He has been a close personal friend to Santa Claus; attended probably more than a dozen Youth Conferences / Scout camps / girls camps / treks (usually as the driver), and presented that many - or more - Young Womanhood Recognitions and Duty to God awards. He loves to dance so twice invited the whole ward to join him - regardless of age; auctioned off donated goods and services to raise money for Girls Camp; flipped burgers and boiled ears of corn in a garbage can at more than a few ward picnics; welcomed many members and non-members into the ward as move-ins or new converts; unloaded enough moving vans to furnish an entire neighborhood ... and has given an incalculable number of his famous "big Bair hugs."
All this was accomplished at the same time he was serving as Vice Principal / Athletic Director at Dixie High School, marrying off his oldest daughter; sending his 2nd daughter off on a mission to faraway Norway; and tearfully saying goodbye to his own mother (who, he says, always referred to him as her "baby boy"), his mother-in-law and a sister-in-law.
During his five years and 53 days as Bishop, he was assisted in the work of the Lord in the Bloomington 7th Ward by four counselors. For the first year or two 1st Counselor Boyd Kanenwisher and 2nd Counselor James Bertschi held up his arms (Exodus 17:12) and later 1st Counselor Jason Schall and 2nd Counselor Mike Foley stood ... "one on the one side and the other on the other side."
His greatest supporters have been his wife Lori, daughters Brianna, Aspen and Cara, son Dakota and son-in-law Selwin Lovell. Sister Bair writes:
We had only been in the ward for a short time when it was announced we would be getting a new bishop. We both thought, "whew, dodged a bullet there" since SURELY the bishop would have been already called if they are announcing it in church. About 25 mintues later while sitting in Sacrament meeting, my husband gets a text telling him the stake president wanted to meet with him. Again, we thought "okay, the bishop has already been called" so we should be good - NOPE WE WERE WRONG! We walked into the stake office and were the only people there besides the stake presidency. I started panicking and so did my husband. I thought, "my husband isn't ever home now so when will he ever be home - when will he even have time to do what he is supposed to do? Do you know Lori swears and is totally out there sometimes and may likely offend people with the words coming out of her mouth - surely she can't be a bishop's wife." I said, "don't do this - are you sure? Are you really, really sure?" President Bown said, "we do not kid about these things. Yes, we are sure and and so is the Lord." We both cried - feeling very inadequate for the future. We left the church in shock. They told my husband he had 3 days to pray for guidance in choosing his counselors - 3 days! We drove around the temple (which was closed for 2 weeks of cleaning) and talked and cried. Its been uphill and downhill ever since, but my husband embraced this calling as he does with everything, with lots of love, humor and tears.
It will be difficult for our children to not see their dad up on the stand, and making fun of him mumbling and not speaking clearly. They truly are proud of him and all he has done. He has worked very hard to unify the ward and find ways to have fun. His favorite or happiest times have been the dances and parties he has made happen and going to youth camps or conferences.
Probably the saddest times were seeing members get their feelings hurt and/or leave the church when the best thing would be for them to swallow their pride or "flush it" (as he has said many times) and to come enjoy the Savior's true gospel and love among the members of the ward.
He definitely hasn't slept much in the past 5 years. He just feels so deeply for the members who struggle spiritually, financially and in many other ways. He wants so badly to make everything OK, but knows he can't.
As it got closer to the 5-year mark most bishops serve, he grew anxious and wondered if he had done all he was called to do, asking himself if he could have done more. He is sad to be released but is pretty confident he did what he could to the best of his ability and knows all is well in Zion. He will support the new bishopric, and continue to love the ward members with all 380 pounds of himself.
Here's what some friends and ward members will always remember about Bishop Mike Bair:
- I’ve loved Bishop Bair’s sense of humor, especially when he jokes about Sister Bair being late for sacrament meeting (Chardell Wilkes).
- I love his fun and happy personality. He is such a "jolly" person to be around and is always looking for ways to help others and doing it with a SMILE on his face. I will miss you as our bishop (Janet Labrum).
