Robert (Bob) Laird

My Dad, Robert (Bob) Laird was born 6/13/1929 in Union City PA. He graduated from Academy HS in 1947. He married his high school sweetheart Mildred (Millie) Hinspeter on 9/30/50 & celebrated 71 wonderful & loving years together. Upon returning from their honeymoon he had orders to report to Brooklyn NY on 11/2/50. Dad served in the Navy during the Korean War on the USS Macon 132. Bob was granted a leave during his two year service and met his 3 month old son Jim, for the first time. He received an honorable discharge 9/25/52 from the service and began working as a meterman for Penelec to support his new little family. He retired from Penelec/GPU with 44 years of service. During that time he & Mom had 4 additional children. Their first daughter, Brenda, lived 6 days. They were devastated when she passed away from Spina Bifida. God blessed them with three additional healthy children, Dan, Kathi and Linda. Dad had strong faith in the Lord & practiced his faith as a member of Glenwood UM Church & later Elmwood Presbyterian Church. Bob loved being a boy Scout Master of Troop 28 for many years spending quality time with his sons. He joined & was a lifelong member of the Glenwood YMCA where he enjoyed teaching his daughters to swim on Friday Family Nights. He believed in giving back to the community Dad loved so much. Bob was a dedicated life member of the Times Old Newsies, the Lions Club, & the Erie Zoological Society. He was a reliable and faithful volunteer at the Erie Vets Hospital for over 60+ years & the Gifts for Kids Program, as well as the Zem Zem Shrine, Scottish Rite Bodies & the Erepa Grotto. When us kids were small, Dad & Mom took us camping during the summer months & never missed the Penelec picnics at Conneaut Lake Park or Waldermeer. He shared many wonderful times with Millie when they became "Snow Birds" in Bonita Springs, Florida for many years. They loved going on cruises too. Their favorites were Hawaii and Alaska. God’s plan for Dad was to bless him & Mom with 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces & nephews. Papa never missed a football or basketball game (even away games) and was their #1 Fan. His family meant the world to him and he cherished each & every moment shared. Mom passed away 6 months before Dad at the age of 92. Dad’s legacy is to be dedicated & honor your commitments, be patient, give 100% of yourself and then give a little more, be kind & respectful to others and keep God in your life. Dad & Mom were examples of true love and what marriage is all about. They are deeply missed by his entire family.