BRIEN LAING Obituary

Name: Visitation for BRIEN LAING
Location: Parish Hall of Holy Trinity Anglican Church

Mr. Brien Laing, age 88, of Amelia Island, FL passed away on Sunday afternoon, January 4, 2015 at the Warner Center for Caring at Baptist Medical Center in Fernandina Beach, FL. Born in Wilmette, IL, he was the son of the late William Laing of Sunderland, England and the late Kathleen Emily Mary Blakey Laing of Armagh, Northern Ireland. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Dr. Vardy Laing, Calgary, Alberta, and Terrence Laing, Sanford, Florida, as well as his sister, Patricia, of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Mr. Laing was raised in Montreal, Canada and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as well as the United States Navy. He was a graduate of McGill University in Montreal, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. Mr. Laing worked for 41 years in Healthcare. During his career, he worked as a Salesmen, Vice President of Sales Training, President of American Hospital Supply Canada, Vice President of Sales in Evanston, and President of the American Hospital Supply Company before assuming the role of Corporate Vice President of Distribution before retiring in 1988. After his retiring, he returned to College and earned a Bachelor Degree in History from Jacksonville University, a Master's Degree from the University of North Florida and a Ph.D. from the Union Institute in Cincinnati with strong emphasis on African-American History. Mr. Laing was a member of the Anglican Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of the United States. He belonged to the Guild of the Servants of the Sanctuary, London, England and was a Lay Eucharistic Minister for the Episcopal Church in Florida and Georgia. He was presently a member of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church of Amelia Island. In 2009 he was inducted into the Bellweather League's, Inc.'s Supply Chain "Hall of Fame."He and his wife became full-time residents of Amelia Island in 1988 having purchased property at the Amelia Island Plantation in 1983. Mr. Laing leaves behind, his devoted wife of 41 years, Lois Gene Moller Laing, Amelia Island, FL, three daughters, Kathleen Laing Huffstetler, Belmont, NC, Cynthia Ann Laing McLaughlin (Lanny), Fernandina Beach, FL and Kimberly Kay Laing of Northbrook, IL, two grandchildren, Christine Kirkpatrick Raymond (Ret. Maj. Gerry), Las Vegas, Nevada and Robinson Brien Kirkpatrick of Stockport, Ohio, two great-grandchildren, Samantha Rose and Lucas Caden, a niece, great-niece, two great-nephews and eight great-grand nieces and nephews, as well as many friends whom he dearly loved. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, January 19, 2015 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church of Fernandina Beach with the Reverend Bradley Cunningham, officiating. His family will receive friends following the service at a reception in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church of Fernandina Beach, 1830 Lake Park Dr., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 or to the Warner Center for Caring, c/o Baptist Medical Center - Nassau, 1250 South 18th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Please share his Life Legacy and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

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Published by Daily Herald on Jan. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for BRIEN LAING

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6 Entries

2012

Jim Moore

February 18, 2015

I can't describe the impact Brien had on my life. He hired me in 1970 and my life was never the same. Through his leadership, AHS became the "sales" dominant force in the healthcare supply arena. He was a genius in working with people. While smiling and always professional, he had a way of getting your attention. Brien was unique.

Marsh Moore

February 3, 2015

Like so many of us, Brien impacted our lives in so many positive ways. As a 23 year old rookie, I remember meeting him at the National Sales Meeting the first time. "I said Mr. Laing, it is a pleasure to meet you." He looked around and stated "is my Dad here, I'm Brien." He took the nervousness right our of the conversation and I still reflect back on that exchange with great fondness. I have tried to emulate that style since!
What a pleasure to learn from such a great man with supreme vision. For those of us fortunate to have known him, we all take a bit of him with us everywhere we go!

January 28, 2015

I reported directly to Brien for over 8 years.
Brien had quite an impact on me then and now. I find myself asking: "what would Brien do?".
I have tried to emulate his confidence. He couldn't be flustered. He would take the best punch, and counter with "Plan B".
My first opportunity to spend some quality time with him occurred when I ran the DC in Edison, NJ. We met over 50 employees one-on-one. I remember how he engaged each of them, and the impact he had on them individually.
I'll always remember his smile, completely confident, completely genuine. He was the real deal.
I will never forget him and his approach to life.

Mike Maloney

Randy Blankenship

January 26, 2015

Brian gave us all amazing opportunities to excel with commission sales, management opportunities at a young age, and innovative direction. His management style and philosophy drove AHS and all of us to amazing success. I have fond memories of selling the Prime Vendor Concept with him. His extended family all need to know how much respect we had for him.

January 26, 2015

There are few people in business who have had such a wide ranging impact on the lives of so many leaders in healthcare today. Brien's memory will live on in so many of us for years to come!
Brian Concannon

Larry Rubly

January 25, 2015

Brien was truly a mentor to Maria and so many others. I will be forever grateful for his tutelage and inspiration to her and through to me. May God look favorably on him and his family. RIP.

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