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HUGH LAIRD Obituary

LAIRD, HUGH ELVIN June 12, 1930 to April 29, 2012 Hugh Elvin Laird was born in Hayes County, Nebraska to Samuel Marion and Lora (Ward) Laird. He graduated from the Hayes County High School Class of 1948, entered the U.S. Navy in 1949 and was honorably discharged in 1950. After moving to San Diego, California, he began working at General Dynamics where he met Margaret "Midge" Vaughan. Hugh and Midge were married in San Diego on August 6, 1955. Hugh retired from Solar Turbines after many decades of service and remained active in their retirees group. He was a member of several different Southern California Off-Road Racing Enthusiast (SCORE) teams and an active member and officer of the American Legion Post #282 of La Mesa. Hugh passed away at Lemon Grove Care & Rehabilitation on April 29, 2012, surrounded by loving family and wonderful staff. He was preceded in death by his wife, Midge, his brother Roy Marion, and his sister, Gertrude Marie. He is survived by his daughter Shawn, son-in-law Patrick Gaskill, his son Robin, daughter-in-law Amy, his grandchildren Jennifer and Gavin, and sisters Zina Foudray of Lincoln NE and Shirley Venhaus of McMinnville, OR. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 8th, 5 - 9 p.m. at Greenwood Mortuary, with Services to be held on Wednesday, May 9th, at 2 p.m. in the Greenwood Salli Lynn Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on May 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for HUGH LAIRD

Sponsored by The Laird Family.

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angie marsh

May 8, 2012

my deepest condolences to you and your love ones.Even up to his last day he had maintain a warm and happy heart for all the people around him, he surely be missed.

angie marsh Lemon Grove

Kris Diver

May 8, 2012

Shawn,
Although I only interacted with your dad a few times, his sence of humour is what I remember. Your dad was hilarious. Although he is not physically here with you, he is with you with every beat of your heart. He was so proud of you and raised an amzing woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We released a balloon on Sat at 1:00 with a message to your dad since it was too late to send a card. Much love. Kris

Norma Rogers (McCormick)

May 7, 2012

To the family of Hugh,
Hugh will truly be missed. He was one of my favorite cousins. He always kept me humored at all times.If there was anything that needed to be talked about he was the one I turned too.Take Care and God Bless.

May 7, 2012

I love you. Shirley

2009 at My Retirement Party

Chip Everson

May 7, 2012

Shawn and Robin,
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was my friend, and a great mentor since my first day at Solar, 1/1/77. Our work history through Turbomach, Sundstrand, and UTC, was always enjoyable. When I retired in 2009, we had plenty to reminisce about over beers at our frequent gatherings. Add to that, his own life's stories with Midge, and the two of you, always put a smile on his face. I will miss our times together.

Hugh at my 2009 Retirement Party

Chip Everson

May 6, 2012

Shawn and Robin,
So sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was my friend, and a great mentor since my first day at Solar, 1/1/77. Our work history through Turbomach, Sundstrand, and UTC, was always enjoyable. When I retired in 2009, we had plenty to reminisce about over beers at our frequent gatherings. Add to that, his own life's stories with Midge, and the two of you, always put a smile on his face. I will miss our times together.

Robin Laird

May 6, 2012

I miss my Dad and part of my soul has left with him...

Wanda Parise

May 5, 2012

Robin, Amy, Jenny & Gavin,
I'm sorry for your loss. I'll continue to keep your family in my prayers. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you during this difficult time.

Shawn Laird

May 4, 2012

After the service friends and family are invited to gather at the home of Hugh's daughter for refreshments and memories. Directions will be provided at the viewing and the service...
Thanks to all of you for all the lovely comments and sharing. It means so much.
Shawn Laird

Heather Cottrell

May 4, 2012

So very sorry to hear of Hugh's passing. If it was not for finding Hugh's post on a genealogy message board back in 1999 or 98 I would have never met any of "Uncle Charlie's" family or been able to come to Laird reunions. I am so grateful for your Dad opening a door to so many more family members to me. He will be missed. Maybe someday I'll find out who Samuel Burlin's parents were for him. Wishing you all peace at this time of sorrow. You cousin in Missouri

Grandkids, kids, and Dad - Apr 2012

Robin Laird

May 3, 2012

Hugh and the Grandkids - Dec 2006

Robin Laird

May 3, 2012

Robin, Gavin, and Grandpa Hugh - Feb 2006

Robin Laird

May 3, 2012

Fishing with the Grandkids (Jenny and Gavin) - Aug 2002

Robin Laird

May 3, 2012

Dad on Christmas Day - Dec 2007

Robin Laird

May 3, 2012

Shawn and Dad - Apr 2004

Robin Laird

May 3, 2012

May 3, 2012

I remember as a kid that everyone that was around Hugh always smiled and he always made people laugh.I didn't get to grow up with him but when I saw him at the Laird reunions he still had that same wonderful spirit of making people smile and laugh. Love your cousin Carolyn Polick {Mccormick}

Annette Pierce

May 3, 2012

I had the honor of meeting Hugh (my 2nd cousin) at the 200 year Laird Reunion in Nebraska my Grandmother Lois (Laird) McCormick was alive then---He was a "Very Funny Man"---Hugh would keep me smiling from occasional emails of "Jokes" and his "Baja Stories"---I would say Hugh lived life to the fullest---He will be missed I'm sure by many---my sympathy goes out to his family.

Rob Zitsman

May 3, 2012

Shawn, Robin,
May the beauty of your father's life always be a blessing for you and for all whose lives he touched.

