David Laird Obituary

David George "Dave" Laird

David George "Dave" Laird of Rio Rancho, a New Mexico resident since 1957, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. He was 79.

He was born on March 8, 1945, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Ralph Hall Laird and Ruby Irene (Lawien) Laird. He and his family moved to Albuquerque in 1957, where he graduated from Sandia High School in 1963. After a year at the University of New Mexico, he enlisted in the United States Navy in early 1965.

Mr. Laird is survived by his wife, Nancy Williams Laird, whom he married on March 5, 1983; one son: Kyle David Laird and wife, Gina of Myrtle, Mississippi; two daughters: Deanna Laird Garcia and husband, Sean of Mesa, Arizona; and Amanda Kate Laird of Rio Rancho. He also leaves five grandchildren: Meagan Williamson of Gallatin, Tennessee; Cody Truett of Memphis, Jonathon Laird of Oxford, Mississippi; Jason Laird of Fort Stewart, Georgia; and Emily Rose Mitchell of Mesa, Arizona; five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Also surviving are his wife's sister, Sally Casey of Union City; and his nephew, Michael Derr (and family) of Minneapolis, Mr. Laird was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Dorothy Alice Laird Derr, and his grandson, Jeffrey David Laird.

Mr. Laird will be cremated. A memorial service with full military honors will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH Westside Chapel. Visitation with the family will take place during the hour before the service.

The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Neda Hashemi at the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Sara Lutz and her team at the VA Medical Center for their gentle and loving attention to Mr. Laird during his final illness; the nurses at AmberCare Home Health hospice who provided their gentle and loving care; and special loving thanks to Marilyn LaFleur, Marshall Katz, and Beth Irizarry for their emotional support to Dave and his wife and family during this time of loss.

The family asks that any memorials in Dave's memory be directed to the Navy Relief Society, Wounded Warriors Project, or the charity of your choice which is primarily established to benefit service members and their families. Please visit our online guestbook for Dave at www.FrenchFunerals.com.