I had him for third and sixth grade. I remember learning all about pulleys he made it com ealive awesome teacher

One of the most influential people in my life.  A teacher, a mentor and a good friend! Always in my heart! ❤️

I knew about Hugh before  he met me.  As a teacher in RU I was happy to discover that several of us were proud Alma College folks.
Hugh embodied the qualities  that Alma fosters.  His friendly natural personality  was very welcoming to me and my class when I transferred to "his" school  and  I always treasured his support. 
I grieve  with you my friend, Jan ,  and offer the girls my sympathy.

I’m so saddened  to just see that Hugh had passed. He was one of the nice people I’ve ever met. Hugh and Janet were mine and my wife’s neighbors for a long time. Him and Janet used to give my kids and wife stuff all the time. 

Jane it’s your old neighbor Beth and josh ! We are so sad we are just now seeing this ! We miss you as our neighbors sorry to hear about Hugh you guys are wonderful people love and miss you! The Hughes family across the street on Wakenden 

How do you pick just one memory of a person who was so active?  I knew Hugh Laird through Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) so my memories revolve around cars, trips, and the race track.  Often Janet was also part of those activities.  I remember sharing tea with Janet and Hugh at more than an occasional meal.   I remember Hugh, the starter,  waving a green flag with a grand flourish at Waterford Hills when he started cars for the P(ress) O(n) R(egardless) Rally, and at the Mini Grand Prix on Woodward raising funds for the Lions Club and driving to Indianapolis for a race weekend.  

Hugh had a lovely smile and a droll humor, both of which will be greatly missed by his many friends.  His checker flag has been displayed, but the memories remain.    RIP dear friend.

Dear Laird Family,
Mr Laird was both my 5th and 6th grade teacher 1960 -1962. Being a redhead I thought we had a special bond and he never discouraged it. I fondly remember him reading us “Little Orphan Annie” every year and “Huckleberry Finn”. I wasn’t always the most academic student but to this day I am an active reader. Thank you Mr Laird
Ken Duvall

Hugh and I had some great times together we did a lot of clowning over the years and I became close friends with him and Jan . Hugh and I would always be roommates when we went down to Toledo to do their circus we had a great time together clowning for the kids. The circus won’t be the same without my friend RACER there with me. I will miss you my friend may God receive you with open arms. OK

Hugh Laird was the first teacher I met at Bulman Elem. School in the spring of 1964, when I had just gotten hired to teach 3rd grade the upcoming fall.  Principal, Bob Juhnke, was giving me a tour of the school and walked into Hugh's 6th grade class to introduce me.  After seeing the attentiveness of the students' and their respect for Mr.Laird, I knew that Redford Union was going to be a good place to work.   I taught with Hugh for a few years until he was transferred to another program.  However, we still saw each other socially with our spouses and friends throughout the years and I became good friends with his wife, Jan.   When Hugh became principal of Bulman and I was doing substitute teaching, I felt his support if and when difficult situations arose involving  students.  Years later,  while teaching kindergarten at MacGowan School, Hugh had retired and joined the Clown unit of the Shriners.  He would come into my classes (both a.m. and p.m.) days before our field trip to the circus and little by little - explaining everything he was doing -  would transform himself into Racer the Clown.  The kids were mesmerized and so excited when they got to hold one of Racer's shoes and feel how heavy it was.  Seeing this transformation helped one little boy, who was especially frightened of clowns, get over his fear,  after being able to see and talk with Hugh.  When I took my class to the Shrine Circus, Hugh always wanted to know where we would be sitting, so he could wave to my Kindergartners.  Hugh's kindness with children  was undeniable.
Just recently, I was given the opportunity to drive my 1994 Camaro on MIS Speedway and Hugh gave me some much needed advice on how to control my car and aim for the high point in going around the curves.  It worked!  
Hugh made a definite impact on so many people's lives - mine included.  I have many fond memories of our times together. 
Jan, Kandi and Kam you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Hugs and love to you.   
Judy Sarns

I am so sorry for your loss.  My prayers are with you, and your family.  

