Dearest Esther

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of Bob.

Elizabeth and I enjoyed the company of you and Bob for many years until we left Calgary. Bob was a wonderful person.

With all our Love

Elizabeth and Michael Columbos

It was 1972 when I applied for the job of receptionist at Gibson Petroleum and was interviewed by “Mr Laidlaw”. I have nothing but fond memories of the 5 years I worked there. Mr Laidlaw - I always called him that as I had such admiration and respect for this kind, warm man who was “”my boss”. He told me how important the role of receptionist was as I was the voice and first face that colleagues heard and saw when they called or came by the office. I recall trying so very hard to recognize the voices of those who called him often as that was so important to him - Mr Turner, Gulf Oil; Mr Lore, Sun Oil to name a couple. Thank you Mr Laidlaw for the memories I have of you and Gibson Petroleum plus the fun of working for and with you during Stampede week. I offer my very sincere condolences to Mrs Laidlaw and family.

Brenda Youde-Holmes-Barker

I was extremely blessed as a sixteen year old to be part of a fishing trip to Rainy Lake, Minnesota with Bob and Esther. We had such a great time fishing, boating, dressing for dinner. It was a special trip and thus began my love affair with Bob and Esther. We have shared lots of father/daughter dinners at the Petroleum Club, family celebrations in Whitefish and Calgary, entertainment at Landsdowne, VIP treatment at the Stampede and Spruce Meadows and lots of dinners together at the Country Club. Bob was my treasured friend and a very special friend to my parents. He will be greatly missed but his presence will be felt by me, my siblings and my children. Much Love to Esther, Bev, Rob and Margaret.

Patty Sawyer

Dearest Esther and Family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss, Bob was such a wonderful and welcoming presence and always greeted us with a huge smile. I will never forget the kindness Bob (and Esther) showed me when I first came to Calgary knowing no one, and hearing all the wonderful memories and stories from our families from over the years, 5 generations worth! I am so grateful to have met him. Sending so much love your way Esther and condolences to the whole Family. Hannay (Hunting), Kyle, Oliver and Tristan Duke

I always knew the 'Calgary Laidlaw's" were legendary- Calgary Royalty. I mean, Esther was truly as beautiful as any Princess. Our brood was welcomed to family gatherings at what the kids referenced as, "That big house in the trees that had the parties" and once, each of the four kids came away with a selected stuffed toy from Esther's treasure trove. The large polar bear, one of the twins selected was a prize possession for many years, and sort of froze a time in our hearts. I see not only a large, welcoming extended family gathering for laughter and sharing history, I see my babies, painstakingly choosing what memory to take home with them from that magical 'big house in the trees'. We are sorry for your loss and know we were blessed to be welcomed into that circle...and still have the polar bear, as she has escaped every cull over the years. Each time she is in the toss pile an every growing Mackenzie says, "No, can't we keep that one--promise I'll take it with me when I leave." Maybe I'll let her.

All our love and condolences,

John, Alison, Meghan, Ben, Katie and Mackenzie

Always a broad smile and a welcoming handshake. That's what I will always remember about Bob on those occasions when our paths would cross, the last time being at the Oilmen's Golf Tournament and Convention in Banff (2007). He was an iconic figure in the oil business and gave back to the city in many ways. Cecile and I extend our condolences to Esther and all of the family.

Throughout his time with Gibson and beyond, Bob, Esther and family were and are great friends to many people in the Hunting Group as well as multiple generations of the Hunting family. Our thoughts and prayers from the UK are with you all especially on Friday. We are just so grateful to have had Bob in our lives.

With deepest respect, David Hunting

Esther and Family, my sincere condolences on Bob's passing. I have many, many fond memories of Bob through the Country Club and the Stampede. A wonderful gentleman, a talented businessman and a great contributor to our community, in so many ways. I regret I will be out of town on the 21st but my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Esther and Family,

On behalf of the OU Club of Canada, deepest sympathy on your loss. We always looked forward to seeing both Bob and yourself at the University of Oklahoma Alumni BBQ held at Heritage Park each year. Bob was a #1 OU Sooner fan, as well as a proud recipient of the 50 Year OU Alumni Medallion.

