In Memorium, 1942-2009

Ohio Historical Society Mourns Passing of Executive Director

William K. Laidlaw Jr., Passionate Advocate For Ohio History

 

Bill LaidlawThe Ohio Historical Society’s executive director and CEO, Dr. William “Bill” K. Laidlaw, Jr., 66, is being remembered as a leader and advocate for preserving Ohio’s heritage by his friends and colleagues, after his unexpected death on August 7, 2009.

“It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend and colleague, Bill Laidlaw,” said Richard T. Prasse of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, chairman of the OHS Board of Trustees. “The entire Ohio Historical Society family mourns this tragic loss, and our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Bill came to Ohio Historical Society in August 2003 as executive director and CEO after a career in higher education and nonprofit management. During his tenure at the Ohio Historical Society, he traveled extensively throughout the state advocating for the Society and the value of history, history education and historic preservation.

His life is remembered and celebrated by: his wife, Donna; two children, Scott Laidlaw and Christina Laidlaw Kimmel; three grandchildren; and a host of friends and colleagues throughout the state and country.

We will miss you, Bill.

The public is invited to a memorial service at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Ohio Historical Center.

Share your stories and condolences by leaving a comment below. (Note: Your e-mail address will not be shared publicly).


52 Comments

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  1. Miriam Kahn 8.11.09 / 10am

    It is with great sorrow that we heard the news of Bill Laidlaw’s passing. His devotion to the Ohio Historical Society was essential for its continued existence. It is with great hope that his vision for a healthy, self-supporting institution continue. The history, archives, and library community, the genealogists and family historians all use and cherish the collections and the staff who help us find those precious preserved resources that commemorate and memorialize the history of Ohio. Mr. Laidlaw will be missed. May his memory live on.
    Miriam Kahn, MLS, MA – MBK Consulting, Columbus, OH

    Reply
  2. Jack Blosser 8.11.09 / 12pm

    The staff at Fort Ancient would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Dr. Laidlaw. He possessed an inner quality that seemed to draw people towards him. During my conversations with him, he always seemed to be genuinely concerned about the staff and took an interest in knowing me and my family. We will mourn the loss of this man but please remember the legacy he leaves behind. His family should be very proud of the man we called Bill.

    Reply
  3. David A. Simmons 8.11.09 / 12pm

    During a staff meeting a number of years ago, George Kane and I got involved in a back and forth discussion over the use of the Velma Avenue entrance. There were multiple exchanges without satisfactory resolution. After the meeting, I encountered Bill and he commented, “You weren’t getting the answer you wanted were you?” It took me aback somewhat and I thought “Wow, he really cares about my opinion!” It was a hallmark of Bill’s relations with OHS employees. He really did want to hear what they had to say. I can only hope his replacement will be as open.

    Reply
  4. Daniel Frohman 8.11.09 / 2pm

    I am deeply saddened with the news of Bill’s passing and extend my condolences to his wife Donna and family.

    Reply
  5. Sherry Hall 8.11.09 / 3pm

    My staff and I at the Harding Home were shocked by the news of Bill’s death. He was a genuinely nice person who cared about the people of the Ohio Historical Society — not just the mechanics of running the Society. Bill was a listener, someone who would invite your opinion and value your input. We will miss him.

    Reply
  6. Vicky Tabor Branson 8.11.09 / 5pm

    I will think of Bill as a friend more than a former boss. I knew I would see his smiling face or hear his sincere and genuine comments at milestones in my career. His love of life, the Society, his family and wife, Donna was evident in everything he did. I will miss Bill.

    Reply
  7. John A. Daniels 8.11.09 / 6pm

    I still can’t believe it. Bill came to OHS, when OHS needed his skills as a leader. He did turn the big ship around and pointed it the right direction. Bill was one of the good guys. I always enjoyed speaking with him.

    Reply
  8. Kathleen Mullins 8.11.09 / 6pm

    Bill was a good friend, museum colleague, and champion for state and local history. He will be missed dearly by all of us who benefitted from knowing him and his wonderful outlook on life. He and his family are in my heart and my prayers.

    Reply
  9. Dr. Ronald Fountain 8.11.09 / 7pm

    Bill and I were classmates in our doctoral program during which time he taught me a great deal about class and commitment. He was an eager and thoughtful learner and a wonderful teacher. His absence in our and certainly my world will have a significant impact. With Bill’s passing a silence has settled on my emotions that will be hard from which to recover. I offer Donna, their children and grandchildren my most heartfelt prayers and thanks for sharing Bill with the rest of us.

