In Memoriam: William (Bill) George Laidlaw, Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is mourning the loss of Dr. William (Bill) George Laidlaw, professor emeritus in the Department of Chemistry, who passed away on Monday, March 2, 2020 in Calgary.

Bill was born in Wingham, Ont., to Robert Eric Laidlaw and Annie Clarke Chamney on March 13, 1936. He graduated in 1955 from Wingham High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario in 1959. A Master of Science followed in 1961 from California Institute of Technology and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Alberta, in 1963.

His postdoctoral work was done at the Mathematical Institute of Oxford, England. Bill worked 32 years at the University of Calgary as a theoretical chemist before retiring to become a senior research associate at the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai from 1998 to 2018. Bill always enjoyed a good laugh shared with students, colleagues and friends, as well as hiking, gardening, canoeing, and cycling.

Friends of long standing enjoyed his company at pot luck suppers, shared trips, and in volunteer efforts. His work did not go unnoticed as he received awards for teaching and education in science, and numerous chemistry honours. He was a charter member of the Chinook Trail Association and volunteered with Inn from the Cold, the Science Network and the Airdrie Food Bank. On Kaua’i he was recognized by the County of Kaua’i, the State of Hawai’i and the United States Congress as a distinguished volunteer for the Kaua’i Retired Senior Volunteer Program for over 15 years.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lucia, sons, David (Mary) Keoki and Michael Kamakana; three granddaughters he loved, Leilani, Maile and Mahina; and sister Alice Munro. He is predeceased by his parents and younger sister Sheila (Joe).

In living memory of Bill Laidlaw, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Wilderness Association, 455 – 12 Street N.W., Calgary. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Bill’s obituary.