Ralph Ford Laird

Joan, you have lost a most gracious person. Anne and I know what a support Ralph was to you and all your family. Our memories of him are all pleasant and positive. You and he are in our prayers.

Joan - I am so sorry to hear we've lost Ralph. I just have to tell you what admiration I always had for yours and his relationship. You two were like two peas in a pod. I will always remember him for his grin and wearing that hat. I know you're surrounded by family and friends who love you - please know we love you here too.

Senior Center

I was thinking of Ralph a few days before he died. A friend and I were talking about wrestling. I recall how helpful Ralph was to me when I began officiating wrestling. He was the pro and I was the rookie. I will always remember his kindnesses.

G.G. Just wanted you to know, although it has been many, many years, you are remembered and thought of fondly. May God comfort you in your loss.

Barb and I will always remember his goodness and his smiles. He had a smile for all occasions and every smile said something. Better than words. Those he has touched are greatful for his life.

Ralph was our first supervisor in the field of special education, and we remember him with great fondness. He was a kind, thoughtful, and caring man. Ralph was a great listener who was deeply respectful of his staff, and compassionate and supportive of the families TBA served. Ralph never shied away from spirited and enjoyable debates with some of us "know it all" new teachers, and he taught us that we might not really know everything. We have many fond memories of Ralph. One we love is the memory of him careening into our school parking lot on his motorcycle, mink tie askew, clutching our paychecks.

We join with Ralph's many friends to extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Joan and family:

My heart goes out to you all.It's hard to lose someone you dearly love. Bud was so appreciative that Ralph stopped to see him when he was having his bypass surgery.

My fondest memories of Ralph were all the Thanksgiving dinners at Fox Tent & Awning in Ann Arbor, around the cutting table were the canvas was outstreght My Father, Uncle Alex and aunt Myrtle had the room all spit and polsihed for this great meal with all the Aunts, Uncle and cousins. Our love to the Lairds. Burl and Barbara

Ben and Lorraine and girls,

I was truly saddended to hear about Ralph's death. I recall seeing him with Ben at the Cherry festival.

Please accept my thoughts and prayers.I know that this is difficult for you .

I hope that Joan will be okay.

To the Laird Family,

Thirty years ago, when TBAISD was small, Ralph Laird was big.

I remember him as a man who loved his profession and enjoyed his colleagues. He often talked about his own children and wife, Joan, with pride and admiration.

He was a friendly, upbeat, and a considerate supervisor. At one time, Ralph went out his way to be sure I had the opportunity to be employed. He was looking out for me and I never forgot his kindness.

I send my desire that you will find comfort knowing others admired and respected your dear father and husband.

Many fond memories of Ralph. He was a special friend to Sandy.

Joan, Gigi, Ben & Joe: remembering many good days as neighbors on Wayne