Patrick C. Laird

Patrick Laird, 39, of Tecumseh died August 1, 2015 at St. Francis Health Center. He was born November 15, 1975 with a rare blood cancer called "histiocytosis" and battled that until he defeated it at age 4. He was the pride and joy of our family as he attended St. Matthew Catholic grade school and Shawnee Heights High School where he had lots of friends. He played football as a T-Bird and later at Emporia State University. He graduated with his Bachelors degree from Washburn. He later underwent special training in surgical first assisting and worked for many years in places like Kansas City, Baltimore and Philadelphia helping with organ retrieval necessary for organ transplantation. While at the University of Maryland he worked in surgical research and was a published author of several papers evaluating optimal heart bypass procedures. He was loved by his extended family, particularly his many nieces and nephews. Patrick was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He is survived by his grandmother, Marcella Melton, Topeka, his parents, Charles and Sue Laird of Tecumseh, and brothers Tim (Rosemary) Laird of Melbourne, Florida, Dan (Suzanne) Laird of Clive, Iowa, and Mike (Katie) Laird of Gardner, Kansas and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews who he loved very much. He was never happier in love than when he met his fiancé, Trish Brinker, Topeka, who survives. He had a great sense of humor and many lifelong friendships. He will be remembered as having conquered many obstacles in his life and, in so doing, lived life to the fullest. Patrick will lie in state after 2pm Friday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 4pm-7pm. A Parish Rosary will be prayed at 5pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Marian Clinic or Sacred Heart/St. Joseph Parish and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com