Hugh Elvin Laird

Hugh Elvin Laird

June 12, 1930 - April 29, 2012

SAN DIEGO, California -- Hugh Elvin Laird, 81, died April 29, 2012, at his residence.

He was born June 12, 1930, in Hayes County, Nebraska to Samuel Marion and Lora (Ward) Laird. He attended elementary school in Hayes County and graduated from Hayes County High School in 1954. He attended college at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska, before entering the Navy in 1949. He was also recalled during the Korean Conflict.

On Aug. 6, 1955, he married Margaret ("Midge") Vaughan in San Diego.

He worked in Atlas missile silos during the Cold War. He also worked at General Dynamics and Solar Turbines in San Diego with aerospace and aircraft. He was a member of Southern California Off-Road Racing Enthusiast (SCORE) teams, American Legion Post of La Mesa, Solar Turbine retirees group, NRA, and Hayes County High School Alumna Assciation.

He is preceded in death by his wife, "Midge," in 2003.

Surviviors include daughter, Shawn and husband, Patrick Gaskill, and son, Robin; daughter-in-law, Amy Laird of San Diego; sisters, Zina Foudray of Lincoln, and Shirley Venhaus of McMinnville, Oregon and two grandchildren;

Funeral service is Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Salli Lynn Chapel in San Diego.

Visitation is at Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 5 to 9 p.m.

Cards or memorial gifts may be sent to his son, Robin Laird, at 7868 Tommy Street, San Diego, CA 92119

Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary is in charge of the arrangments.