William N. Laird

William “Bill” N. Laird, 74, of New Braunfels, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at the Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio. He was born to Dr. N. Kenneth Laird and Jane (Johnson) Laird in Des Plaines, Il on August 10, 1940.

Bill worked in the airline industry during his early career for United Airlines and Sikorsky Aircraft Company and spent eight months in Viet Nam during the war as a Reliability Engineer for their helicopters. He finished his career in California enjoying a position in management of an auto parts store. On December 21, 1985 Bill married Florence (Flo) complete with her three children. With one married daughter and two teenagers, he went from quiet happy life with his beloved cat Rowdy to a very busy and happy life with his new family; with grandchildren and great grandchildren to follow.

Bill loved sailing in his O’ Day sailer and crewed for a racing sailboat in San Francisco Bay. He enjoyed watching sports, especially Formula 1 racing, and participated in many venues of the shooting sport. Cowboy action was one of his favorites. He liked road trips and Bar B Q’s. Bill was a member of a Christian Church his whole life and lived his life according to those values.

He is survived by his loving wife, Florence Laird; step-children, Mary Denise Hanson and husband Jim, and JoEllen Joyce; 6 grandchildren, Justin Hanson and wife Nika, Casey Hanson and wife Janelle, Jacquelyn Joyce, Vannessa Joyce, Brittney Joyce, and Rebecca Bondi and husband Joey; 5 great-grandchildren; friends, John and Beverly Brandis, and Jennifer Ford. He was preceded in death by his parents; and step son, John Joyce.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM Friday, December 5, 2014 at First Protestant Church New Braunfels.