Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Bradley Laird Obituary
The guitar and singing voice of Bradley Laird, age 58, went silent at 4:20 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 after a lingering illness. Brad was a 1980 graduate of Jackson High School and graduated from The University of Akron in 1985. He was a lifetime resident of Willowdale Lake. Brad and his long-time music partner Chris Hess were known as B&C and performed at many venues throughout the area.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Janet (Eastman) Laird, son Josh, parents Louise and Bill Laird, sister Bethann (Rick) Hinig and nephews Bronson (Sarah) and Brock (Sarah) Witting and many special friends.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a fundraiser for his family Sunday, November 3rd from 3-8 p.m. at Loby's, 4736 Hills and Dales Road NW Canton and a celebration of his life at Willowdale Clubhouse at a later date.
"Thanks for being my hero Dad, I love you" – Josh
Arrangements entrusted to the Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home North Canton 330-452-4041.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Missy Howenstine
November 10, 2019
My heartfelt sympathies are with the Laird family. I took lessons with Brad, and I must say, I think he was the only person who could tolerate my deep obsession of John Mayer( or else he was really good at pretending lol) He was an amazing player and singer!! He turned me on to some really great music, and he was the best story teller. My prayers are with Josh, his mom, and family. God bless!
Mark and Christine Haggarty
November 4, 2019
My condolences to the Laird family. Janet and Josh, you know if you need something Mark and I are here.
Scott Anderson and Debbie Anderson
November 3, 2019
Brad. This is really hard. Because Scott loves you.
I waited to see if he was able to type a message to you and Janet and Josh. We are fellow Willowdale lake residents. My most regrets was leaving thelake. We love you all.
T Castle
November 2, 2019
My heartfelt sympathies to Janet and Josh and all of Brad's family. He is gone too soon. From another one of his many students and long-time CMC patron. TC
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Lisa McIndoe
October 29, 2019
I went to high school with Brad and what I remember is how nice he made you feel, very friendly with a warm smile no pretentious to him at all . I did see his band Chaser sometimes along with seeing him play about 5 years ago at Perennial .So talented. It was great to know he followed his passion for music in his life and pass it down to his son. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Lisa Taylor McIndoe
October 27, 2019
Brad's passing is sad, but, fond memories of the times we shared quickly replace any feelings of grief. I feel very fortunate to have been able to call Brad "friend", and, priveleged he allowed me to be part of his life. My sincere condolences to the Laird family.
James H.
October 26, 2019
I took a handful of guitar lessons from brad back in '93 at canton music center. I was shocked to hear he had passed away. He was a good teacher and a really good guitar player. He had a great personality and was so easy to get along with. RIP brad.
Stephanie Moser & Family
October 26, 2019
To Janet, Josh, family and friends,
We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Sending our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to you all.
Deb Stewart
October 26, 2019
Janet, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Josh.
Canton Music City
October 26, 2019
Brad Laird, the guitar player of guitar players and the teacher of teachers will be sadly missed. After decades of love and friendship,Brad made such an impression on all of us with his talent and knowledge of music. His personality was second to none. Students, staff and customers loved him. The music world is going to be a much emptier place without him. His wife and son was his whole world. Music played a hard second.
God bless and much love.
Canton Music City
Darrell, Stretch, Scott, Dave, Mike, Rick Balles, Karyn, Miki, Kim and many more.....
Jean Morgan
October 26, 2019
Janet, so very sorry about the loss of your husband. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
October 26, 2019
Words can not expresss my sympathy for Janet ,Josh and family.I will forever treasure the times I was able to hear Brad play and sing.
Richard Roth
October 26, 2019
We will meet again someday my friend.
:'-(
Angela Schnegg
October 25, 2019
So sorry for the families loss, my condolences
John Collins
October 25, 2019
Brad taught me the crabwalk! We had some good guitar conversations. He touched so many lives...Peace be with Brad and his family.
Rick Vickers
October 25, 2019
I Started taking guitar lessons from Brad, back in the mid 90s Brad was awesome, always smiling, super cool and always helping me learn new songs, what a fantastic guitar player.would of loved to had , half his talent, so sorry to his friends and family for there loss, of such a great person.
Brad gave me this picture. Always makes me smile. We love our Packers!
Eric Brooke
October 25, 2019
Linda McKeivier
October 24, 2019
So sorry for your loss.
Brad was my son's guitar teacher and was so talented.
Gone to soon!
Steve V
October 24, 2019
David Byrd
October 24, 2019
As an aspiring guitarist at the age of 17 in 1986, I saw every "Chaser" concert I could. The band, particularly Brad, was nothing but inspiring for me. I requested their songs on "Good Rock" 106.9 just to hear more of it. It wasn't until I was in town in 2015 at the Canton Music Center that I ran into Brad.
After 29 years and not knowing who I was, I got to tell him what an influence he was on me as a player and a song writer. It was pure joy to tell him some of my favorite Chaser songs as he would tell me the background stories to them. He seemed elated that a complete stranger would be so grateful as I was, and I still am. I'll never forget the music that he was apart of and that became part of me.
My deepest condolences to the Laird family and close friends. Know that he touched many.
Steve Valliere
October 24, 2019
The first time i met Brad, I felt an immediate kinship. We started playing music together on Sundays with our buddy Joe, writing and recording songs which was always the highlight of my week. He was a great musician and a great friend. My heart goes out to Janet, Josh, all his family members and all his friends. He will be missed. RIP Sir Bradley. Love you like a brother!!
Mikki Vega-Moore
October 24, 2019
I've known Brad for about 35 years. I worked at Canton Music Center with him. In all these years there was never a time that he didn't greet me with a smile and a bubbly "Hey Mik!" He was always excited to share anything and everything about Josh! Such a proud dad!!! He was always willing to write a song out in tab for me.... I'm just saddened knowing he's not here. prayers to Josh and Janet.
Robert (Robbie) Lowman
October 24, 2019
I worked at Canton Music Center with Brad back in the 90's. He always had a smile on his face, and a cheerful "Hello" to every person he encountered. I'm sorry for your Family's loss.
Rick Ballas
October 24, 2019
I knew Brad for many years. I am deeply saddened that he left us too soon. Many good memories and he will be missed by many.
October 24, 2019
Janet I am so sad to hear of your husband's passing. I'll be praying for you and your family.
Jeff and Kathryn Tuttle
Linda Murphy
October 24, 2019
So saddened to hear of Brad's passing. He was my guitar teacher for a short while. He was a super guy with a warm & infectious smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who had the blessing of being close to him.
Rebecca Flinn
October 24, 2019
I am very sorry!
Thoughts, prayers, and much love to all of you!
Daniel Abrigg
October 24, 2019
My prayers & condolences to Brad's family. He will be missed.
Pat Bowen
October 24, 2019
Thoughts & prayers for Brad's family.
Chris Andrews
October 24, 2019
Prayers and special thoughts for Janet, Josh and the rest of his family and friends. God bless you with comfort at this time.
October 23, 2019
To all of Brad's family. Brad taught my daughter and recorded with her in the studio. He was a fine man and musician. We are so sorry for your loss.
The earthly world of music, lost one of the best. Fly free Brad. May Angels lead you in.
October 23, 2019
Bill and Louise,
Our prayers are with you and the Laird family.
Rick & Patty Kobelt
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
1425 S. Main Street, North Canton, OH 44720
Make a Donation
in Bradley Laird's name
How to support Bradley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bradley Laird's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
