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Obituary of Robert (Bob) William Alexander Sr. Laidlaw
March 23, 1929 - Nanton, Alberta
October 10, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta
Bob Laidlaw of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 10, 2022 at the age of 93, with his wife, Esther Laidlaw (nee Barfield) by his side.We were so lucky to have him as part of our lives as long as we did!
Calgary lost an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, volunteer, and businessman who will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Dad was born in Nanton, AB on March 23, 1929, to Grant & Lillian Laidlaw. He moved to Calgary, attended Western Canada High School and was President in his senior year. Later, he enrolled in Mount Royal College’s Petroleum Engineering program, and then transferred to the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a masters. He was a Sooner through and through. Many memories were made but the most monumental being the day he met a beautiful Southern Belle named Esther Barfield from Mooringsport, Louisiana and fell head over heels in love. They were married on June 6, 1955, in Norman, Oklahoma and moved to Calgary. Mom was disappointed, she wasn’t met by a dog sled team at the border.
Dad’s professional career began with Husky in 1955-60. He then moved to Gibson Petroleum Company Ltd., becoming President in 1969 at the age of 40 and was asked to be a member of the International Young Presidents Association. He went on to be CEO from 1979-1992, retiring as Deputy Chairman in 1993. He served on multiple boards. Some of his fondest memories were from his time with Canadian Utilities from 1981-1999. Dad enjoyed 50 years of participating in the Oilmen’s Golf Tournament and served as its Chairman in 1978.
Dad always had a loving heart, generous spirit, with a desire to give back to his community. He joined the Calgary Stampede as a volunteer on Downtown Attractions in 1956. He became President in 1982-83. He and Ralph Klein officially opened the Saddledome in 1983. Dad was President of the United Way, Chairman of the Calgary Centre for the Performing Arts & Honens International Piano Competition, and Director of the 1988 Olympic Games. Dad was a long-standing member of the Calgary Golf & Country Club (served on the Board of Directors), the Calgary Petroleum Club (served as President), the Glencoe, and Ranchmens. He was an avid fan of the Stampeders and Flames’.
He is survived by his loving wife Esther, and children, Beverlee (Michael), Rob (Joyce), and Margaret (Oreo), grandchildren, Brandon (Geny & great-grandson Keelan), Alexander (Cody), Hunter (Charlotte), Mack, and Ryan (Taylor); brothers-in-law, Ron Oughton & Jim Walasko, sister-in-law Ronnie Barfield, and many cherished nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Grant & Lillian Laidlaw, and sisters, Patricia Oughton & Florence Walasko.
A Celebration of Dad’s Life will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Calgary Golf & Country Club, 919 – 50 Ave SW. Dress Code in effect, no jeans. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Stampede Foundation, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/4426/donation or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank Catherine and Heather for their years of devotion and care of Dad as well as the Staff at Staywell Manor.
In living memory of Bob Laidlaw, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
