Michael Laird

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a core member of its Wasatch Back fan base with the passing of Michael Robert Laird this week.

The co-owner of Melvin's Public House in Heber City, Utah, Laird (as he was affectionately known by all), 53, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025, at his home.

Born June 28, 1971, in Syracuse, New York, to Robert Russell Laird and Lorna Jean (Smith) Laird, he grew up in Wappingers Falls, attending Roy C. Ketcham High School and participating in a multitude of sports including football, tennis, lacrosse and skiing. After high school he came straight out to the mountains, attending the University of Utah before settling down in Park City, where he became a well-known and loved fixture at O'Shucks. Third stool from the end, he was always ready to talk sports and trivia. Before "google" became a verb, we all had Laird, aka, Cliff Clavin, to answer whatever random questions we had.

He managed the Olympic Spirit store for its duration, dealing with the craziness of hosting the Olympics in 2002, before moving on to Surefoot and in 2005, moving to Big Sky, Montana, where he managed the ski and golf clubhouse at Spanish Peaks. Once again, he became the beloved sports fanatic and resident know-it-all, this time at Milkie's Pub. He would race to be the first one in on football Sunday's, helping to put the chairs down so he could get his Steelers game on the prime TV.

While still in Big Sky in 2011, Laird realized his long time, part time, casual best "Park City friend" was more than that, and moved back down to Utah to marry Melissa Wilkinson on July 14, 2012.

Together they owned and operated Granny's Drive In before selling it and opening Melvin's Public House in June 2018. Once again, Laird was front and center, third stool from the end, orchestrating football Sundays in the fall and golf Sundays in the spring and summer, and proudly displaying as much Steelers, Penn State and Utah gear as his Buckeye and Browns fan wife would allow.

After seemingly injuring every part of his body, Laird moved away from skiing and became an avid golfer. He was particularly adept at driving the ball extremely far...in the wrong direction. Hosting Melvin's annual golf tournament was a major source of pride and joy, as he loved seeing everyone have a great time. He also loved annual trips every spring to the beach in Mexico, where he was always joined by many friends.

He is survived by his wife Melissa, of Heber City, his mother, Lorna, of Florida, his twin brother, Robert (Pamela), of Pennsylvania, his Wilkinson brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, many cousins and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his father.

A celebration of life will be held at Melvin's Public House Sunday, June 1st. Please play a round of golf for Mike beforehand and bring a good story with you!

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please donate to a charity of your choice. Our favorites are Paws for Life, The Peace House and Encircle Heber.