Dr. Frank J. Laird III
Dr. Frank J. Laird died peacefully at his home in San Diego, Calif., on Friday, March 10, 2006, in the presence of his loving family. Although cancer had weakened his once vital body, he remained to the end a man of great strength and dignity, demonstrating even in his final days his trademark concern for others and his limitless love for his family.
Frank was born on April 24, 1952 in Butte, Mont., the third of five children born to Frank and Andree (Flemming) Laird. From his earliest days, he lived life exuberantly and pursued multiple passions. Although he excelled at everything he did, he remained humble about his abilities, grateful for the gifts and opportunities with which he was blessed, and quietly continued to enrich the lives of many. His generosity of spirit was extended to all.
Frank had a deep respect for the Catholic education system and throughout his life he remained a generous benefactor to each of the institutions from which he received his education. He graduated from Boys' Central High School in 1970, Gonzaga University in 1974, and Creighton University School of Medicine in 1979. His education career was marked by distinction: valedictorian of his high school class, Bachelor of Science degree Summa Cum Laude, Doctor of Medicine degree Cum Laude, immediate acceptance into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society upon graduating from Creighton, and membership in both Phi Beta Kappa and Mensa.
Frank's medical career was as distinguished as his educational career. Following medical school, he completed an internship in General Surgery and a residency in Otorhinolaryngology at the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, Minn., serving as chief resident during his final year. He then joined the Mayo Clinic as a staff physician in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. It was in Rochester that Frank met and married his wife Julie. Soon after their wedding, Frank and Julie left Minnesota to pursue Frank's dream of establishing a private practice in San Diego. Frank built a successful medical practice in San Diego that was marked by exceptional medical care and equally exceptional caring and compassion for all his patients.
Frank achieved frequent recognition and numerous prestigious appointments during his career, including President of San Diego Surgical Society, Medical Advisory Committee Member of San Diego Outpatient Surgical Center, Surgery Supervisory Board Member of Mercy Hospital, Board of Directors of Mercy Hospital, and Chief of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery for Mercy Hospital. In 2005, he was honored by being selected by his peers as one of San Diego's best doctors. Frank was frequently called upon to consult about or treat particularly challenging cases and often treated prominent performers and public personalities. Frank particularly loved to donate his time and talents to those who would otherwise have no medical care, such as providing free reconstructive surgery for children from the San Diego area, Mexico and Latin America.
Frank was also active in organizations within the community, including the San Diego Rotary and the Executives Association of San Diego. Frank was viewed by many as a true "Renaissance Man" who had broad intellectual interests and achieved excellence in many areas. He loved Montana's majesty and outdoor life; was a natural athlete who enjoyed hiking, sailing, skiing, hiking, fishing, biking, rollerblading and sports of all types; was a voracious reader; and was a music enthusiast and wine connoisseur. He was perhaps most passionate about his involvement with organizations and activities related to his children, Joseph and Carly—of whom he was so proud—YMCA Indian Guides Program, "Dads and Kids" ski trips, and numerous school and sports activities.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Julie (Thostenson) Laird; son Frank Joseph IV ("Joseph"); and daughter, Carly Ann. His is also survived by his mother, Andree (Flemming) Laird of Bigfork; sisters and brothers-in-law Laurie and Dan Averill of Bigfork, and Maureen and Steve Laird-Hayes of Plymouth, Minn.; sister Margot Laird, Ph.D. of Eden Prairie, Minn.; brother Sean Laird of New York city; mother and father-in-law George and Mary Thostenson of Spooner, Wis.; sister-in-law Laurie Anderson of Orfordville, Wis.; brother-in-law Bill Thostenson of Orfordville, Wis.; sisters-in-law and brothers-in law Peggy and Wayne Drye of Beloit, Wis. and Brian and Sue Thostenson of Orfordville, Wis.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Frank's remarkable life was remembered and celebrated at a funeral mass and reception on Wednesday, March 15, 2006. The mass was held at Immaculata Catholic Church at the University of San Diego, and a reception was held at the San Diego Yacht Club immediately afterward.
Condolences may be left in the guest book available online at http://www.Legacy.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frank J. Laird III Memorial Fund for Bigfork, MT Cemetery, P.O. Box 1462, Bigfork, MT 59911; to San Diego Hospice, 4311 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA 92103; or to a charity of your choice.