    Reply
  10. Kathy Larzelere 8.11.09 / 7pm

    It was with shock and sadness that I learned about the untimely death of Bill Laidlaw. I will always remember how he took the time to thank me, both when I volunteered and when I worked for the museum, for the time I was giving and the job I was doing. Some of my best memories include when he would stop on his way out to a meeting to talk with the school children waiting to come in for a program or waiting for their bus to pick them up.. And he always took the time to say hello as he was going by. He will be missed. My condolences to his wife and children.

    Reply
  11. Laurie E. 8.11.09 / 7pm

    Dr. Laidlaw was a very nice man. He always made a point to stop and speak to his staff, no matter their position at OHS. Not many CEO’s would stop by and talk to the workers on the lowest end of the pay scale, but Dr. Laidlaw did and I will always remember him for that. He cared about the organization, the customers and his employees.

    Reply
  12. Bill and Coe Huckabee 8.11.09 / 9pm

    As friends of Bill and Donna for thirty plus years, we deeply mourn Bill’s passing and can understand just how much he will be missed at OHS. You have our heartfelt sympathy.

    Bill & Colleen Huckabee
    Delaware, Ohio

    Reply
  13. Jess 8.11.09 / 9pm

    Dr. Laidlaw was a kindhearted man who had a true thirst for knowledge and a passion for extending the Ohio Historical Society’s mission to everyone. The thing I will remember most about him is not the fact that he was the CEO of a company, but that he always took the time to say hello to museum visitors and his staff. He would talk to his staff not because he had to, but because he truly cared about them and he wanted to see how they were doing. He embodied not only what a CEO should be, but what a good person should be.

    Reply
  14. Maudie M. Evans 8.11.09 / 11pm

    Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Laidlaw and your family. May God bless you. You are in my prayers.

    Dr. Laidlaw was a wonderful director and I enjoyed working with him. He always had something pleasant to say to me.

    Reply
  15. Nancy Clendenen 8.12.09 / 8am

    My prayers are with Dr. Laidlaw’s family during this time of great sadness. Dr. Laidlaw was a wonderful advocate for history education and students. He was always available to attend ceremonies celebrating historical projects and support students’ work. He will be greatly missed.

    Reply
  16. John Massie 8.12.09 / 8am

    My sincere sympathy to Donna, Scott and Christina. I had the pleasure of knowing Bill while he was at Case Westerb Reserve University and was pleased to see him again at the Ohio Historical Society awards ceremony last November. I am sad that he has left us but am sure that his legacy will remain for a long time. He will be in my prayers. John Massie, Case class of 1966.

    Reply
  17. Jane Scott 8.12.09 / 10am

    The staff and I at the Columbus Metropolitan Club were shocked and saddened to hear of Bill’s death. He was always a smiling, cheerful presence at so many of CMC’s forums and evening events. That such a treasured, vibrant person should leave us so early in life is a loss to us all.
    Personally, my husband Chris and I shall always remember a lovely summer evening we shared with Bill and Donna. We had just commented that we should have them over again soon. His untimely death is a stark reminder to us all that each day is precious.

    Reply
  18. Steve McQuillin 8.12.09 / 4pm

    Dr. Laidlaw will be missed. I remember when he first came to OHS after working in Cleveland for a number of years. He was interested in historic preservation.

    Reply
  19. Mel and Alice Serrano 8.12.09 / 5pm

    To Donna and the family:
    Please accept our deepest condolences with your loss. We have many wonderful memories of our younger years spent together in St. Louis. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  20. Daniel Noonan 8.13.09 / 8am

    I enjoyed working w/Bill on the Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board…and also enjoyed knowing what a small world it is as he was once neighbors in NJ with a professional/civic acquaintance of mine. It is discovering these connections we all have that makes life important. Bill you’ll be missed.

    Reply
  21. Jackie Barton 8.13.09 / 9am

    The one characteristic I believed defined Bill at work was his “glass three-quarters full” attitude toward life. As more and more budget difficulty caused increased strain here at OHS, he continued to find the silver lining and to rally with enthusiasm. It was with that same positive viewpoint that he was friendly and interested in the people around him. His kindness, caring, and positive attitude will be missed.

    My heart goes out to Donna and his family, his love for whom was evident in his discussions of their lives together.