Sincere condolences.

Shona Gillis

Esther, Beverley, Rob & Margaret. My first memory of the man I knew as Uncle Bob was when he and Dad attempted to build a fence at our lake cabin one weekend. When they returned the next weekend they were extremely proud of how straight it was. What they never knew was that mom had fixed it up while they were back at work in calgary. Throughout the years my respect fondness and friendship with Bob grew exponentially. One of Canada’s tallest trees has fallen and he will be missed.

Allen Hagerman

My fondest memories of Bob were during Stampede. He wore one of my Stampede shirts so proudly and was always so gracious. See you on the other side Bob…..

Thoughts and prayers for the Laidlaw family. I befriended Bob during my career at the Calgary Stampede. A fine gentleman and had all the true “Cowboy” traits. RIP my friend. Kelly Sutherland

Bob Laidlaw was a giant of a man in Body, Mind and Spirit! I feel moved to mimic Maurice L. West's "The Shoes of The Fisherman" in describing Bob.

Forty years ago I met a whole man, Bob Laidlaw. It is a rare experience, but always an illuminating and ennobling one. It costs so much to be a full human being that there are very few who have the enlightenment, or the courage to pay the price. One has to abandon all together the search for security, and reach out to the risk of living with both arms. One has to embrace the world as a lover, and yet demand no easy return of love. One has to accept pain as a condition of existence. One has to court doubt and darkness as the cost of knowing. One needs a will stubborn in conflict, but apt always to the total acceptance of every consequence of living and dying. That was my Friend Bob Laidlaw. May He Rest In Peace.

My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Rob. He had a life well lived

Margaret and I wish to pass on our condolences to Bob's wife and family. When I joined the stampede family Bob welcomed us with open arms and he and Ester shared many good times with us during Stampede week for years. He was truly an ambassador to Calgary and was so proud of our city. He will truly be missed by all his friends. We thank him for making Calgary a better place because of his good work. Gord & Margaret Burrell 8NFGg

I HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF MEETING BOB IN THE EARLY 1060'S THROUGH MY TIME IN THE PATCH. J=HE WAS A VERY HIGHLY RESPECTED MEMBER.

I HOPE THE MANY HAPPY MEMORIES HE CREATED WILL LESSEN THE HUGE LOSS OF HIS PASSING. ALBERTA A LOST A GREAT MAN AND OIL PATCH GIANT.

JAMES SHUTIAK CA Exec.MBA CMC CFE CPA (?RETIRED)

CALGARY

Fried chicken, Jimmy Dean sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits-and-gravy – and redeyes – this was Christmas morning breakfast with the Laidlaws for as many of my younger years as I remember. Esther and Bobby (as we called him young and old) were part of my growing up in Calgary, and to my parents Bob and Kathleen Turner, were life-loving friends who celebrated life through thick and thin. Bob gave the eulogy at my father’s funeral, and Esther at my mother’s, and they both underlined the joy of good friendship through their lives. Through it all, I remember Bob Laidlaw with a twinkle in his eye and an interest in everything around him. Really, one of a kind!

My condolences to Esther and the family as we celebrate with joy this remarkable man.

Rob, Joyce & Laidlaw Family,

So sorry to hear the news of your Dad's passing. Thoughts & prayers are with you! What an incredible life! Here for you.

With deepest sympathy,

Michael, Alexis & Chanel (& Lydia) Palmer oxox

I was proud to call him a friend.

My sincere condolences to Esther and the family.

Bob Cairns

He was a great man and I was privileged to know him for almost 50 years! I am sorry I will miss the memorial as I am traveling in California with Joanne for my granddaughter‘s baptism! I remember attending Brandon‘s in Arizona with Bob and Esther in 1988. Love and prayers to all the family! Clint

On behalf of the entire team at the Calgary Petroleum Club, we share our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Laidlaw and the entire Laidlaw family.

Mr. Laidlaw was a fine, fine man and his contributions countless. We will misss him.

So sorry for your loss.

Toni-Marie Ion-Brown