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David Laird Obituary

David Laird
Godfrey - David Laird passed away on May 11, 2023 in the presence of family and friends from the complications of living with Type I diabetes for over fifty years.
David graduated from Alton High School where he was a National Merit Scholar. He graduated from Grinnell College (mathematics) and Washington University (electrical engineering) before starting his career in Silicon Valley. He was able to combine his love of drawing, painting and cartooning with his engineering expertise as part of the Silicon Graphics team that created high-end workstations with unparalleled 3D graphics capabilities.
David was an artist at heart, with an appreciation for art of all types – from poetry to painting to music to ballroom dancing. He was an expansive music lover and had impeccable taste in movies. He also loved restoring vintage 10-speed bicycles.
Above all, David would consider his children, whom he loved dearly, as his most significant achievement. He was a master of "Dad jokes", with a quick wit and a pun for every situation. David will be remembered as a kind, gentle, intelligent, and humble person. Most of all, he will be remembered as a loving father, wonderful older brother, caring son, and thoughtful friend.
David was preceded in death by his father, Dr. John M Laird, Jr. and his brother, Rodney Laird. He is survived by his two children, Nicolette Laird and Lucas Laird; his mother Carol Laird of Godfrey, IL; his siblings – Christy Laird Staats (Fritz) of Portland, OR, Andy Laird (Maureen Cyr) of Seattle, WA; and his half-siblings John (Stacey), Jim (Ozge), Joe, Jenn Horton (Steve), and Jared (Dianne). An aunt, Marcia Lucietta, his lady friend, Diane Muehlenbeck, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and family friends also remain.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Smile Train, Diabetes Action, Grinnell College, or your favorite charitable organization. A Celebration of Life is being planned for late summer and will be communicated here at a later date.
Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Telegraph on May 20, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Christy Laird Staats

December 18, 2024

As I put up the Christmas tree this year, I noted that David's love of Christmas continues on through all of the beautiful decorations I have of his. I put up the bubble lights -- a real joy as they reminded us of our grandparents who also had them -- and hung several ornaments that used to be his. Among them are the Wallace sterling silver Christmas bells. David collected them and they have a beautiful tinkling sound -- just as you would imagine a Christmas bell to sound. These have been distributed throughout the family to anyone who wanted one. Mine is from 2007, the year of my marriage. Others have them for the year they were married, or born, or something else important in their life happened. For those of you reading this, if you have a bell, please ring it in his memory and tell your loved ones just how much you love them.

Stephany Sanborn

July 15, 2023

David was my Psychology lab partner my first semester at Grinnell. I imagine this was a random assignment, but one which was, for me, amazingly fortuitous. I made a life-long friend. Our face-to-face contacts were infrequent - a bike trip cross-country when David and Rodney came for lunch, a stop on Nikki´s college trip when we spent a great evening, and, of course, Grinnell Reunions.

David´s constant friendship, care and compassion were apparent when I had a long illness; he called every month or so (for 2 years) just to chat and check up on me. It is that kindness I remember always; and I celebrate David´s intelligence, empathy, and love, his generosity with his time, pride in his family, and continued connection to a random "rat lab" partner with whom (I trust) he shared a mutual affection.

Christy Laird Staats

May 29, 2023

David was my older brother. He set the trends in our house -- what music to listen to, stereos, 10-speed bicycles, and all things creative. I didn't tell him until I was an adult, but he was the one I copied.

He was kind to everyone, and super smart. I know his enthusiasm for making art and music, dancing, biking, and enjoying time with his kids filled his life fully. On top of that, he loved all of that technical stuff that electrical engineers do, although it was Greek to me.

I loved him dearly. I wish I'd had more time with him, but I will cherish the memories always.

Peggy Veit Shaffer

May 21, 2023

I remember David as one of my earliest and kindest friends from grade school. He was not only a gifted scholar and fine musician, he was someone I truly looked forward to seeing at reunions, etc. Sending my best to David's loved ones...

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