Robert Royden Laing Jr.

Robert Royden Laing Jr.

April 5, 1958 – March 9, 2026

Robert Royden Laing Jr. – known to most as Bob and to many as Bobby or Bob, Jr. – passed away peacefully at home in Bonner Springs, Kansas, on March 9, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Bob was born on April 5, 1958, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Robert and Norma Laing. Immediately after his birth in Kansas City, Norma returned with him to Chicago, while his father completed medical school there. In the early 1960s they returned to Bonner Springs, and in 1966 the family spent time at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. It was there that Bob began playing football for the Bears – with his dad as one of his coaches – sparking a lifelong love of football and sports that would follow him from little league all the way through college.

Eventually the Laing family returned to Bonner Springs, where Bob grew up as the eldest of four siblings. He attended Bonner Springs High School, graduating in 1976. While there, he competed in several sports, including football and wrestling, and excelled in track and field for the Bonner Braves, throwing discus and shot put.

After high school, Bob attended Dodge City Community College (1976-1977) and Idaho State University (1977-1979) on football scholarships, playing starting center, before continuing his education at Washburn University. He graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and later earned his law degree from Washburn and a Master's in Tax Law at Southern Methodist University.

Bob went on to practice law in a wide range of areas, including general civic practice, family law, business and corporate law, and several other specialties. He was a member of both the Kansas and Missouri Bar Associations. Bob was the kind of attorney people trusted – not only for his knowledge, but for his calm demeanor and steady advice.

Bob was deeply involved in his community. He served on the Bonner Springs City Council and on the Lake of the Forest Board of Directors, always willing to lend his time and perspective when it came to improving the community he loved.

Sports remained one of Bob's lifelong passions. He was a dedicated Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan, holding KU season tickets for many years and attending multiple NCAA tournaments. Eagle-eyed fans spotted him several times on the cover of Sports Illustrated amongst the tournament crowds. For many years, when baseball season began, you could count on Bob being at the Kansas City Royals Home Opener. Bob was also a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan. During any televised sport, when Bob's favorite team scored or made a stellar play, he loved the tradition of ringing the bell – at his home and those of several neighborhood friends.

Bob also loved the open road. Riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, he made countless trips with his beloved "motorcycle gang," collecting stories and miles in equal measure.

The outdoors was another place where Bob felt at home. He was an avid duck and goose hunter, with occasional pursuits of pheasant, dove, and turkey across the fields, marshes, and woods of Kansas and Missouri. In 1999 he became a founding member of the Napier Hunt Club in Holt County, Missouri, where he spent countless hours in the marshes and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Those friendships led to a once-in-a-lifetime dove and duck hunting trip to Argentina.

For 35 years, Bob hosted friends from across the country in Chamberlain, South Dakota, on the third weekend of October for three days of pheasant hunting and the camaraderie that always followed. The hunting was good – but the stories afterward were often better.

Bob was a proud member of Ducks Unlimited and the Monkey Club, and he valued the opportunities and friendships that came with both. He had a mellow character and a wonderfully dry sense of humor that could sneak up on you when you least expected it.

He loved traveling with his daughter, family, and friends and enjoyed sailing, boating, and snow skiing. He also had a soft spot for dogs, and many loyal companions joined him throughout the years – King, Jake the Dog, Boomer, Buddy, P, Clay, Coco, Snoop Dogg, Slim Shady, and Drake – each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Bob loved his family deeply. As the oldest of four children, he was often the encourager and steady supporter during difficult times. But he was also the one responsible for plenty of mischief. When Bobby walked into a family gathering, everyone knew the shenanigans were about to begin. He especially loved getting his nephews and niece riled up and laughing.

Bob was a devoted husband – cherishing Jennifer throughout their decades-long relationship – as well as father, son, brother, nephew, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend. His love for them all ran deep and steady, and that love was returned many times over.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Laing Sr.; his grandparents; several aunts and uncles; and the many beloved dogs who undoubtedly greeted him first upon their reunion.

He is survived by his wife Jennifer Cloud; his daughter Lauren Patrice Laing; his mother Norma Laing; his siblings Sheryl Laing, Julie Holland (Rob), and Rich Laing (Kristi); his nephews and niece Ryan, Alec (Megan), Austin (Callie), Luke, Jake (Lucy), Hannah, Brandon, and Jax; great-nephews Luca, August, Cal, Remi, and Mac; his aunt Karen Gasper (Jim); his loyal dog Drake; many beloved cousins; and countless cherished friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 4, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Lake of the Forest Clubhouse, 100 Lake Forest, Bonner Springs, KS 66012.

Honorary pallbearers are Ryan Holland, Alec Holland, Austin Laing, Luke Holland, Jake Laing, Hannah Holland, Brandon Laing, and Jax Holland.

From 1:30 to 2:30 PM, there will be a time for prayer and sharing memories – because with Bob, there are plenty of good ones to tell. Bring your Bobby stories to share, and stay afterward for food and beverages.

Bob lived a life full of family, friendship, laughter, sports, open roads, wide marshes, and loyal dogs. If there's one thing everyone who knew him can agree on, it's this: life was simply more fun when Bob Laing was around.