- No matter what the future holds for you in the Church, you and the Sappington's are bound together forever through Selwin and Brianna's future family. I'm guessing the day will come when you will go to Bishop Christensen and ask for a calling to the nursery so you can spend time with "our" grand baby ... unless one of us beats you to it! (Linda and Ed Sappington).
- As "snowbirds", we have always felt like we were valued members of the ward, because Bishop Bair has treated us like we were. His happy smile and loving arms always welcome us on our arrival and he has seen to our needs with tithing settlement, temple recommends, etc. We always feel included and valued (and loved). Thank You Bishop Bair! We love you, too! (Paul and Penny Walbom)
- What do I say about a man who is truly an amazing bishop, friend, neighbor and all around great guy. Our family has loved the whole Bair family since the day they moved here and feel so blessed to have them in our lives. Bishop Bair has been such a wonderful leader. His love and concern for everyone in our ward family has always been well known. I was blessed to have been able to work with Bishop Bair for several years as Primary president. He always took time and gave special attention to our Primary children. With his big Bair heart, he taught and showed his love for his Savior and for them through his testimony and actions. He was always willing to do whatever was asked of him and more, from wearing silly hats to joining in singing his favorite Primary songs. I loved working with him and the rest of our bishopric. Thank you Bishop Bair for all you have done. I am so very grateful for your example and what you have taught me throughout the years (Rebecca Larson).
- Our Ward took on a new wave of cheer and friendship because of Bishop Bair. Thank you, Bishop, for the gift of fun. Thank you for caring. Thank you for being our spiritual leader. Your time as bishop seems too short. May all that's positive and grand be part of your future (Luana Warner).
- Bishop Bair lovingly greeted us when we came into the ward three years ago. The "meet and greet" after the block made us feel wanted and needed. The bishopric came to our home shortly after for a visit and the picture of them on the ward Christmas card that year, still hangs on our fridge. Bishop Bair always asks about my homebound husband and has visited him here in our home. I have enjoyed his love, warmth and joking yet he is a deeply spiritual man who cares deeply for the members of our family and our ward. We love you and will truly miss having you as our Bishop (Lee, Carol and Dan Case)
- THANK YOU for five years of wonderful, dedicated, meaningful and appreciated service to our dear Seventh Ward. Serving as your RS President for your first couple of years was great! We moved people in, we moved people out, we had funerals and parties and you were always there to help! I remember you always volunteering Lori to bring a salad every time we did something where food was needed. Sometimes you told her, sometimes you didn’t, but she was a sweetheart to always help, too!! We love your dear wife, your cute daughters, and that special son and son-in-law. We've felt their support of you and also our ward. We loved the way you always encouraged us to create memories with our families. You were such an example of that with your family and made us all want to follow suit. You know how to throw a “mean” barbeque at Pine Valley and also Christensen Park. Those are times we will always remember. The Enterprise corn, the great hamburgers, and the fun times getting to visit and learn to know each other a little better each time. You are the greatest “Santa” ever!! (Hope that doesn’t stop!) You always had a “Bair Hug” for the young ones and we loved watching that happen. What a loving, caring Bishop you have been! (Dean and Elaine Christensen)
- About four years ago, Bishop Bair asked the leaders during our Ward Council to “pray for families with children and youth to move into our ward.” Our prayers were answered when our ward was divided and we gained many wonderful families and also from the many amazing young families who have bought homes in our ward boundaries. Our prayers were heard and answered most favorably. Also, the children in the Primary nursery knew who Bishop Bair was because he stopped in each Sunday to say “Hi”. This giant of a man cared for and knew each little nursery child ... the size difference between Bishop Bair and the children was a sight to see as they would have to tilt their heads clear back to look up and see his face.Thank you Bishop Bair. We LOVE YOU and Sister Bair and thank you for your love and service to our ward and each of us individually (former Primary President Wendy Johnston).
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