Hon Rev. R. Laird Stirling

After a life of service through both the United Church and in provincial government, the Hon. Rev. R. Laird Stirling, BA, MDiv passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2020 surrounded by his family.

Born in Noranda, PQ in 1938, Laird was educated at McMaster University, Hamilton and Pine Hill Divinity Hall, Halifax. After his ordination in 1963, he was called to the River and Lakeside Pastoral Charge in rural Cape Breton. He went on to serve in the pastoral charges of Lucknow United, ON, Beacon United, Yarmouth, NS and then Grace United in Dartmouth, NS. He served briefly as a hospital chaplain in Halifax before he brought his ministry into the public service, putting his name on the ballot in the 1978 provincial election. He was successful in his run for MLA, Dartmouth North, in 1978, 1981 and 1984, and was the first clergyman elected to the NS Legislature. He was honoured to serve his province for a decade through the PROGRESSIVE Conservative Party. He faithfully and honourably served in Cabinet in the departments of Social Services, Municipal Affairs, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Human Rights Act, and Chair, Social Development Policy Board. In 1989, he returned to the ministry, first in an interim capacity for St. James United, Dartmouth. He then moved into his final charge at Stairs Memorial United in North Dartmouth where he spent his longest term with a congregation – from 1989 to 1996. He was proud to be named Minister Emeritus in 1997. Laird and his wife Carolyn continued to worship, support and volunteer in numerous capacities including at the food bank at the church after his retirement. Laird has spent his life also volunteering in the church community through service on Presbytery, Conference and National Boards. He is past-president, Ministerial Association (Dartmouth, Yarmouth), former Pine Hill Board of Governors member and participated in the World Council of Churches meeting, Nairobi, Kenya. In his community he has served as past-president of the Metro Boys and Girls Club and the Rotary Club of Dartmouth. He received the Founders from Credit Union Nova Scotia and served for a quarter century with Scouts Canada. Early on in his life he enjoyed serving in the Burlington Tour Band as an enthusiastic trombone player. In addition to his service to the United Church of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia, Laird has been a loving husband to his wife of 58 years, Carolyn (Wilson). After first meeting at a church dance, they became incredible life partners with his work in the church, political life, as parents and grandparents, in their significant travel all over the world, and in their love of books and cats. He was an amazingly loving and devoted father to Laura, Kathleen and Bob and an extremely proud and loving grandfather to his four grandchildren, Georgia, Emma, Alec and Nathan. He was an adoring pet parent to so many felines over the years and leaves behind his faithful cat Puss (20). He is survived by his adored siblings, Neil Stirling and Gail Butler. He was a proud uncle to several nieces and nephews. His love extended to caring for others as his own ‘children/grandchildren’ especially Caroline, Alexander and Stefano. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Ralph and Margaret Stirling from whom he learned to be faithful to family, community, church and country. His last few years were difficult as a result of complications due to cancer. He remained as strong and stalwart throughout his battle as he was throughout his life. He was able to be at home in his final months thanks to the care of his wife Carolyn, as well as Emma and Ben, the VON, his care workers and his supportive, loving children. He will be terribly missed but welcomed in the arms of his Saviour and his parents and hopefully with a song from one of his favourites - Elvis. A service of remembrance and celebration will be held at Stairs Memorial United Church on Friday, March 6 at 2 pm. There is no visitation at his request. To celebrate and honour his rich, loving and blessed life, please carry out an act of kindness and/or donate to Bide a While Animal Shelter, Stairs Memorial or a charity of choice. A private interment in Scotsburn will follow at a later date.