Bruce Laird

Alden Bruce Laird, storyteller, passed away Jan. 2, 2017, at his home in Dubois with family by his side.

He was born Dec. 1, 1936, in Rigby to James and Elaine Laird. Growing up in Dubois, he attended Clark County High School. He was student body president among many other honors. He played basketball, football and baseball. He attended the University of Idaho before returning home to work with his father at the Laird Sales and Service dealership.

He married the love of his life, Marilyn Meppen, on Sept. 12, 1958. Together, Bruce and Marilyn built their life and family in Dubois. He raised cattle and horses. He also did farming, logging and fencing. He served as school bus maintenance supervisor and drove the Medicine Lodge route. He served as U.S. mail carrier for the Spencer and Kilgore routes. One of his joys in life was to build bluebird houses and strategically place them throughout Clark County. There is now an explosion of bluebirds in the county.

One measure of a good man is how he treats his pets. If Leonardo, our family's dog, were alive he would have been in the cab of the pickup with Bruce, right front paw on Bruce's left shoulder, left front paw on the door, hind feet surfing the seat back, head out the open window, ears flopping in the wind and on the go with Bruce. Leonardo loved to hunt. Whatever Bruce was doing, he would give Leonardo time to hunt rodents, even mule deer. Leonardo was afraid of nothing, except one time when he chased a buck deer only to be charged and chased back to the pickup into the safety of Bruce's arms. Leonardo loved Bruce. The love was mutual.

Another measure of a good man is how he treats his friends and community. This is perhaps Bruce's greatest contribution. Immeasurable really. Selflessness. Kindness. Caring. A helping hand. He spent countless hours mentoring kids who lost a parent at a young age. He gave them hope and friendship, a sense of belonging and normalcy.

Yet another measure of a good man is how he treats family. Whether it was a college rodeo final, a basketball game, a first solo flight, a first deer hunt or a first car purchase, he was there.

You were one in a million. See you on the other side, Dad.

Bruce chose cremation. No services will be held now. A memorial service will be held this summer with details to be posted in the spring.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn Meppen; his four children, Gwen Laird of Idaho Falls, Rob Laird (Jennifer) of Dubois, Ted Laird (Samie) of Dubois and Allen Laird of Dallas, Texas; his sister, Vicki Brooks (Charles) of Idaho Falls; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family expresses its gratitude for the acts of kindness from the community, the Encompass team, and the Idaho Kidney Center team. Condolences may be sent to the family online at at www.woodfuneralhome.com.