[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E12-E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF RALPH LAIRD, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 3, 2001

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
man who affected the lives of many during his career in public 
education and his community activities, Ralph Laird, Jr. Mr. Laird 
passed away on October 24 in Walnut Creek, California, after a long 
illness.
  Ralph Laird, Jr., was born in Danville, Illinois on March 23, 1924. 
He graduated from Danville High School in 1942, served in an Army unit 
under the overall command of General George Patton in World War II, and 
returned to the United States to attend the University of South Dakota 
under the G.I. Bill. Graduating in 1949, and later receiving his 
Masters Degree in Education from San Francisco State University, Mr. 
Laird was the only one of his brothers and sister to receive an 
education past the eighth grade.
  Mr. Laird worked for nineteen years at John Swett High School in 
Crockett, California. It was here that he began an incredible career in 
education working as a teacher, coach, Vice Principal and, for the last 
five years of his service there, as Principal. He was the coach of the 
1959 championship John Swett basketball team, the first such 
championship for the school in decades, and also participated in 
community activities as a manager of an East Vallejo Little League 
team, camp director for the Vallejo YMCA, and a father in the Indian 
Guides program.
  Mr. Laird was the first principal of San Dimas High School in San 
Dimas, California, and later was principal of Amador High School in 
Pleasanton, California. He ended his career in education as Assistant 
Superintendent of the Amador School District, but remained active as a 
leader in the SIRS organization and was a member of the Pleasanton 
Library Board.
  In his life, he was committed to helping every person rise to their 
full potential. In all his school positions, he served as a mentor, 
worked extra hours, supported new teachers,

[[Page E13]]

and stayed in touch with many students with whom he had worked during 
his thirty-five years in education. His dedication to public service in 
its most pure form--the education and nurturing of our children--is an 
example for all of us to strive for.
  Beyond his professional life, Ralph Laird was also well known for his 
ability to tell a story or a joke on almost any subject. His obituary 
stated, ``He never met a pun he didn't like.'' He brightened any room 
he walked into, and was the patriarch of a wonderful family. He will be 
sorely missed not just by his community, but by his family--including 
his wife of 54 years, Dorothy; his sons, John, James and Thomas; and 
three grandchildren. All those touched by him during his life will miss 
his friendship, leadership, good humor, and guidance.

                          ____________________