Byron "Skip" E. Laird

Funny, ladies man, stubborn old mountain goat, escaped this mortal realm to join a rare collection of souls waiting for him in the next.

Skip will be greeted at the pearly gates… well, the south entrance of the pearly gates by his parents Robert and Irene Laird. 6 brothers: Jerry, Bobby, Alan, Dick, Kenny, and Tommy, 5 sisters: Roberta, Betty, Peggy, Marilyn, and Linda, a pack of dogs, and a world class crew of friends, all of whom he missed dearly.

He leaves behind a very colorful family that he was proud of, 1 dear brother Donnie (Judy), 4 financial burdens… children: Tara (Danny), Jami (Brandon), Jason, Tony. 8 grandchildren Brooklynn, Casen, Aria, Mira, Christopher, Daniel, Ashley, and Erica. Two lovely ladies he annoyed for the better part of his life, Chrissy and Katie. And his chosen sister Loraine “Boo” King. Many nieces, nephews, and chosen family. He leaves behind many years of self employment as a flooring installer because he didn’t like to be bossed around anymore than he liked paying his taxes.

Skip was a hard worker, a good friend, a really obnoxious sports fan, lover of politics, hater of half drank water bottles. Known for his words of wisdom “If you’re gonna be stupid you better be tough.” Or the ever popular “Use your head for something besides to keep your ears apart.”, doing things his own way, being impossibly stubborn, and watching the T.V on 100. Deemed incorrigible by the U.S. military and the lady in his life Chrissy, however loved immensely by her, and all who knew him.

Skip loved his dogs more than most of us and fed them better than his own children. He even donated his pacemaker to the dogs. When you get to heaven you can find him at a table in the back with a coffee if you arrive in the morning, or a bud light if you arrive in the evening. He will be surrounded by a pack of dogs, a few good friends, and a bunch of siblings that he’s probably roasting for his own entertainment.

Celebration of life to be announced when travel arrangements are finalized. There will not be a showing, as Skip was not impressed with his most recent haircut.

Thank you to Trustbridge hospice team, and a special thank you nurse Kathy, who took care of dad like she would her own. Thank you to all of dad’s doctors who went above and beyond to keep him with us this last year.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday March 1 at 2:30PM at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1167 Parsons Ave Columbus Ohio 43206. Please wear your OSU gear for Skip. Anyone wearing xichigan will be subject to hazing, as Skip would have insisted.

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Skip be, sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of his obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com.