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Irving Laird Obituary
8/7/1931 - 3/6/2015
Irving Wesley Laird, 83, of Nampa, Idaho passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2015 at home. A Celebration Worship Service will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, where he was a member for 49 years. Viewing will be Friday, March 13, 5-7 pm at Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave. South, Nampa.
Irving Laird was born August 7, 1931 to Russell and Eva Laird in Beacon, NY where he was raised and educated through high school. He married Beverly Ashline in Altona, NY in 1956.
Irving was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 1964 and spent 12 years in full time pastoral ministry in Indiana and later in Idaho where he moved with his family in 1966 to serve as Associate Minister of Nampa First Church of the Nazarene.
"Doc" Laird's life was spent in Nazarene Higher Education preparing students for life and ministry. He was the first in his family to attend college and he earned degrees from Eastern Nazarene College, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Butler University, and American Baptist Seminary of the West. During a 40-year-period he was Professor of Christian Education, Vice President of Student Life and Head of the Department of Special Ministries at Northwest Nazarene University. He was much-loved on campus as a mentor to many.
In retirement, he and his wife, Bev, taught at Southern Africa University, Jamaica Bible College, and Nazarene Theological College, Australia. A lover of travel, Irving and Beverly traveled to all major American cities, every state and many foreign countries.
Irving was active in the community through the Lion's Club, the Mercy Hospital Advisory Board and as a volunteer at the Mountain States Tumor Institute.
Irving is survived by his wife, Beverly, son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Jeanie Laird of Denver, CO; his daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca Laird and Michael Christensen of San Diego, CA; four grandchildren, David Laird, Rachel Christensen, Megan Christensen, and Jeffrey Laird and his wife, Kaitlin, and great-granddaughter, Kendal.
The family suggests memorial gifts be directed to the Irving W. and Beverly A. Laird Compassionate Ministry Scholarship Fund at Northwest Nazarene University, 623 S. University Avenue, Nampa, ID 83686.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Irving Laird
Virginia Benson
April 6, 2015
Wonderful memories of Irving in Seminary. A joyful soul who had nothing but good to say of all. May God be close to Beverley and the rest of the family.
March 27, 2015
So sorry for your family's loss. As I seven year old, I remember you and Irving staying at my folk's house (Morris and Easter Wilson), when you were on your honeymoon, and how impressed I was with Irving's piano playing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dean Carlson
March 22, 2015
Doc Laird was a cherished lifelong mentor and friend. I join others in carrying forward his legacy in the lives of others. Thanks to the Laird family for sharing him. Forever grateful!
Darrel Stewart
March 22, 2015
Dr. Laird was a great adviser, mentor, confidant, and friend! Not just to me, but also to my wife and two daughters. I will miss my friend, his smile, the hugs, and our conversations.
Michael Myers
March 19, 2015
Dr.Laird was one of my favorite professors at NNC (then). I still have class notes of his classes in Christian Ed. He always treated me with the highest of respect and even found short-time jobs for some of us around town, as well as arranging a meeting with a pastor in Wilder to interview as music and youth pastor. We had a great time in Wilder for a few years.
Deanna Kinsman
March 14, 2015
What a wonderful man.Irving had the gift of encouragement and the gift of gab. There were no strangers to Doc. He knew everybody!! He is an example of putting others first and opening his heart and home to so many people. Doc and his stories will be missed in our Sunday School class. Our love and prayers to Bev and the kids.
March 14, 2015
Such a huge light in many many lives..will truly truly missed for many years to come! Barbara Kincaid Shields
March 14, 2015
To the Laird family. Doc will be for ever in our hearts for all that he did and his spririt will be with us always. May your family find peace and confort knowing this great man is with his creator and he will for sure be looking after us and preparing a homecoming that I know was nothing less than heavenly. Rob, Gayle, Robyn and Leslie O'Donahue
Sheri Cowley
March 14, 2015
Doc was one of the brightest lights I've ever known. His love, grace and unconditional love and acceptance touched and forever changed the lives of so many. Myself included.
