Not only by seeing him walking along RT. 245 & 235, but by his kindness when we’d see him at Burchmart. He will be missed by so many and it’s amazing to see just how many lives he has touched. Rest In Peace my friend, we will all miss you! Connie, we are so sorry for your loss. If you have services and can post them on here, that would be wonderful. If you need donations from the community, let us know that as well, such as food, hall rental, etc. Seeing the many lives he has touched, I’m sure a lot of people would be willing to help out. “
“Yogi, I did not know you, but I wish I would have had the chance. You were a WW II veteran and a hero in my book, a member of Bay District VFD, a good neighbor and friend to all. If the world had a lot more citizens like you, it would be a better place with less hatred. We can only take your example and make our own lives better. You are an angel now, working with God and also meeting up with your old friends. God bless you and thank you for being you and adding a light to our community.”
“I will miss seeing you & our occasional conversations. May you Rest in Peace.”
“My family and I were saddened to hear of Yogi’s passing So many people worried about him walking in the road in the heat and cold. We send prayers to Yogi and to the trooper who was involved in the accident. How tragic for everyone. “
“Yogi.. You will for sure be missed. You have left so many memories for so many people and you will never be forgotten! Rest In Peace and please continue to shine in all of our lives from above. “
“Rest in peace, our St. Mary’s County Hero. Thank you and God Bless you for your devoted years of service in the military and for touching all of our lives in one way or another. You will be greatly missed, but we now have a special Guardian Angel watching over us all. God Bless.”
“Yogi, we will miss you very much. We appreciate your many years of faithful service to our country and your hard work and dedication. Rest in peace Yogi! “
“We will truly miss seeing you everyday and listening to your stories. You made us smile and inspired us to do more with our lives. You will live on in our hearts forever. May you rest in peace.”
“I Met Yogi once at the post office. The girls there introduced me to him. He was a gentleman and very kind. He enjoyed talking to the girls there. I would see him walking and said to myself that he will live forever because he lived to walk. I saw him one time further then I ever saw him walking and I was so surprised how far he walked. I could not even walk that far if I wanted to and I’am 45 years old he could out walk me anyday. I was so upset to hear of the accident and still cannot get over how it happened. I went down the road today and was looking around for him even though I knew he was gone and it just made me so so sad and made my stomach turn from all the sadness. I believe Yogi will still continue to walk in heaven and he still will not rest. Yogi you were an inspiration to many many people. May you rest in peace, because you are one person who deserves to rest and shine so the people in heaven will see what all the fuss was about you. I will miss seeing you our sweet energetic Lawn Mower Man, I believe in super man because you were Super Man…Rest In Peace.”
“To our dear Yogi, thank you so very much for all that you have given each and everyone of us. We should all hope to be half of the wonderful person you are. Thank you Connie Jameson for sharing Yogi with us and allowing us to share in and pay respects to this kind gentle man that will always and forever be in our hearts minds and souls. God has Yogi now and will take Good care of him never will he have to be in anymore pain. Yogi we Salute you as you have done so many times. We know you are up there watching and protecting us all. Thank you for the gift of your very precence in our lives. We hold you close to our hearts and we know that you see how very special you are. Godspeed Mr. Yogi and thank you for making our world a better place while you were with us. Luv and miss you Yogi <3"
“Yogi, you were always so happy and funny when you would come in to Kmart Kcafe for your pie and soda and all your stories so my dear friend rest in peace. We’ll miss seeing you pushing your lawn mower through Hollywood. The Gross’s family”