    Reply
  22. David & Mary Lee Banfield 8.13.09 / 2pm

    Donna,
    My brother called us with the sad news . It seems like just yesterday we were making plans, and talking about our High School reunion. I will notify as many members of the Ithaca High School Class of 60 of Bill’s Passing. We all knew of his greatness even then and will miss him dearly. My family and I send our prayers to you and your family. If there is any thing we can do, please ask.
    Love, David & Mary Lee

    Reply
  23. Melinda D. Harris 8.13.09 / 4pm

    Donna,

    My sincere condolences to you and your family. Bill was one of the best in the EDM program not just because of his intelligence, but because of his kindness and humanity. He made the EDM program great through his contributions as a student and his contributions as a leader.
    P.S. My son still remembers coming to your home, having that great meal, and meeting your son. Blessings to you all during this time of bereavement.

    Love,

    Melinda

    Reply
  24. Karen Patrick 8.13.09 / 7pm

    Dr. Laidlaw was a passionate lover of Ohio History, and a kind, friendly person who always took time to say hello to you no matter your role within the Historical Society. His leadership will be missed. Prayers for his family through this time of mourning.

    Reply
  25. Pari Swift 8.13.09 / 9pm

    Dr. Laidlaw was the type of guy who enjoyed talking to his staff, even stopping in the parking lot to ask how a meeting went. He had a great deal of confidence in the staff at OHS, which bolstered the spirit. He wasn’t afraid to show his light side by wearing a Rudolph nose or reindeer antlers to the OHS holiday party. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to work with him. He will be missed. I send my prayers up for his family.

    Sincerely,
    Pari

    Reply
  26. Pete Urda 8.13.09 / 11pm

    Bill was a compansionate and caring man. The leadership and sense of humanity he displayed, even in the most difficult hours, will forever last with me. I extend my thoughts and prayers to Bill’s family and friends.

    Reply
  27. Jacquelyn Mayer 8.14.09 / 8am

    Dear Donna,
    I was so saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a wonderful gentleman – kind, compassionate and loving and he always brought out the best in those he “touched”.
    Bill had a quiet wisdom within him and he will truly be missed.
    My prayers are with you, your family and friends.

    Reply
  28. Connie Bodner 8.15.09 / 10pm

    Bill Laidlaw set a standard for friendly and kind leadership to which we all should aspire. He made each of us feel valued, which in turn made us want to do our best for OHS and for him.

    I will miss his sense of fun. I am glad that he was the first to sink the putt that resulted in gallons of water dumping on my head in the dunk tank at our carnival event. I loved that he tracked the Canada geese who paraded their babies by the windows of our meeting room each spring. I treasure the delight he expressed in being “captured” by the summer camp kids as part of School of the Soldier. And nothing can replace the joy of getting an enthusiastic “high five” from him at the end of a successful public event.

    Donna, Scott, and Christina: All of us at OHS ache with you and for you over the terrible loss of this very good and very kind man. We miss him too.

    Reply
  29. Angela O'Neal 8.16.09 / 11am

    Bill lead OHS through a difficult economic time, yet he was always positive. He reminded us of our potential as an organization and left us with a solid plan for the future.

    My deepest sympathy to Donna, Scott, Christina and all of Bill’s family.

    Reply
  30. bill tramposch 8.16.09 / 3pm

    I had the remarkable pleasure of seeing Bill and Donna two days before the tragedy. They came to Nantucket to visit and spent the night in one of our properties. I think of little else of late, and my heart goes out to Donna and the family. With my deepest sympathies. Bill Tramposch, executive director, nantucket historical association.

    Reply
  31. Jeff Ferguson 8.16.09 / 9pm

    Bill was a wonderful friend. We worked and shared many projects during our EDM experience at CWRU. He was smart, passionate in his beliefs and a leader that I admired. Jane and I send our condolences to Donna and the family. I, along with many others, will miss him. I am shocked and greatly saddened to get this news. Jeff Ferguson

    Reply
  32. Todd Kleismit 8.17.09 / 2pm

    I will forever remember my good friend and mentor, Bill Laidlaw — a class act in every sense of the meaning. He’s made me a better person and I shall be forever grateful that he was a big part of my life. Best wishes to Donna, Scott and Christina and their families from Lisa and me.

    Reply
  33. Herbert C. Smith 8.18.09 / 12pm

    Our heartfelt expressions on the loss of a wonderful; human being. God bless and keep the family.

    herb.

    Reply
  34. sally yengo gutowsky 8.18.09 / 4pm

    Just a quick note from an old high school friend. We went to Ithaca High School together and lived in the same neighborhood. I thought Bill was won of the nicest person in our class of 1960. Through the years I have not seen him altho I have thought of him in the fondest of ways. My heart goes out to his family……Sally

    Reply
  35. Mary Kay Ingenthron 8.20.09 / 1pm

    I first met Bill a few years ago through fellow museum colleagues and would see him many times after that. One could not find a kinder and friendlier person. His wisdom and good humor left a lasting impression. He will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and to the OHS staff.

