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David Laidler Obituary
David Laidler died peacefully in his Brooklyn home on August 11th after a long illness. He was surrounded by his beloved fiancée Micilín O'Donaghue, daughter Maya Laidler and sister Ruth Laidler. He was 48. David was a renowned photo agent and champion of photography in both London and New York, known for his quick wit and knack for mentoring new talent. He was the first director of Reportage by Getty Images and created the Getty Grant for Editorial Photography. His love of music, photography, and the outdoors, as well as his creativity and limitless curiosity, brought deep meaning to him as well as to those who knew him. David was born in Hartlepool, England on January 24, 1967. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from London Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster), where he was the resident DJ, David embarked on his career with Katz Pictures in London. He met his former wife, Junko Motoyama, at a poetry reading in London's Soho and remained close to her throughout his life. In 1996, the couple moved to New York City, where David came to work in the New U.S. office of Sygma and where their daughter Maya was born in 2003. In New York, David helped transition Sygma into the Corbis News and Editorial Division. David met Micilín in Brooklyn in 2011. He proposed to her at a frozen waterfall in the Adirondacks. Besides Micilín, Maya, Ruth and Junko, David is survived by his parents, John and Marian, his dogs Rocky and Noel, and a loving community of friends and colleagues in New York, London and Paris. There will be a celebration of David's life on Saturday, August 15th starting at 6pm in Brooklyn's McGorlick Park and a celebration in Hartlepool, UK on a date to be determined.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Laidler
Alex Olivera
August 1, 2016
I'm stunned & saddened by this news.
I met David when he came to work at Sygma. We became friends quickly. He help me buy and set up my first computer,... A Mac of course. I then helped him move into my neighborhood. David & Junko were regulars at my place for Chinese take out or pizza & beer. David,... it was a treat and a privilege to have known you. You will be missed.
Phil Papas
January 5, 2016
David was a very special person. He was a joy to be around, and the kind of co-worker that is a rare privilege to have. I feel so fortunate to have known him. RIP.
Ian Cameron
August 19, 2015
What a tragedy! I am very sorry for your loss and wish you strength in the time that follows this loss. David was a great guy and was very encouraging during my time with Getty, RIP David.
Donna Wright-Bauer
August 19, 2015
Rest in Peace David
Peter Bolioli
August 18, 2015
David was a good friend and colleague. A life too short. May he rest in peace.
Frederic Guarino
August 14, 2015
I was David's colleague at Sygma New York and have fond memories of his humor and wit. I was very sad to learn of his passing and my thoughts are with his family.
Tracy Thomas
August 14, 2015
Throughout my student days, I had the good fortune to share a flat with David. Always witty and ever willing to support you, David was a gentleman with an intelligent wit. Condolences to all his family and friends. RIP David. Xx
Jerry Arcieri
August 14, 2015
Very sorry for your loss. David was always a gentleman whenever we spoke. My prayers are with you and the family.
karen lewis
August 14, 2015
RIP David
carole dunn
August 14, 2015
Remembering David as the little boy next door in his native Hartlepool u.k. Ruth & David were lovely kids- like our own! r.I.P the Dunn family X
Wendy Smalley
August 14, 2015
I knew David from his college days in London and have great memories of clubbing in the trendy hip hop scene at the time and staying in his Grandmothers caravan in Yorkshire. Was a funny witty and great friend. Am very sad he is no longer with us.
Jean-Francois Leroy
August 13, 2015
David was so discret, so humble, almost so shy. But he was always so efficient. A very great Pro, and a splendid human being. He will be deeply missed.
Tamar Salibian
August 13, 2015
I learned a lot from David when I was a Photo Assistant at Corbis Sygma (1999-2001). My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.
Phil Dunn
August 13, 2015
Sleep in peace my childhood pal and next door neighbour. Will be playing The Stranglers "Black And White" LP in your honour on the day. A good lad.
Graham Wileman
August 13, 2015
RIP Dave, a pleasure to have known you
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