“I am a rural carrier at the Hollywood Post Office. In my 10 years of delivering the mail I have had the pleasure of meeting many people from many walks of life. One of those people that I had the pleasure of knowing was an elderly man whom I only knew of as “Yogi”. I remember when I first met Yogi, I was somewhat puzzled as to how to react to his straight forwardness and found him a little hard to understand. It was a little hard to accept this elderly man who drove the fork-lift up and down the road on a daily basis without what seemed to be a worry in the world. As time went on I realized that this was a man who no doubt had an outlook on life like no one I had ever known before. He was always a friendly person and would always perk up when anyone would say “hi” to him. I often worried about him, especially when it was fridgid wheather out, but he was a proud man and wasn’t much for accepting help. I admired his strength and endurance. He lived a very simple life and was a happy man. I will miss him. I would see him often in certain places walking along the road with his lawnmower in hand and if he happened to see me coming he would hold out his thumb as if hitchhiking and we’d laugh and I’d give him a couple “toots” with my horn. Sometimes I would see him raking and cleaning along side the road that he lived on, or even picking up trash or weeding. I would slow down and take a second to tell him that he was doing a good job. He would smile and give me a “thumbs up”. I wasn’t kidding! he really kept Old Hollywood Road looking great! The Yogi that I knew was a kind man, a proud man, and a humble man, who just wanted to live his life as he saw fit. God Bless You “Yogi”, my friend, and may you rest in peace. I will miss you. “
“I met “JIM” as a kid in Hollywood. He would always come into Thompson’s Drive-In. I remember all the storeis he told about his metal and his time in the service. It means so much more to me now than it did then. He was NEVER not a gentleman, and I hope God needs his grass cut and he lets Jim run around up there with a brand new lawn mower. Thank you, Jim Baird, for your service to our country, and to our little town. We were so blessed to have had you with us for so many years. You will certainly be missed. God Bless!”
“Mr.Buhrman Kenneth “Yogi” Baird Thank you. Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path,and leave a trail,what lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compare to what lies with us when we bring what is within out into the world miricals happen. Rest in Peace “
“We will miss seeing you walking down the road. Yogi, you were a sign of inspiration and determination. Thank you.”
“Yogi, its obvious how many lives you’ve touched in a positive way, just by your presence along the highways in Hollywood. Long ago, I had heard of your contributions to the defense of our country and always felt so honored to speak with you. Sometimes I would stop in my car just to “chat” for a moment. I know you are looking down on us wondering what all the fuss is about; and it’s all about you. You never knew how many people admired you as they passed you on the highways. It amazing how a humble man as yourself could have a profound effect on so many people. We miss you, but know you are at peace with your savior. God Bless you. “
“May you rest in peace.. And may you always no how your touch our hearts.. Yogi “
“Yogi, you were truly an inspiration to us all here in St. Marys County. You will truly be missed!! Only God knows why you were taken. I will not say goodbye, I will say “Until we meet again may you walk the golden roads in HEAVEN”!!!”
“REST IN PEACE YOGI,YOU HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT.”
“Yogi, it was a pleasure to know you and I am so glad that occasionally I took a few minutes to talk to you. As shown by all the fine things said about you and the tributes left at your roadside memorial you engraved your memory into the hearts of more people than anyone could have ever imagined. You did this without most of them realizing what was hapening and how deeply they cared for you. One of the sweetst things I have ever seen is the letter to you by a third grader that she left at your memorial site. Obviously, through a child’s eyes she didn’t see your rough exterior and looked right into you overwellmingly big heart. Her vision is 20/20. Your friends included people of prominence, ordinary folks, folks who never even met you and little children. It is amazing that all the comments have the common thread of what a fine, patriotic and heroic person you were. I can think of no better tribute to you than the words of all those who expressed their sense of loss and there are an equal number of those who feel the same way and didn’t get the opportunity to say what you meant to them. You deserve every word of praise and thank you for giving of yourself so the rest of us can enjoy the freedoms we take for granted. Heaven is a better place for having you. Please look down and smile on us and I hope you have a gold plated riding mower, equipped with a closed cab, storage bin, heat and airconditioning. Rest in peace forever for you have left an indilble mark on this on this world. “
” I felt so sad when I heard of your passing. May you rest in peace. Another Hollywood Resident”
“Although I didn’t know you personally, everytime I would see you walking down the shoulder of the road with your lawn-mower I would smile. You are a hero to everyone. May you rest in peace. You’re a Hollywood icon and you will always be remembered!”
“Kind that was what Yogi was, Kind is how we should also be to others. Life is too short, be kind always.”
