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Laird Leslie Bostwick Laird. On January 9, 2014 Les peacefully passed away and went to heaven to meet Jesus and be reunited with his father Walter B. Laird, mother Mary E. (Bostwick) Laird, and brother William Fredrick Laird. Les was born October 14, 1926 in Springfield, OH and grew up in Columbus, graduating from West High School. He left Columbus for U.S. Naval Air Force pilot training during World War II. After the war, Les attended the Ohio State University, where he earned a B.S. in Chemistry. He accepted a job with the U.S. Geological Survey in Columbus that later led him to Portland, OR as District Chemist; Tacoma, WA as District Chief; Atlanta, GA as Regional Hydrologist; Reston, VA as the Assistant Chief Hydrologist for Research and Technical Coordination; and finally back to Tacoma. During his 37-year career with the USGS, Les was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Distinguished Service Medal from the Department of Interior. Les was a life member of the American Chemical Society, where he served two terms as the Chairman for the Division of Environmental Chemistry. In retirement, Les enjoyed time with his family, cruising and fishing the Northwest's water, elk hunting, and travelling. Les's greatest accomplishments were being a faithful Christian (serving on many Lutheran church councils); being a loving husband to Thelma, his wife of over 63 years; being a wonderful father to his children, Annmarie, James (Janice), Stephen (Terrie); being a devoted grandfather to Ryan McGonagle (Michelle), Kathleen McGonagle, and Jacob Laird; a great-grandfather to Audrey McGonagle; and a true friend to many. He will be missed greatly.
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2 Entries
On behalf of the West High Alumni Association, I send our condolences to Leslie's family. It is always a sad day when we lose an alum. We will list his passing in the next quarterly edition of the Alumni Association newsletter so his West High family and friends will also know of his passing.
Dorance Hornsby
February 3, 2014
God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in WWII The USA would NOT be as it is today. Thank YOU for service,Navy..and Semper Fi
Herb Sharfenaker USMC
February 2, 2014
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