Stephen Joseph Laird's Obituary
Stephen Joseph Laird, age 65, of Columbia City, Oregon passed away in his home on November 18, 2018. He is survived by his wife Athena Laird of 39 years; his daughters Melissa St. Onge, Amber Cave, and Christine Hair; Grandchildren, Katherine and Kristine Pedigo, Elijah, Tristen, Aubrey, Stephen and Summer Cave, Logan and Ivan Hair; His mother, Betty Laird and mother-in-law, Ardel Jury; Siblings, Harold Laird Jr., Carol Breitbach, Greg Laird, Lawrence Laird and Bonnie Albrich. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Laird Sr., father- in- law, Duane Jury, and twin grandsons; Kyle and Kevin Pedigo.
Steve was born September 10, 1953, in Victorville, California to Harold and Betty (Bass) Laird. He attended Victor Valley High School, graduating class of 1971. After graduation, the family relocated to Moses Lake, Washington where Steve worked on a sheep farm for approximately a year. His family then relocated to Silverton and opened a gas and service station where he worked until starting at Johnson brother’s Lumber Mill in 1975. Steve married Athena Jury on December 8, 1979, and they remained in Silverton until the following year. Steve transitioned to Friesen’s Lumber Co. in December 1980 where he worked as Facilities Maintenance Supervisor and Lead Automation until 2005. He formed an industrial fabrication and installation company in 2004.
Steve had a love for the outdoors with a focus on hunting and fishing as well as a gun enthusiast. His other passions included building and racing cars. He was a member of the Columbia County Racing Association and the Pacific Hardtop Racing Association, racing a ¾ scale dwarf car at many tracks in the region. He later built and raced an IMCA modified stock car. Steve will always be remembered for his love of airplanes and flying. He took flying lessons and built and flew remote control airplanes his whole life. This was something he enjoyed with his father as well as his friends and other family members through the years.
Steve served as a Deacon at the St. Helens First Christian Church where he and his wife have attended since 2005. He also served with Silverton First Christian Church alongside his father in law for “Mission to Mexico”. He was involved with other youth activities including coaching softball and Columbia County Hotshots 4-H Archery club, as well as member of Bushman Archers.
A memorial service will be held at the St. Helens First Christian Church on December 15, 2018, at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please bring a donation for the local food bank to the service- Food Barrels will be provided.
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