“Yogi, We did not know you personally but you always had a kind word. We always saw you pushing your lawnmower,never doing harm to anyone always on the shoulder of the road. A true american hero thank you for your military service, you will be missed. May you forever rest in the hands of the lord.”
“I didnt know you personally, however I know you served your country well during WWII and I am proud to have been one of your fellow Americans. Thank God for heros like you!! May you rest in peace.”
“I did not see you often, but, obviously many did and you touched many hearts. You will be missed as many looked forward to seeing you on your walks pushing your lawn mower. God Bless You!”
“So sorry to hear about Yogi. He was always a pleasure to talk to. His smiles & stories will be truly missed. May his smile shine down on all who had the honor of knowing him. He was one of a kind & will be terribly missed. “
“Yogi will be truly missed by us all, loved our chats at Burchmart, and the ever ready smiles. Spare a cup of coffee? “
“Thank you for your service and dedication to our country. A true American with a great spirit! God Love ya and be with you! May you rest knowing your job here on earth was done well. “
“We will miss you friend. We will miss you walking by the house. We will miss you cutting the grass. R.I.P Friend “
“RIP. God be with you.”
“Hollywood lost it’s only traveling landmark when we lost “Yogi”. You will be missed by so many.”
“Yogi, your presence in Hollywood will surely be missed! I did not know you personally, but my family & I have definitely feel a big loss. Hollywood will not be the same without you!!!”
“So heartwarming to see the outpouring of love & affection so many felt for ‘the lawnmower man’. I did not know him, but had a short conversation with him at Burchmart while filling up my motorcycle. I would see him, often, walking up & down Hollywood Rd. and commented on many occasions how incredible he was, at his age, to be getting around as well as he did. May you Rest in Peace Gone, but not forgotten !”
“Gone is a GREAT Man. Rest In Peace brother. Met Yogi when I was a F/F with Ch.Co. #5”
“I knew Yogi, Jim Baird about 50 years ago. He was entertaining & interesting to talk to weather it would be at Charlie Catrons welding,Petes Galley restaraunt or Bay Dist. FD., then Lexington Park FD. His speech impediment was supposedly caused by the enemy capturing Him in WWII. He would not give out any information to them therefore they cut part of his tongue out, this shows what a strong character he was. Rest in peace old friend”
“I’m glad those of you who mentioned “Yogi’s”name as Jim did so, otherwise I would not have known who that was I saw frequently pushing a mower around the county. You see, I remember him as JIM BAIRD from a little over 40 years ago, at that time there were 4 bars on 1 block in leonardtown and Jim could be seen at one or the other of them in the afternoons after work grabbing a ‘refreshment’. I could tell he was a tough guy just by the way he carried himself. He had a slight speech impediment but he got his message across to you. He drove a ‘mechanic truck’and with the welder,tools,vise,etc.loaded on it you could tell he was serious about his work. My conversations with him at the bars were very brief but I knew he was a man of substance. I had often wondered whatever became of him after leonardtown went “dry”. I had no idea that the fellow pushing the mower was him until you folks who mentioned him by JIM gave me my answer,thank you! and THANK YOU JIM for your service, Godspeed!”
“My arms will now carry you for your legs are now tired. Rest in Gods arms.”
“Yogi it was a honor stand at your service.”
“Yogi you will be missed alot at Mckays in Hollywood coming in for a few things sitting on the bench eating your banana and drinking your Mt. Dew. “
“May you rest in peace. You have traveled many a mile.”
“I was so saddened when I read of “The Lawnmower man’s” death. I always worried about him walking along the road and wished he had one of those long orange flags on the mower. By all the comments posted you can tell he was thought of fondly. My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace “Yogi”. You can push your mower on streets of gold now!”
“Yogi, we will talk later. I miss your stories. Remember what you always told me the key to life was ? I won’t forget. “
“How wonderful to have so many people think so much of you!! I hope you are dancing in heaven and sharing the joy there that you gave the folks here!”
“Many a mile walked… Many a life touched… GOD bless you…”