William Norman Laird

William Norman Laird was born to Robert A. and Vonnie (Bowen) Laird on Sept. 2, 1929 in Seattle, WA. He went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 23, 2011. Bill is survived by his loving wife Jeanne of 60 years; children Greg (Carol) Laird of Camas, WA, Galen (Candi) Laird of Lynden, Glenn (Jean) Laird of Bellingham, Guy (Janet) Laird of Lynden and Gina (Bruce) Bosch of Sumas; 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Gary Laird; his parents; brother Bob; sister Eleanor and in-laws Clarence and Maaike DeLange. Following high school, Bill served in the US Army Reserve for 6 years; and active duty for two years stationed at Ft. Richardson in Anchorage, AK. On January 1, 1951 he married Jeanne DeLange in Lynden. A man of many talents, Bill worked at the GP Paper Mill for 6 years; operated the Texaco gas station on the Guide & Front St. in Lynden; and farmed for many years dairying, growing roses, beans and cucumbers. In 1972, he purchased a cattle hauling business from Al Swartos and began Laird's Livestock Hauling; and was a State Brand Inspector for 15 years. In retirement he became a STARS officer for Lynden Police Department for 10 years. Bill loved traveling throughout the U.S.; especially visiting Yuma, AZ and the Amish farmers in Ohio. He deeply loved his family and he will be greatly missed by all of them. Visitation hours are scheduled for Friday, May 27, 5 to 8 pm at Gillies Funeral Home. Graveside services with military honors will be conducted Saturday, May 28, 10:00 am in Monumenta Cemetery followed by an 11 am memorial service at New Life Fellowship Church, 810 E. Pole Rd., Lynden, WA 98264. Memorials in Bill's name are suggested to New Life Fellowship Church at the above address.