Obituary of Archie Laird

The family of Archie Donald Laird is both saddened and heartbroken to announce his sudden passing. He was born the last of six children to Thomas E. and Ethel (nee Walden) Laird, in Verwood, Saskatchewan on August 25, 1928. At 5 years old, the family moved north to a homestead in the Mayview district, where he attended Tanglewood School. Archie farmed the homestead after his brothers and sisters moved on, until he decided to move to Prince Albert to work in the automotive industry. He started out at Regent Motors, honing his body work skills, later to become a co-owner and Manager of Browne’s Body Shop. His wife Gladys would later join him in the business, where they both worked until they retired and sold the business. Archie was predeceased by his wife: Gladys (Hill); his granddaughter: Laurie Delorme; his parents: Thomas and Ethel Laird; brother: Alex and wife Aileen McDowell; sister: Selma and husband Richard Bader; sisters-in-law: Gerry and Irene Laird; and his brother-in-law: George Williams. Left to mourn is his daughter: Judy (John) Delorme; grandson: Michael (Rebecca) Delorme; great- grandchildren: Kyle, Jerrick, Khaedyn and Kealtie. Also left to mourn is his step-son: Doug (Veronica) Hill; step-granddaughters: Tracy, Alison (Gerald) Korecki, Kristal (Nevin Ritter); step-great grandsons Keilan, Joshua and Kolton. Archie is also survived by his brothers: Edwin and George Laird; his sister: Ruby Williams; numerous nieces and nephews, and Special lifelong friend and Tanglewood schoolmate: Ken Wooten. Archie and Gladys built a home on their acreage west of Prince Albert, where they enjoyed gardening and maintaining their yard; both were avid green thumbs. Archie played bass guitar for many years in an old-time band, The Golden Notes. Archie taught himself to play a variety of instruments by ear, and never learned to read sheet music. Archie entertained many crowds at dances and senior homes over the years, even though he was humble and shy about his musical talents. The homestead remained in the family for many years, as Archie and Gladys later bought the land and built a cabin on it. Many weekends were spent enjoying friends, neighbors, and family at the retreat. Archie and Gladys were best friends, inseparable as they worked and enjoyed life together. They had many close friends that would join them for social gatherings, bingo, bowling, golf, fishing, camping and travel adventures. Archie made many friends over his lifetime. He will be remembered as a gentleman who was both patient and kind, with a wonderful sense of humor, who always gave more than he took. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved that he would play and join in their activities. Grandpa’s and Grandma’s house was a very special place. He was a humble man with many talents; he would work to find an innovative solution to almost any challenge. Archie was generous, loyal and loving to his family and friends, he made spending time with them a priority. . He set a great example for everyone around him, by living a life of unconditionally loving others. A devoted father, grandfather, and friend; Archie will be missed dearly by those he left behind. Thank you to Good Shepherd Villa Staff and Archie’s niece, Pat, that lovingly cared for Archie in his final years. Thank you to Dr. Surkan n and Fourth Floor staff at Victoria Union Hospital that cared for Archie during his final days. A Celebration of life will be held on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary United Church, 114 25th St. East, Prince Albert, with Rev. Nora Vedress as Celebrant. Lunch and interment will follow the service. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.