It is with great sadness that we advise of the sudden and recent passing of former Mentone footballer, Hall of Fame member and 1967 premiership player Tarpan (Gary) Baird.
Tarpan played 130 games for the club and commenced in the juniors with Mentone Fourths in 1962 and was vice-captain of the Thirds in 1965.
At just nineteen years of age, he was a member of the 1967 senior premiership team.
Quick and brave, the lightly framed half-forward flanker could do ‘freakish’ things and then disappear from a game for a period of time.
He was very difficult to match up on because of his ability to do the unusual and unexpected. In 1968 he was suspended and missed the 1968 grand final (and flag) in a controversial preliminary final that saw 15 players reported.
In that game, Tarpan was selected amongst the Tigers’ best and kicked two vital goals in their win. He later made a cameo comeback to the senior team in the 1976 season and also coached the U18’s team in 1978/79.
Tarpan’s father was Jim Baird (also a Hall of Fame member), who was recruited in 1952 as captain-coach of Mentone directly from Carlton, where he had an outstanding career, including VFL premierships in 1945 (the so-called ‘Bloodbath’ game) and 1947.
Tarpan’s brother Steve also played more than 150 games for the Tigers.
Tarpan was a unique and much-loved team member both on and off the field. He had a jovial, unfazed approach to life and those around him. Tarpan built his life around finding spirituality and had been a resident of Western Australia for many years.
Our deepest sympathy goes to his family, teammates and friends on their loss and thank you Tarpan for the memories.