George David Laird

1945 ∼ 2020

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GEORGE DAVID LAIRD, 74, lost his battle for life on Saturday August 1, 2020, after sustaining extensive injuries in a motorcycle accident the previous Monday, in Tuscaloosa Alabama. George was doing something that he dearly loved….riding his bike on back country roads. George was a native of Port Arthur, Texas, growing up in Port Acres, graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School. He was a lifelong educator, starting his teaching career in 1968 with Port Arthur ISD. He continued teaching, but added coaching to his duties when he moved to Nederland ISD and then to Vidor ISD. His head football coaching career started with a stint at Bishop Byrne High School, followed by Vinton High School in Vinton Louisiana. After five years of coaching, he went into high school administration, which is where he found his true love of education. Through the years, he worked as Assistant Principal, then Principal at several different schools, but found his calling with Catholic School education. After receiving his Doctorate in Education, he stepped into Superintendent shoes, spending six years in the Chicago suburbs of Elgin, Illinois, and ultimately arriving in Houston, Texas where he was Assistant Superintendent for the ArchDiocese of Galveston/Houston. Upon retiring, he began teaching at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, where he continued teaching online courses after his move to Tuscaloosa in 2017 until his untimely death.

George leaves behind his high school sweetheart bride of 53 years, Brenda Peltier Laird; son Robert & wife Gina Laird; daughter Brigette & husband Damon Evans; son Brian Laird; Grandchildren Ashton Evans, Rylan Laird, Andrew Evans, Samantha Evans, Reeve Laird. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, A.B. and Versey Laird, his brothers, Bo Laird, Max Laird, Jurl Laird, Leonard (Butch) Laird, Glen Laird and his sister Juanita Laird.

George loved dancing, country music, jazz music and being around those he loved. He loved gardening, riding his bike, nurturing those around him, talking and passing time with friends OR strangers, but especially laughing with old high school buddies. Watching his three children make their way through life and watching his five Grandchildren grow and thrive was always his number one priority. Nothing brought a smile to his face like they did! He recently heard and adopted a statement made by Clint Eastwood, when asked about growing old….. He said, “I try REAL hard not to let the old man in!”

Rest Peacefully, My Love, until we walk together again♥

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon's Funeral Home on Friday, august 14, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. at Melancon's Funeral Home with interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves.

Memorial Video

Condolences

Mark Broussard January 19, 2021

Hello Laird family. I just thought about Coach Laird this morning. I don't know why. I'm a Southern Baptist pastor in Baytown, TX, and googled him when I got to the office. There was his obituary! I played football at Vinton High School during his coaching tenure. I remember him as level headed and he was always kind to me. I liked it that we ended every game (win or lose) and ended every practice with all of us praying the Lord's Prayer out loud together. I remember how he took a stand in his first year as head coach at Vinton. We lost a lot of good players that year and lost every game. It was tough on us, but it must have really been tough on him! Those lost players returned for my senior year and we went to the playoffs and lost to the eventual state champions 14-8. The last time I spoke to him, Coach Laird encouraged me in my further education as I started college, even though I did not play college ball. Like him, I went on to earn a doctorate in my field. He was the best coach for my temperament. He was a fine man and fair. I know you will all miss him. God bless you, Mark Broussard VHS Class of 1979

Tom Macrini August 18, 2020

I was saddened to read yesterday of the passing of George earlier this month. While I don't remember much about the numerous meetings that we attended together over the years, I do recall that they were made tolerable because of George's wit and humor and his kindred spirit with me. George, rest in peace and may God bless your family. Tom Macrini

Anonymous August 14, 2020

A sympathy card was purchased for the family of George David Laird.

Tanya Blasingame August 14, 2020

Tanya Blasingame lit a candle in memory of George David Laird

Terry Sterricker August 13, 2020

I fondly remember the years of Dr. Laird’s leadership while working with him while he was the superintendent at St. Edward Central Catholic in Elgin, IL. RIP Dr.

Melancon'S Funeral Home August 12, 2020

Melancon's Funeral Home created a Webcast in memory of George David Laird

Melancon'S Funeral Home August 11, 2020

Melancon's Funeral Home created a Tribute Video in memory of George David Laird

Louie Grand August 10, 2020

George - I was so sorry to hear about your passing. I too remember the SFA football days, you were a leader then, as everybody looked up to you and your work ethic and your love for the game. Rest In Peace My Dear Fiend, your work here on earth is done. Louie Grand

Mike August 9, 2020

George - Have a Bud Light For Me - Rest in Peace My Old Friend. MikeTheMixer

Linda August 8, 2020

Juanita has all her boys together again. She will take good care of them until Brenda is there for George. I watched him in high school, playing football and falling in love. His brothers were all so proud of him and all his accomplishments. Praying for you and your family. Love Linda

Robert New August 8, 2020

Bob NewGeorge hired me to teach English at Marion Catholic High School in 1988. But he moved on and I never had the great good fortune to teach under his tutelage. But I was the boys varsity track coach before his time in Marion, and in his year here, he attended every one of my home track meets and WORKED them as well. He would time, run a field event, line up a hurdle crew; he was the only principal that ever did that, and I was grateful. And I know the kids appreciated it, too. They weren't used to seeing a principal at a track meet, let alone work at it!!! George & I had many talks after meets about education in general and Catholic education in particular. He was a strong advocate of Catholic education, and he never wavered in that advocacy. I am sure that the people of Galveston-Houston have been served just as well. I will always hold a special place in my heart for George. May the angels lead you into Paradise! RIP, George Laird, from a life well-lived.

Bill Perry August 8, 2020

George was always a hard worker in HS and life. I remember the first car that he bought. Linda Harper and I was the first couple to double date with George and Brenda in it. Man that was the good ole days. George was a above average quarterback and I had the privilege of blocking for him for two years George and I made made all-district 2 years along with John Dale Lopez and Glen Edgerly and there was Miss Brenda the Drum Major of the Fighting Eagle Band.

Denise Lemaire Stell August 8, 2020

Mr. Laird was the most compassionate and kind Principle while I was a student at Teurlings Catholic H.S.

Clint Laird August 7, 2020

Tell the old man hi for me

Connie Broussard August 7, 2020

RIP GEORGE, AT THE RIGHT HAND OF OUR FATHER. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. PEACE AND COMFORT FOR BRENDA AND FAMILY.

Beverly May August 7, 2020

Fly high, George...we’ll miss your physical presence but will always have you in our hearts. :kissing_heart::blue_heart:🦅🦅🦅

event Visitation

location_on Melancon's Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, Nederland, 77627

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schedule Friday, August 14, 2020 at 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM

event Memorial Service