Laird Walker

H. Laird Walker, 71, died, April 29, 2014, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 29, 1943, in Nampa, Idaho, to Clive Stevenson Walker and Ardeth Hansen Walker. Laird graduated from Nampa High School in 1961. After serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kentucky, he went on to Utah State University, graduating in 1967 with a degree in journalism. Laird married Vicki Ann Hatch on September 9, 1965, in the Salt Lake City temple. He began his career with the Mountain Bell phone company in Salt Lake City, Utah, applying his journalism training in the public relations department and eventually moving into management positions. As Laird advanced in his career, he relocated with his family to Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona and Idaho. The family eventually settled in Great Falls, Virginia, where Laird opened the Washington, DC office for US West. After working for the phone company for 30 years, he retired and then started a consulting business. Laird was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout his life, Laird held positions of leadership and influence in business and within his church. He had opportunities to work and socialize with captains of industry and heads of state. In spite of this, Laird always believed his most important positions were husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His greatest joy was his family and those who know and love him will dearly miss him. He is survived by his wife, Vicki Hatch Walker; his children DeeAnn (Val) Franks, Bryan (Odisa) Walker, Kari (Dan) Schriever, Lance (Kelly) Walker, Alicia (Jason) Bassett, Emily (Casey) Mueller and Trent Walker; 22 grandchildren; and by his siblings, Clive H. Walker, Aurelie Thueson, Linda Gibbs, Sherrell Higginson, Jolyon Walker, John Walker, Mary Lou Garlinghouse and Todd Walker. Laird was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kathleen Condie, and granddaughter, Clara Jane Bassett. Visitation will be Thursday, May 1, 2014, at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, and Friday, May 2 from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to the funeral service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14150 Upperridge Drive, Centerville, Virginia. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Laird Walker to the WelcomeHome Addiction Recovery Academy. Donations can be made online by visiting whrecovery.org, or alternatively, by mailing a check addressed to Welcome Home Society to 26601 S. Val Vista Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85298

Laird Walker

April 29, 1943 - April 29, 2014