Obituary of Carol LAIRD

April 16, 1945 – September 14, 2015 Carol Laird (nee Watson) passed away peacefully on Monday, September 14 in Calgary, Alberta after a lengthy battle with dementia. Known to family as Grandma Carol, she was a loving mom and grandparent whose journey spanned several different careers and a lifetime of community service and friendship. Born to Charles Watson and Shirley Anderson in Edmonton April 16, 1945, Carol’s early years were marked by strong ties to farming family in Daysland, Camrose and Sherwood Park. Upon graduation from Bonnie Doon High School in 1963, Carol studied nursing and practiced in both Edmonton and Pincher Creek. After wedding David Laird in 1967, Carol and David welcomed their first son, Gordon, then years later, twins, Douglas and Robert. With her busy, growing family, Carol moved to Calgary in 1981, and became involved in community service and non-profit work, which included positions with The Junior League of Calgary and the Wildrose Foundation. One of her most rewarding roles was serving as director on the Board of Governors for Strathcona Tweedsmuir School. She also worked on a number of political campaigns, including those of respected politicians Jim Dinning, Dennis Herard and Lee Richardson. Carol was particularly proud of achieving a second degree from the University of Calgary in 1995, and she then began a third career in communications with a focus on community service. Retiring to Windermere, British Columbia, Carol enjoyed gardening and the company of her many friends in the valley. She lived there until 2011, and then moved back to Calgary. Carol is survived by her sons and their partners, Lisa, Leisha and Natalie, as well as grandchildren Myles, Angus, Megan, Grace, Delphine, and Addison (2001 – 2010). Her long time and dear friend Gary was a great help and comfort into her final years, along with Beverly and Jean. Please join us to celebrate Carol’s life at the Calgary Golf and Country Club on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Kids welcome; no denim please. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Calgary Foundation are suggested. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Carol Laird, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.