David Laird

David Forrest Laird, Jr., 68, of Ligonier, Ind., passed away on April 10, 2013 in Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. He died of complications from a heart attack. David was born on Jan. 27, 1945, in Passaic, New Jersey to David F. Laird, Sr. and Annie Roy (Carson) Laird. He married Debbie Hagen on September 1, 1973. She survives Also surviving are two daughters, Kelley and Jamie Laird, and two grandchildren, Collin Fiedeke and Luke Wills, as well as his son-in-law, Matt Wills. His brother and sister-in-law survive, Thomas and Helene Laird of Clark, New Jersey. Mr. Laird is also survived by his niece and nephew, Sue and Brian Dustin of New Jersey, and his mother-in-law, Mariane Hagen, along with an extended family of 10 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. David was preceded in death by his parents, David and Annie Roy Laird; his brother, Douglas Laird and his father-in-law, John C. Hagen. David earned a BBA and an MBA from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. Her served in the United States Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for four years, and he went on to join USAA. One of his many positions at USAA was as Vice President of USAA’s Special Services. In 1984, David started the Laird Travel Company with his wife, Debbie, and worked as CEO and Chief Marketer of this successful business until his untimely death. David was passionate about travel. In his life, he visited all continents of the world and over 100 countries. He was a fitness enthusiast and encouraged many who knew him to be active. He was an incredible chef. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and friends at the church he loved, being with his grandchildren, reading and studying his many interests, watching IU basketball, movies and spending time cooking and sharing meals with family. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 3 p.m. at Ligonier United Methodist Church, 466 Townline Road, Ligonier, in The Mount. Pastor Byron Kaiser will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 12-3 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Ligonier United Methodist Church for The CrossWalk. If you have any stories you would like to be shared about David, please feel free to share them on his Facebook page. His family will share them at the calling and the memorial service. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Parkview Heart Institute for their support in his final days.