Hilda Laing

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother Hilda Laing (nee Wight) at her retirement home in Calgary. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Iain Laing in 2016, and daughter Elizabeth in 1981. Hilda is survived by her children Ross (Monica), Morag (Jim Nieuwenburg), and Alistair (Michele Agnew), grandchildren Jane (Derek May), Sara, Peter, Ainsley, Keaton and Alistair, and great-grandchild Henry. She is also survived by her sister Sheana Learmonth, sister-in-law Irene Wight, and many nieces and nephews in the UK.

Hilda led a full life. She grew up on a farm near Old Meldrum in the northeast of Scotland and graduated as a Registered Nurse and worked as a nurse for several years in Aberdeen before marrying in 1953. The newly married couple immigrated to Canada and eventually settled in Winnipeg. With three young children the family returned to Scotland in 1959 for Iain to complete his surgical training and with the addition of young son Alistair, they returned to Winnipeg in 1964. Hilda was very involved in her children’s lives and instilled the values of good manners, mutual respect, kindness, and empathy towards others. She served as a volunteer for the Canadian Red Cross and as president of the Arthritis Society of Manitoba.

Mum was a devoted wife and dedicated mother. She often said that her time raising her young family were amongst the happiest days of her life. Each of her grandchildren adored their “Nana.”

Hilda was also a gracious hostess and enjoyed entertaining many friends. She was always a stylish dresser, even into her later years. A loyal and constant friend, Hilda enjoyed the company of friends at West Hawk Lake and on several trips abroad. Sharing the same birth year as Queen Elizabeth II, Hilda was an ardent admirer of Her Majesty.

Many thanks to her family doctor Dr. J.P. Leung and the support of the staff at McKenzie Towne Retirement Residence.

A family reception will be held at a later date.