Official Obituary:

Bob Laird died peacefully, though unexpectedly in his sleep on January 10, 2008 at his home in Coos Bay.  Born Nov. 3, 1043, in Santa Rosa, CA, he spent his early years in Centralia, WA, and Beaverton, OR.  He graduated from Sunset High School in 1962, attended Oregon State University, graduated from Portland State University in 1969, and earned his law degree at the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis & Cark (night school-class of 1975).  After passing the Oregon Bar in 1975 he was a Deputy District Attorney in Multnomah County and then practiced law in Coos Bay for 26 years.  He retired in 2002 and then earned his captain's license through the Coast Guard.

Bob was actively involved in the community, serving on numberous boards over the years in the Bay Area, frequently as president, including People's Store (Nancy Devereux Center), Boy Scout Eagle Board of Review, Juvenile Services Commission, Northwest Steelheaders, and SWOYA Boys and Girls Club.  At the time of his death he was chair of the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Charleston Marina Advisory Committee.

He also taught business law at Southwetern Oregon Community College and coached his daughters'  SWOYA teams for many years.

Bob was a sportsman and chose Coos County to raise his family because of the beaches and ocean; deer and elk; salmon and steelhead; clams and crabs; tuna and halibut.  Some highlights of his life included fishing in Alaska and Mexico; hunting moose in Canada; antelope in Jordan Valley; and deer in Tiller.  Bob also enjoyed vacations to Kah-nee-tah, ski trips with family and friends to Sunriver, and relaxing in Mazatlan.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Judge Paula Bechtold, son Matt and wife Alisa of Eugene; daughter Deven of Eugene; daughter Brenna of Coos Bay; and grandchildren Sierra, Lindsey, Grant, and Raven Laird.