JAMES MCGALLIARD LAIRD Born in Glasgow Scotland on August 18, 1931. Jim passed away at home (Brampton Ontario) surrounded by his loving family and faithful wee dug Carter, on February 11, 2019. Predeceased by his beloved wife Mary of 58 years, and loving daughter Christine Gardner. He will be sadly missed by his children Jim (Kathleen), Carol-Anne Schneider (Brian) and son in law Simon Gardner (Silvana) Cherished G-PA to Cameron Laird (Jackie), Amanda Laird (Jeff Perry), Ashleigh Gardner (Bryan Thomas), Andrew Gardner (Valerie DeGrandis), Devon Gardner, Rachel Laird, and Thomas Schneider. Great Grandpa to Alison & Erin Laird and Maisie Laird Perry. Fondly remembered by his extended family from across the pond and around the corner, a wonderful brother in law, uncle, and cousin. Proud member of the Brampton Lawn Bowling Club and Flower City Senior Centre, his smile will be missed by the countless friends he has made over the years.
Jim was a beacon of optimism and resilience. With his wife Mary by his side, they were able to lay the foundation for a beautiful family to grow upon. He was so proud of everything that his children and grandchildren have accomplished, and will continue to inspire us to take on whatever challenges life presents us as he did until the very end. His love of life was infectious and rubbed off on everyone who crossed his path. Jim danced his way through this world and into everyone’s hearts, and will continue dancing with his girls and all of the loved ones we have lost too soon.
Special thanks to the Brampton Civic Palliative Care Team, Care Partners and St. Elizabeth nurses, family and friends for their loving care and support in Jim’s final days.
Donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Hospital For Sick Children.
On behalf of William, Stephane and me, we send our condolences to all the family and know our thoughts are with you Carol-Ann, Brian and all Jim's grandkids. We were so happy meeting up with Jim when he visited his home town Glasgow and all the memories of him growing up in the Gorbals and remeber him telling us about being part of the construction of our flats at 305 Caledonia Road, Hutchesontown. He will be sadly missed and always remebered as a great guy who had plenty time for everyone. He is not far away, just in another room. Take care all of you. I know he will have a good send off today.
My condolences to Jim, Kathleen and the whole family. The memorial service was a fitting tribute to Jim Sr. I only met him briefly at Priscilla Court. The service brought back memories for me too as an immigrant to Canada in the 1960's and how we all would extend a helping hand to each other.
All the kind words spoken were a fitting tribute to a wonderful person. I know he will be missed.
Norman daCosta
