Robert Harrelson Sr. Laird

Bob Laird, 84, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Marco Island, Florida, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2015, at Theda Clark Hospital and Medical Center in Neenah, WI. He was born on March 16, 1931, to the late Richard and Ruth (Harrelson) Laird at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Shaker Height’s High School in 1949, he attended Denison University and earned his B.A. degree in Economics in 1953. After several years in the U.S. Army, Bob returned to Cleveland and began his career with Alcoa, Inc. On November 17, 1956, he married Jane Geyer, a fellow Denisonian at St. James Episcopal Church in Piqua, Ohio. Bob’s employment started in Toledo and eventually took them to Green Bay. In 1972 Bob took over management of Tectron Tube, a steel tubing company in Green Bay. The company experienced tremendous growth under Bob’s management. He led the buyout of Tectron in 1984 and a new plant was built in the De Pere Industrial Park. The growth of Tectron greatly benefited its employees and our community. Bob served on the boards of Imperial, Inc.; North Shore Bank, Milwaukee; the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce; and the Boys and Girls Club of Green Bay. He was a member and past President of Oneida Golf and Country Club. His initiative and support for the Evans Scholars program resulted in extensive financial development of this scholarship program for caddies. Bob always felt an obligation to give back to his community and his churches. His generosity is evident at Bellin Hospital’s Admittance Area, through scholarships at the Bellin School of Nursing, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at Marco Island. Bob was a competitive golfer, an avid reader, and a loving husband to Jane, who died just seven months ago. He was a generous and loving father to Robert Jr., Susan, and John. He loved to be with his grandchildren Amanda, Alaina, and Ben. He took great pleasure in watching them compete in swimming and baseball. Bob and Jane spent their winters at Marco Island, FL, where they were members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. He was a kind and good friend to many and will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his children: Susan, Green Bay, Robert Jr., Charlotte, N.C.; John (Amy), Green Bay; and grandchildren: Amanda, Alaina, and Ben. He is further survived by a nephew, Richard H. Laird III, Ashland, VA and a niece, Ann Laird of Sun City Center, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife Jane, his parents, Richard and Ruth Laird, his brother Richard and wife Marjorie; Jane’s parents John and Margaret Geyer. Friends may call at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster, De Pere on Friday October 23rd, from 5-7 PM Visitation will continue Saturday morning from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 347 Libal St., De Pere with Rev. Eric Mills officiating. Online condolences may be sent to Bob’s family at www.cotterfuneral home.com. There will be a memorial service at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at Marco Island, FL later this fall. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for St. Anne’s Episcopal Church.

Reception:
Oneida Country Club
207 Country Club Rd
Green Bay, WI 54313