About
William Laird Obituary
He is predeceased by his parents, Alan and Joyce Laird.
Bill was born in Montreal, Canada, and then lived in Richmond and El Cerrito before moving to his family home in Lafayette, California where he attended school. At Acalanes High School he won a National Merit Scholarship. He briefly studied Engineering at UC Davis and then studied English at UC Berkeley. In the early 70s he lived in Santa Cruz and studied Art at Cabrillo College. Eventually Bill became a licensed surveyor and worked independently as well as for engineering firms during his 30-year career.
Bill was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 56 but was able to travel and research the subjects that interested him until well into his 60s. He was an accomplished artist and made paintings with the help of his studio assistant until well into his 70s.
Throughout his life Bill was a nature lover who also loved art, race cars, and the San Francisco 49ers.
A memorial service will be held at his home in Oakland, California on April 4, 2026.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
John Gueldner
March 16, 2026
I just saw the notice on Bill's passing on the Acalanes High page. Even though I have not seen or talked to him since high school days, it brought to mind the day I met him. It was the first day of Kindergarten in our classroom in the basement of the Lafayette Town Hall. Our teacher, Mrs. Brannan, asked each of us where we were born. Probably half the class said Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley. Bill said "Canada" and we were all in amazed that someone from such an unknown, exotic place was among us. Bill was a very nice classmate and person and I am sure he will be missed by his family and friends.
John Gueldner, Oakland
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1139 Saranap Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94595
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