Gary Wilbur Laidlaw

Gary Wilbur Laidlaw, age 73, died Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester Hills, Michigan surrounded by his loving family.Gary was born in Pontiac and raised on his family's farm in Oxford, Michigan. He attended Dryden High School and went on to graduate with the class of 1961. Following high school, Gary continued his education at Oakland University where he achieved a Bachelor's degree, and later continued his education attaining a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Following his education at Oakland University, Gary gained employment with Comerica bank. Gary never forgot all that was afforded him from Oakland University and continued to give back to his alma mater throughout his professional career. He earned the distinguished Alumni Service Award, which recognizes volunteer leadership and service to the university. Gary was an active OUAA supporter since his graduation. He served as a member of the OUAA Board of Directors Executive Alumni Committee, Kresge Library Campaign; Executive Committee, Charlie Gehringer Golf Classic; President's Club and Matilda R. Wilson Society. He is also an OU Foundation director and member of Friends of Oakland. In addition to his many contributions to O.U., Gary was giving of his time to many other organizations including the Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning where Gary served as a board member and an active facilitator for site improvements to the center. He served in the fundraising capacity during the golf outings and also charity dinners. Gary was a member and former Chairman of the board for the Warren-Center Line-Sterling Macomb Chamber of Commerce and many other organizations and charities.Gary worked for over 39 years at Comerica Bank. First as an assistant branch manager, then climbing the ranks to the level of First Vice-President. Many people and customers will remember Gary from his years spent at the Comerica branch directly across from General Motors Technical Center in Warren. Gary developed Comerica's supermarket banking program, which eventually became the first of its kind and the largest in Michigan banking.When Gary was not working, his most cherished time was spent at his Northern Michigan retreat in Glennie, Michigan. He loved his time outdoors riding his John Deere Tractors, tending to his farm animals, farm equipment, and the crops in the fields. Gary never forgot his roots back on the farm in Dryden and continued to share his experiences with his children and grandchildren. Whether he was tending to the cows, gathering pumpkins for Halloween, or canning sauerkraut, Gary had a big smile on his face, and at the end of the day, a cold beer in hand. Additionally, Gary enjoyed all the seasons in Northern Michigan from summer to winter... even in the cold months Gary would be outdoors ice fishing or snowmobiling. Gary was a selfless man who would give a stranger the shirt off his back. He was a man who loved life and loved his family. He will be forever missed for his dedication to others and the charitable giving of his time and talents.Gary was the cherished husband of Ann Laidlaw, and was the dear father of Gregory (Amy) Laidlaw, Scott Laidlaw, Dale (Heidi) Baginski, and the late Sandra Baginski. Loving grandfather of Morgan, Hailey, Madison, Maggie, Katherine, and Allison. Beloved son of Alice Clark and the late Wilbur Laidlaw. Brother of Dale (Mary) Laidlaw. Also survived by many loving family members and friends.Visitation for Gary will be held on Thursday, August 25th from 5-9pm and on Friday from 2-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Road) in Warren. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, 11:00 am at the Funeral Home.Memorial donations are appreciated to The Fowler Center for Outdoor Learning, 2315 Harmon Lake Rd., Mayville, MI 48744 www.thefowlercenter.orgPlease share memories at Gary's memory book above.