William Lenox Laslett

1937 - 2018

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - William Lenox Laslett, a lifelong architect and lover of life, died suddenly on May 26, 2018 of a heart attack. He went out as he lived: dressed to the nines, loving a party, surrounded by family. He was 80.

"Bill" was born on October 5th, 1937 to Basil George Frederick Laslett and Persis Lenox Laslett in Albany, NY. They relocated almost immediately to Fayetteville, NC, which became the family home.

Bill enjoyed a happy childhood, which he often referenced, with his brother and sister before he achieved degrees from Woodberry Forest School, Colgate University (BA), Yale School of Architecture (MArch), UNC Gillings School of Public Health (MPH), and Virginia University of Lynchburg, which awarded him an Honorary Doctorate.

After his initial schooling, Bill worked in partnership with his father, also a Yale trained architect, at Laslett & Laslett Architects, in Fayetteville, NC for almost twenty years. Together, they designed all manner of buildings state-wide.

Relocating to Richmond, Virginia, Bill worked for prestigious architectural firms before opening his own office, WLL Architects. In his sunset years, he became an expert witness and architectural consultant.

Bill adored family - particularly his children - and his warmth, laughter and kindness will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis McLeod Laslett and their son, John Angus Kingsley Laslett (Meredith Blackburn Laslett) and Bill's two children, William Lenox Bradford Laslett and Alison Southworth Corning Laslett, and their mother and Bill's first wife, Elizabeth Southworth Corning, II (Wayne Edward Reynolds). He is also survived by his sister Lorraine Persis Laslett (Charles W. Dinkel), his brother Basil George Frederick Laslett, Jr. (Mary Hartman), beloved niece and twin nephews, Julia Persis Elizabeth Dinkel, Edward Lenox Laslett and David Boggs Laslett; and finally, his only grandchild, baby Charlotte Olive Laslett, who could be lulled to sleep by her grandfather's voice.

Jernigan Warren Funeral Home, which was designed by Laslett & Laslett Architects, is serving the family. Services will be held in their chapel at 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC at 11am on Saturday, June 2, 2018. Reception to follow. Please wear your brightest colors! His favorite palette. Suspenders encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity in Bill's name to reflect his dedication to social justice, community and design. Please contact Nathan Bright at (910) 483-0952, or mail checks to: Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 3166, Fayetteville, NC 28302.