Sherisa Cogdill

May 2, 2012

I am so glad I had the pleasure of knowing your dad for so many years. My condolences to the family. I know how proud he was of you Shawn, especially at this time of your life. You were both so blessed to have each other close in his final days...

Frank Szafranski

May 2, 2012

Robin-my condolences to you and your family. I remember talking to your dad at the many soccer games we attended when our kids were younger. it was a pleasure hearing his enthusiasm as he spoke about his many trips to Mexico and how he supported the race team. He was a great guy. MY BEST TO ALL.

laura Faye laird

May 2, 2012

Shawn & Robin, I Loved hearing Hugh's Adventures with beach races, & his travelings. Also his knowledge of the family tree. I'll missed his present at the Laird's Reunion 2012.
Laura Laird,Daughter of Clayton & Lois Laird

Joseph Lemon Jr.

May 2, 2012

Shawn and Robin,

Your dad would be very proud of you for working together as you are during this trying time of arranging a Celebration of Life for him; I am too.

God bless you,

May 2, 2012

Hugh and I were boyhood friends in Nebraska in the early 1940's. We lived on the property just SE of C.O. Lairds spread. The school was on the SW corner of the homestead my Grandmother's family homesteaded after their arrival from Russia in the late 1800's. (I believe Scott owns that 1/4 section now.) My Grandfather's sister was Minty Laird.

I never saw Hugh after we left there until we attended our first Laird family reunion in McCook. Hugh and I took an instant renewed friendship which lasted until now. Hugh and I shared a fascination with aircraft, and he frequently send me photos, or videos, or incredible links to things aeronautic. I was looking forward to seeing him again next month in Denver. I will miss him a lot, and will remember him fondly.

Best wishes to those of you who were close to Hugh. I'm sure you will miss him greatly.

Marion KEITH Putman
Salem, Oregon
[email protected]

I have always treasure this picture

Bob Zubaugh

May 2, 2012

Robin and Shawn,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I first met your father in the mid 70's and took an instant liking to him and his friend Ray Ramirez. They were both liked and admired by all who came in contact. Hugh, I and the rest of the gang were saddened when Ray lost his battle with Cancer as many of his other co-workers have. I was laid off in the early 90's and now reside in Florida working way past my retirement age. But I ride my Harley to San Diego occasionally and would contact Hugh, break some bread and have a libation (or two) and reminisce. Your father was a wonderful man as you well know. I think of him often when I recall our days at Solar, the Radial Engine Group, Turbomach (I held the Construction Contract on that building) and Sundstrand. There are a few old timers that I fondly remember and you father is at the top of that list. I am truly saddened to hear of his passing and will miss his mannerisms. If I close my eyes I can see him and even hear his voice. God Bless you and your family. You were truly blessed with the time you shared with this wonderful man.

May 2, 2012

Hugh was a great guy. People were attracted to him because of his good humor and love of life. I was privleged to have him as a cousin. He really helped keep the Laird family connected.
We will miss him greatly. Our deepest sympathy to Robin and Shawn and your families. Byrdine and Bob McCall

May 2, 2012

We are happy for the times we spent with Hugh. . . He taught us much about being passionate about life, finding humor and grace in every situation, and telling a good story. When we talk about Hugh it is always includes the story he told about stealing "Mom's" washtub and riding the creek waters it in with Willard! We love and miss you already, Hugh! May God enjoy you as much as we did! Ginger and Winston Moore

Rudy Alvarado

May 2, 2012

Hugh will be missed for sure with us in Mexico. Always a good time for sure. RIP Hugh

May 2, 2012

Shawn and Robin, Lois and I send our heartfelt sympathy. Your father was a great friend as well as a fine cousin. We are deeply grieved. We will miss him at future family gatherings. Clayton and Lois Laird

Bob Juers

May 2, 2012

My heartfelt sympathy to you.

Bob Juers, Commander
American Legion District 22

Lillian Hebert

May 2, 2012

Rest in peace Hugh!!! I will never forget our Mexico trips and you will always be part of the race team. I will drink a beer for you at every race.

May 2, 2012

May you be high and lifted up. Shawn he was so proud of you. And because of you he lives on.

May 2, 2012

I'll be looking for that Chrysler coming around the next turn for a long time. Uncle Hugh, you are missed. Lola Fullerton

Tomas Garcia

May 2, 2012

My mexican grandpapa
you will be miss buddy
my deepest condoleses to the Lair Familly

Tomas Garcia Chula vista CA

May 2, 2012

Shawn I want to express my deepest sympathy to you. I do hope your father received my card before he went to heaven. HE RAISED A BRIGHT WONDERFUL DAUGHTER. Shirley

Mindy & Bob Bergenheim

May 2, 2012

Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home.
Mother Teresa

Dearest Shawn and Robin,

Your Dad's largeness of spirit and his love for you will reside in your hearts forever.

Love,

May 2, 2012

Rest in Peace uncle Hugh...you were loved by many and will be missed
Margaret and Matthew Burnett

Cheryl Cohen

May 1, 2012

Wish I'd had an opportunity to know your dad, Shawn, but the way you turned out is a wonderful tribute to him. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
- csc

Dad at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

Shawn Laird

May 1, 2012

Sailor Dad

Shawn Laird

May 1, 2012

Dad on the patio

Shawn Laird

May 1, 2012

Dad at Shawn's wedding at Lemon Grove

Shawn Laird

May 1, 2012

Dad in Nebraska at the Golf Course Lodge

Shawn Laird

May 1, 2012

Dad on vacation

Shawn Laird

May 1, 2012

Dad at Grand Canyon West

Shawn Laird

May 1, 2012

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4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

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