Dennis Laird

Dennis Laird, 74, died peacefully at home, March 6th, 2023, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Independence, MO June 11th, 1948, but spent most of his youth in South Haven, KS.After graduating from South Haven High School, he spent several years in college at The University of Kansas and Wichita State University. Eventually, he became a proud soldier in the United States Marine Corp and served in the reserves until 1977.He met the love of his life, Nan, in 1975 when they both were working at Union National Bank. Dennis had a passion for pursuing different interests which led him to explore many job opportunities throughout his life. He worked in banking, as a restaurant owner of Bonanza and eventually landed at The Big Tool store as a woodworking specialist for the last 18 years. Dennis had a genius IQ which led to many shenanigans throughout his life. He was the ultimate tinkerer, creator, and fixer of all things. He always had too many projects started at once, but the finished products were worth the wait. Most weekends you could find in him in his workshop working on projects, listening to conservative talk radio. As a break from his projects, he would watch his favorite action movies or read a thriller. Dennis loved with his whole heart. He nurtured a love of knowledge in his kids, grandkids, and anyone who wanted to learn. He was an avid Kansas City Chief’s fan and faithfully watched KU Men’s Basketball. He loved an ice-cold beer or frozen margarita during the day and a bourbon at night. He enjoyed spending his summers floating and grilling on the pontoon at Skiatook Lake. You could always find him a funny t-shirt representing his love for guns and America. Dennis was a proud mentor in the woodworking shop at GoCreate on the WSU campus and a member of the Sunflower Woodworkers Guild.Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Rip and Alma Laird, and brother Donald “Rip” Laird. He is survived by his wife Nan, brother David Laird (Helen) of Tucson, AZ, daughters Shannon Patterson (Kevin), Kristi Patton (Brian), and Dotty Laird Telford (Danny), and son Chad Laird (Nicci), 13 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, all of Wichita, KS. Rosary will be 10:00 am, Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, both on Friday, March 10, 2023 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. Please send flowers/plants to St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church or if you’d like to send a donation to St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, in lieu of flowers, that would be appreciated as well.