Jerald Bert Laird

1935 - 2021

February 12, 1935 - December 23, 2020 Jerald Bert Laird (Jerry) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, left for a joyous reunion with his parents, sister, and extended family on December 23, 2020. Born February 12, 1935, in Jesup, Iowa, to Ralph and Sarah Laird, Jerry was the youngest of three children. Soon after Jerry's birth, the young family moved to La Verne, CA. When he was younger, he had all sorts of adventures, most notably when "Buster" the Mule inexplicably found himself in the house to the chagrin of Mother Laird. He loved to race his hot rod around town and was quite popular with the La Verne Police Department; probably best if we leave it at that. Jerry graduated from Bonita High in La Verne in 1953, where he was the Senior Class President and dating his sweetheart Nancy Gaston. After graduation, they were married and started their family in La Verne. After Terri was born in 1955, they moved to Claremont, where Linda and Heidi were born. Jerry served in the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion, aka Seabee's. In 1955 Jerry and his brother, Jim, joined the family construction business, Laird Paving later, changing it to Laird Construction Co., Inc. Under his guidance, Laird Construction would grow to be a highly respected and successful General Engineering contractor. Jerry worked in the construction industry for over 60 years and willingly shared his vast experience by serving on numerous boards, committees, and industry organizations. Most recently, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Council and the University of La Verne. Jerry loved to be outdoors and was an avid Hunter and outdoorsman; he particularly liked to shoot Trap and Skeet. He excelled at it and won many sharpshooting medals. Chasing upland game birds was a natural extension, and he'd go as often as time permitted. He was also known to chase that elusive duck around the world. Jerry will be remembered for his quick smile, willingness to listen, his tenderness, his whistle that called his girls home, and his love for and of his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jerry was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, and Sister. He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughters Terri Duval (Jeff), Linda Parsons (Ron), Heidi Hunter (Gordon), Brother Jim Laird (Corky), Grandchildren Michael Dovey (Jennifer), Nicholas Dovey (Emily), Lauren Leslie (Clay), Ross Parsons (Mya), Ashley Gordon (Ryan), Heather Hunter Rodriguez (Sergio) and eight great-grandchildren. The family will be having a private graveside service at the La Verne Cemetery and plan to host a celebration of life in the future.