Karen Janssen

Throughout my journey in the formal education system from elementary through graduate school  I have encountered a handful of teachers who stood out as being most influential in my growth. You; Mr. Laird,  were one of them.  As I fondly remember in your 6th grade class at Bulman you had an easy demeanor, a caring spirit, and a humorous presentation that made the most mundane topic easy to digest. And who could ever forget that 1949 red Morgan convertible of yours that  I am certain still has indelible fingerprints from myself and every other one of my classmates as we clamored to get a closer look on those special occasions when you drove it to school. Not withstanding the excellent education I received from you I remember that you were the calm in the storm on November 22, 1963 when sitting in your class we all heard about the assassination of JFK.  Mr. Laird, thank you for all these  memories and may you rest in peace.   Your student Mark Topolewski OD FAAO

Dear family of Mr. Laird,

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Laird. He was my principal and I looked up to him so much. His all school fairs were the highlight of the year! I can still feel the excitement even now. I also remember the bench and how he would laugh at me because I would not sit on it when I was waiting because I didn’t want anyone to think I was bad!

Thank you for sharing him with us! I am a better person for knowing him. 

Good bless all of you!

What a wonderful teacher! (And principal) I was lucky enough to have had him for 5th grade. 
We were all invited to his wedding, the first I had attended. I  remember him cracking his knuckles on desk of the “lucky” kids in the front row, while he was telling us long stories of his escapades that had nothing to do with our schoolwork. Then there was the balloon we sent up with a note card attached. We covered the card with wax so it would withstand the weather. We got a response! I’m thinking Canada, it seemed at the time to be far far away. As a teenager he hooked me up with some friends of his who lived 5 doors down from me for a great babysitting job. Then when I moved back to Redford after my divorce all 4 of my kids also attended Bulman with Mr. Laird as their principal. He was surprised to see me when I had to pick up my oldest son for some mischief and we were both surprised to see each other. 
A great  teacher and outstanding human being. I wish his family strength and comfort in this time of sorrow. I will be mourning with you. 


Dear Laird family,
Mr. Laird was my principal in grade school. I remember him to be kind and engaging. Those grade school years were the best in my life. May he Rest In Peace and may his memory live on in all of us students. 
Cheryl Ivie 

Spent many race weekends with Hugh. Shared a lot of meals and stories over a good beer. Will miss him dearly. Best wishes and prayers for him, Janet and the family.

I remember Mr. Laird very well.  Loved his 48 red MG TD. Whenever I see one I think of him. Mr. and Mrs. Laird were great neighbors.

I am sorry for your loss.

Mr Laird was a great teacher and principal from back-in-my-day! He had a positive impact on so many lives! RIP Mr. Laird.

so many fond memories of our days in 6th grade, as Mr Laird taught us.   Whenever I run across the book, A Wrinkle In Time, I am immediately transported back to 6th grade and Mr. Laird's reading.   You made a significant impact on my life, and others... I am grateful!

Dear Lairds,

We had the good fortune of knowing Hugh as our principal and as our father’s best friend.  We’re blessed to have enjoyed the friendship of your family for many years and grieve this loss with you.  Hugh was an absolute gem.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn such a devoted husband and father.

All our love,

The Babits Family


The Dagg family sends our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Laird and the Laird family.   Mr. Laird was a long-time board member for the Redford Township District Library and always offered his input, suggestions and ideas during board meetings.  We often saw the Lairds dining at Sandy’s and would chat with them from a nearby table.   Mr. Laird’s name is an important one in the history of Bulman School and he will long be remembered by all who knew him. Truly a life well-lived!

When you work in education, as I am not blessed to do, you often wonder if you have made a difference. I can tell you that Mr. Laird made a huge impact. He taught my mom when she went to Bulman and then I got the pleasure of having him as my principal.  While many saw him as a strong principal with strict discipline (which was true), he often had a softer side. Seeing him at assemblies and motivating students in the halls are some of my fondest memories. Always pushing you to do your best and he remembered each student by name (now looking back at students I have had I know what a gift that was for Mr. Laird to have). 

