William J. Laird

With selfless generosity and kindness of heart, Bill Laird was a loyal and caring man to all who knew him. He was one of the "good old boys", whose word and handshake was based on integrity and honesty. More than anything, Bill was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed. The decade of the 1920s was a time of great change as new and evolving ways of thinking brought forth times of plenty in the nation. When the eight hour workday was introduced in 1923, the economy prospered while manufacturing was at an all time high. It was an especially exciting time in the lives of Galen and Henrietta C. (Fortenbacher) Laird when they celebrated the birth of their son, William Joseph, on March 30, 1923. William was born and raised in the city of Muskegon, Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan. His father was a local barber, and his mother looked after their household as a homemaker. William was the firstborn in his family, and later welcomed younger siblings, Robert, Mary Margaret, and Jim. His family made their home in the close knit community of the Jackson Hill area of Muskegon where William enjoyed the friendships of many. He attended Froebel Elementary School before continuing his education at St. Mary's through the eighth grade. Times became a struggle for all during the hardships of the Great Depression. Once a booming city of industry, the Muskegon area struggled through these times, and William's family was no exception. During his youth, Bill spent much of his time fishing and hunting down at the bayou. At the age of six, he began collecting scrap metal, and after selling it to the Rag and Metal Company, he'd save up his money before heading to Arntz's where he'd buy cartridges of bullets. He also had great times trout fishing with his dad and aunt Gret. Wherever Bill went during his youth, his faithful canine companion, Jeff was never far behind. Bill held close many fond memories of weekends spent hunting and fishing on the Baldwin River with his family as a boy. With the onset of World War II, more and more young men heeded the call to duty. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943, and his tour of duty included serving in the countries of the South Pacific, New Guinea, and the Philippines, earning the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and was in the reserves until 1949. For many years, Bills family was well acquainted with the Wenting family. Marge Wenting worked with her mother at the Patio on Ottawa Street where Bills uncle John treated him to lunch everyday. His uncle eventually convinced Bill and Marge to go on a boat ride together on his boat, and it was the beginning of many wonderful years Bill and Marge would spend together. After dating for a time, the young couple was happily married on February 25, 1947. Before long, they soon welcomed the birth of their son, Robert Bobby into their hearts in 1948. Bill's family was his greatest joy. He reveled in getting together with his family and friends for the holidays, Sunday dinners, and Sunday evening coffee and conversation. As a family they loved traveling to visit extended family in Kentucky and North Carolina, along with fun trips to Maine to purchase and pick-up row boats. They also had an interest in steam engines and often traveled to steam engine shows. Bill owned and operated the Green Creek Tool and Die Company. He was a good provider, and made a good life for his family to enjoy. He also became a well recognized, expert gunsmith. Bill was a life member of the NRA, a member of the Muskegon Gun Club, the Seaway Gun Club, and the Triangle Gun Club in Baldwin. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, Bill enjoyed his fill of hunting, fishing, and skeet and trap shooting. At one point, he attained his pilot's license. He owned an Aronka, and soon went up a scale to the faster, Cub. He then purchased a Cessna before moving on to a Swift. Although in time Bill retired from the tool and die trade, he never gave up his work with firearms. He loved gunsmithing and working in his shop helping repair his friends guns. Over the years, Bill enjoyed a special comradery through many good friendships. Bill Murray, Dale Newbery, Jack Hackey, Everett Wells, Frank Kinsley, Jimmy Bronson, Dave Bernd, Bill Whisenant, Rob Osborn, Frank Zadonick, George Zukiewicy, Don Dobb, Rick Kidd, Dixon Smith, Lanny Hartman along with many others were always a special part of Bill's life. Although he definitely had a mind of his own, many enjoyed Bill's company. Easy laughter and his unforgettable smirk with be remembered fondly. Bill's kind heart and generous nature was evident to all, especially to his beloved parrots, Laura, Joe and Irving. In fact, Laura would never leave his side! Bill and Marge shared many enjoyable times throughout the years, but there was just something extra special about going down to the Muskegon channel together to watch the sunset, and the big boats coming in from Lake Michigan. Lastly, Bill and Marge shared a very precious moment recently which warmed and settled their hearts. When Bill was in the hospital, the chaplain stopped in for a visit. Bill heartily grabbed his hand, and after having prayer together, Bill and Marge shared a wonderful peace which put their hearts at rest. Mr. William Joseph "Bill" Laird, age 89, of North Muskegon, died Wednesday, February 20, 2013. SURVIVORS: Wife, Margaret "Marge"; son, Robert William Laird of Whitehall; daughter of the heart, Dianne (David) Bernd of Muskegon, their children, Rachel and Nicole; daughter of the heart, Paula (William) Whisenant of Muskegon, their children, William II and David; his brother, James Joseph (Janice) Laird of Twin Lake; sister-in-law, Rosemarie Laird of Muskegon, her children, Susan and Deborah; nephews, Jeffery Laird and Brian (Patti) Laird. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Margaret Endres; and brother, Robert Joseph Laird. SERVICE: Monday, February 25, 2013, 11:00 AM at the Clock Life Story Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Anderson and the Muskegon County Council of Veterans officiating.VISITATION: Monday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: Alzheimer's Association or the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory and photo of Bill and to sign his online guest book. Clock Funeral Home- Muskegon