Edward H. “Ted” Laird

December 31, 1929 – July 5, 2017

Ted grew up in Birmingham, Michigan. As a boy and young man, he enjoyed visiting the family farm where his grandfather taught him to milk cows, ride horses and shoot rabbits, among other farm-life activities.

He attended the University of Michigan where he met and married his college sweetheart. Following graduation with an MBA, Ted was drafted into the Army. After basic training, he served in the Army Audit Division. Following his discharge, Ted and his wife moved to San Francisco and, ultimately, Mill Valley where they raised four children as Ted pursued his career in accounting.

In 1970, the family moved to Hawaii as Ted became Chief Financial Officer of E.E. Black Construction Company in Honolulu. In 1972, he resigned this position following disagreements with ownership regarding treatment of foreign workers. He moved his family back to Mill Valley and completed his career as the Chief Financial Officer of the San Francisco Chronicle Corporation.

Ted was divorced in 1976 and remained unmarried until his death. In retirement, he enjoyed teaching business and accounting at USF for several years. He also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who referred to him as “Great Ted.” He remained a lifetime fan of his beloved Michigan Wolverines, and enjoyed sharing stories with his family and friends from his days spent in the fraternity house and lumber camp during his college days, as well as his career.

Ted lived life on his own terms and will be remembered by his friends and family for his generosity both in time and money. His home, though small, served as a gathering place. Ted was happiest when surrounded by family and his closest friends, which is how he spent his final days.

Ted’s family requests your company at a celebration of his life (Because he wouldn’t have it any other way!) at 2:00 pm on August 8, 2017. It will be held at Restaurante Frantoio, 152 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley. The family also requests that any donations be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice. No flowers, please.