Truly a special man and he will be missed. 

Ashley Middleton (Kinzel)
Bulman 1989-1996


When my son Joe Jones was finally allowed to attend Bulman Elementary after a three year battle I know Hugh didn’t know what to expect. He told me at the end of that year he had been told “trouble was coming.” Because of him and his staff, my son was educated and had the chances he did have. I will be grateful my life long for his commitment to children. 

I was one of the lucky ones I had mr laird twice.....once in third grade and 
Then sixth grade. He was a wonderful teacher. I smile alot when I think of him......I especially think of him when I a doing a science experiment with my preschoolers, he did the best experiments...prayers and thoughts to his family
,

I had Mr. Laird for the 3rd grade he taught half day with Mrs. Giribian.  He was a nice man and a wonderful teacher.  I think this was his last year at Bulman school before he went to teach at a Boys School (I think).  I was so happy to have him even for a half day.

Janet and Girls,
It is an overwhelming feeling of sorrow that I send you all sincere, heartfelt condolences for the passing of a man who influenced me for most of my life.  Mr. Laird was a mentor and we had a bond the minute we met, as he was my 6th Grade teacher(first year teacher) with the tenacity to make us better human beings! For that, I will be eternally grateful. Rest now, Mr. Laird, you have earned your Angel Wings. Forever in my heart. Prayers for Peace. Janet Graessle Cramer-Binkley

Dear family and friends of
Mr.Laird, it has been a very long time since I was a student at Bulman. I loved my school and Mr. Laird made it a joy to arrive at school. He could appear strict but was always kind and loving. I am sure he is living in peace knowing his life was well lived. 
Most sincerely,  
Jill Graessle Naeger

He taught me how to swim at the high school when I was in elementary school sixty years ago.   A friend of my dad's at their lodge too.  
I remember him with red hair then and his little sports car later.
A truly nice and generous man.  

Hugh was my elementary principal. I spent alot of time in that office. Looking at that bottle of mercury on his desk whatching him clean his fingernails with his pocket knife. It was a different time. All the while trying to teach me how to be a better young man. Not having a father in my life made this more difficult for him. He rose to the challenge.One year I took my  son to the Shriners circus. While collecting autographs from the clowns . I recognized his voice. I said "  Hugh Laird". He turned looked at me and said "Brian Wilson". I was so proud to introduce him to my son. He then started telling his fellow clown about how smart I was and that I was a very intense football player. I told him I didn't know about the smart part. He then  reminded me of test scores I had achieved . He told me I had to believe in myself and give myself some credit. Here I was a grown man with a son of my own and he was still being the principle,mentor and man I learned to appreciate. Every year the circus was at the state fair. I would look for him. A couple years ago my mom and I got to talk to him. It was a good time. The world lost a man that left lots of positive memories in many peoples life. I know he left a few in mine. Rest in Peace.

Act: 13, Scene xx;iii. Hugh, you have answered the final curtain call. You leave this sublunary abode most loved, and well respected. It has been my honour to have known you these past 10 years, Your earthly toils are done. Rest well my friend.

Dave Chaplow

Very sorry to hear of Hugh's passing. Hugh has been a great friend and the source of many great memories, over the years. Will really miss him.  My prayers and condolences to Jan and family and friends.

I read with sadness the notification of Hugh's passing on the Detroit SCCA website. I had the privilege of meeting Hugh while serving with him on its board during the late '80s.

I will remember his contributions to the club, from the board leadership perspective. As a "young pup" I learned a lot about amateur motorsports and club management from Hugh and the others on the board. But more importantly, my lasting memory will be Hugh's smile and his good humor, dispensed generously.

Wishing the family peace at this time.

OBITUARY

Hugh H. Laird

August 16, 1935 – October 5, 2020

Harry J Will Funeral Homes

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