D.E. and Helen Hill
March 14, 2015
Dear Bev, Irving was a very special person to us. We were privileged to work with him almost all the years we were at NNU. He was an encouragement to us and an excellent co-worker. We always enjoyed being with the two of you. We will miss him. Love, Dub and Helen
Sonya Woo
March 14, 2015
LHe was an awesome man ! I will keep our fun and special memories of 2011 forever !!Praying for Laird family and Gma Bev.
JoLyn Smith
March 13, 2015
How I loved Dr. Laird. He was a man of God! Psalm 112:6 says a righteous man will be remembered forever!
Lorne Macmillan
March 13, 2015
Remembering fun days from ENC. Lorne and JoyceMacMillan.
March 13, 2015
Weekend trips with Irv to his home in Becon, N.Y. I shall never forget. Oh what fun! Irving and Art Seamons befriended me like a brother - I loved him dearly. His humor could not be topped, I.e. the time that he referred to the parlor in a girls dorm at B.N.C. as " this
place looks like a I waiting room in a Bus Station" There's more!
Glenn D. Keys - Retired Biologist, E.N.C.
Lura and Carlene Cogdill
March 12, 2015
To the precious family of our friend and teacher. We were blessed to know you as a dear friend in this life and look forward to spending eternity with you. We are so sad to see you go. A terrible loss for all who knew and loved you and a wonderful gain for heaven. We will remember your contagious smile.
Ray Ax
March 12, 2015
I will miss seeing at church. You were a great inspiration to all of us.
Jay Akkerman
March 12, 2015
A great friend and mentor. I'll miss my friend, especially the way he chuckled as he talked! +>j
Shelby Rama
March 11, 2015
I will never forget Dr. Laird. What a legacy he leaves in the world of holiness. He will be missed.
Shel Rama - Business Faculty 1992-95
Religious Studies Student - 1992-95
Elena Willey
March 11, 2015
What a wonderful and inspirational man Doc was. He always made us feel welcomed. You all are in our prayers!
Tim & Lidia King
March 11, 2015
We give thanks to God for Doc's gracious love through the years.
Jane and Paul Taylor
March 11, 2015
Beverly, we are praying for you and the family during this difficult time. He will be missed.
April McNeiece
March 11, 2015
Doc was first to call me Pastor. He believed in God's call on my life even when I wasn't so sure. I will miss his encouragement!
Cynthia Bell
March 11, 2015
Thinking of you all during these days. Praying for peace. Many hugs.
Joan Murray
March 11, 2015
What an influence Dr Laird has been to so many students as well as all he has come in contact with in his life. Although he will be greatly missed, his influence will live on forever. He has gone to his rightful reward. So sorry that we will still be in California during his memorial service. Love and prayers for all. Joan and Myron
dean cowles
March 11, 2015
Love you Doc and Beverly and all the family praying for you guys for a wonderful celebration on Saturday will be watching via live stream
Drew Hinds
March 10, 2015
God speed Doc - thanks for your influence!
Bonnie Wong
March 10, 2015
I am very sorry to hear about Doc's passing. He now has a new address. I have fond memories of him from the early days at Oak Street House (Golden Gate Community Church) in San Francisco. He was a large presence and a great help to many. I was hoping that our paths would cross again sometime. May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with his family and friends. with love and prayer, Bonnie Wong
Suzanne Newman
March 10, 2015
What an incredible and godly man whose sacrificial humanity is exemplified in his loving and beneficent children.
Cathy Chambers
March 10, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss, but what a blessing to have such a wonderful man for a father, husband, and grandfather. You have my deepest sympathy.
Gary Lee Parker
March 10, 2015
Dr. Laird was a great man of God who lived what he taught.
March 10, 2015
Dear Beverly and family: So sorry to learn of Irving's passing. Last time we saw both of you was at the NNU Scholarship Luncheon last spring. We sat at the same table and had time to chat. Irving mentored many students who all admired and loved him. His influence probably extends around the world. He has entered Heaven's Gates with the words "Well done faithful servant!" With good memories and prayers. Mel and Carol Schroeder
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