Obituary of Laird James Wilton

Laird James Wilton - Born, Oshawa, Ontario, May 31, 1942

Whether it was a foray in Germany in the army as a young man, starting a new job in Nova Scotia, deciding that if he could sail a boat he could surely build one, or perfecting classical guitar after retirement, there was little Laird Wilton couldn't do if he put his mind to it. 

Laird brought his precision to everything he did, be it making wine (from scratch and later from kits), building spreadsheets to improve his work at Michelin, to helping injured workers return to work and building programs to help improve literacy. He made a difference.

Laird loved to travel and made good friends wherever he went. He enjoyed his time in Cuba and many he met became part of his extended family. Trips to Europe and China, and many international exchange students mean he will be remembered all over the world.

His friends in Nova Scotia will never forget his willingness to dress up for hallowe'en, Laird shaking his hips (or lack thereof) to a salsa beat with Ruth at his side, or washing up on the beach after windsurfing.

He enjoyed fishing, something he passed on to his children, and something he tackled with that same precise, but gentle touch. Unfortunately, Laird made his last cast on April 26 at the age of 82. 

With three children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, few men have been spit up upon so often. 

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; his children, Kevin (Suzanne), Mandy, and Jennifer (Michael); grandchildren, Scott, Jessica, Mary-Kate, Rachel and Lindsey; Great grandchildren, Sawyer, Riley, Levi, Nora, and River; as well as his brother, Ron (Colleen) and sisters, Duana and Margot (Randy).  He will be fondly remembered as well by his “adopted” Cuban families. 

Memorial Donations may be made to Hillside Pines Home for Special Care, Bridgewater, N.S.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where online condolences may be left at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.