John Laird

Obituary posted as a courtesy to the Laird family: John Ross Laird February 21, 1945- November 13, 2022 John Ross Laird, from Cozad, Nebraska passed away Sunday, November 13, 2022, at Bryan Health Hospital, in Lincoln, Nebraska surrounded by his loving family. He was 77 years young. Born February 21, 1945, to Ross and Nancy (Harlan) Laird of rural Cozad. In his first marriage he was blessed with two children Ramonna and Todd (Pamella) Laird. He then married Bobbi Spradlin, September 4, 1981, in which he was blessed with two additional children Lea Ann (Ron) Stephenson and Melisa (Eric) Raastad. John had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor. He never missed an opportunity to share a smile and a joke. John spent his time doing the things he loved most; being with his family and friends, dancing, singing with his Praise Time girls, serving for his church as an Elder, Worship Leader and official flapjack maker. He enjoyed being outside driving his parents ‘64 Cadillac, watching the birds and collecting rocks. On winter weekends you could find him at the Willow Hilton serving breakfast and hunting. Yellowstone National Park held a special place in his heart. He spent most summers there as a child and took several trips there in his adult life. He was the best tour guide to have on a Yellowstone trip!. He served on the local volunteer fire department for 25 years. John worked locally as a supervisor for Nebraska Plastics as a Fabrication Supervisor for 42 years before he “retired.” He then enjoyed working many odd jobs for local farmers, a hay company, and auction house. John was a dedicated and loving uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend who will be greatly missed. He was survived by his wife, of Cozad, his son, of Manhattan, KS, and his two daughters of Lincoln. John has a large number of grandchildren and great grandchildren and many more that were blessed to have a special connection and feel his love. John was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Blanche Laird, Bill Laird and Beverly Boyd, and daughter Ramonna. A celebration of John’s life will be at 11 a.m. Monday November 21, 2022, at Church of Christ, 2117 Newell Street, Cozad. Cremation was performed so there will be no visitation. The family invites friends and loved ones to a time of remembrance from 12 to 3 p.m., a meal of John’s favorite dishes will be served. The family also requests a memorial donation in lieu of plants or flowers to honor John’s memory. Please plan to share your favorite John story, joke, or memory as we celebrate his wonderful life.