    Reply
  36. Sally Tom 8.24.09 / 10pm

    Bill and I were classmates in the EDM program at Case Western and his signature appears on my diploma. What a fine friend and all around smart, sweet, generous man! Despite all the pressure we were under to do our jobs and our school work, Bill always remained calm and welcoming in spirit. My heart goes out to Donna and the other members of the family. Sally

    Reply
  37. steve 8.25.09 / 4pm

    Please allow me to extend my sympathies to Bill Laidlaw’s families. I wasn’t aware of his passing as I was communicating with him via email regarding to the Dummy Hoy after I had the good chance in meeting him at the State of Ohio Capitol regarding the National Statuary Committee/Ohio Statuary Committee. We sat next to each other during the presentation and I did share some tidbits with him on William Ellsworth “Dummy” Hoy.
    Once again, my whole heart sympathies – he was a good fellow!

    Reply
  38. Fort Meigs 8.28.09 / 12pm

    The staff of Fort Meigs send our sympathies to Donna and all of Bill’s family. May he rest in peace.

    Reply
  39. Marge Wilson 9.1.09 / 2pm

    From Cleveland where Bill and Donna spent several years before moving on to Columbus. Bill and Donna were active and popular in our church where we will light a candle this week in remembrance of Bill. It was a pleasure to have known you, however briefly.

    Reply
  40. Bernie Cook 9.1.09 / 2pm

    Wish to express my sympathy to the family of Bill Laidlaw .Bill will be missed by his many classmates back here in Ithaca NY where he went to high school .We all have fond memories if him and good times on the playing field of football a great competitor and a true sportsman .He will be missed .

    Reply
  41. SANDY CORNELIUS CRISPELL 9.1.09 / 5pm

    Bill and I, and many others, were classmates in high school in Ithaca ,NY…(1960)…He was loved then and had many friends…..That seems to have followed him through life….It is always a sad thing to lose a friend…We miss them almost immediately…We were a class of about 450..Pretty hard to keep track of everyone as life moved on but for those that have been able to attend reunions etc…and from those reunions we could get updates about our friends and classmates…Happy things and sad things such as this is…The class of 1960 has lost a good friend and a member of our high school family…We are all sad…May he rest in Peace….He is already missed…and may his family be at Peace..sandy cornelius crispell

    Reply
  42. Barbara Darling 9.1.09 / 9pm

    Everyone in our Ithaca High’s class of 1960 admired and liked Bill. Considerate, full of integrity and talent. Please accept my deep sympathy for your loss, and the world’sloss, too.
    Most sincerely,
    Barbara Darling, Ithaca High School Class of 1960

    Reply
  43. Robert Peacock 9.8.09 / 9am

    The Akron Canton & Youngstown Railroad Historical Society, is saddened by the news of Bill Laidlaw’s passing. Bill’s passion and enthusiasm for history, especially Ohio history will be greatly missed. The AC&YHS extends our sympathies to the family of Dr. Laidlaw.
    Sincerely,
    Robert Peacock, President AC&Y Railroad Historical Society

    Reply
  44. Dorothy Griffith Sonnichsen 9.8.09 / 10pm

    I would just like to echo Barbara Darling’s comments.
    And what wonderful accomplishments during his lifetime. He will be missed by so many.

    Reply
  45. Dorothy Griffith Sonnichsen 9.8.09 / 10pm

    I would like to echo Barb Darling’s comments.
    And what wonderful accomplishments during his lifetime!
    He will be missed by so many.

    Reply
  46. Bethany Gray 9.10.09 / 1pm

    As an OHS member and history lover, and I extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Bill Laidlaw for their loss. Please accept Revelation 21:4 as my message of hope for the future – “And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes…and there shall be no death.”

    Reply
  47. Janet Hawxhurst 9.14.09 / 8am

    I had the pleasure of being Bill’s Executive Assistant for 3 1/2 years. He was a great boss, very caring, sincere, open, honest, had a great sense of humor. He was admired and respected by all that knew him. He was genuine, truly cared about people and expressed his feelings to those people he came in contact with. He was proud of his staff and always encouraged them and praised them for their work. I’ve lost a great friend, mentor and boss. I still miss him every day! My heart goes out to you Donna, Scott & Christina and those beautiful grandkids he loved so dearly. You are all surrounded by family and friends that love you and that has to be a big comfort. God Bless you All!

    Reply
  48. Cherri Yocum 9.15.09 / 9am

    Dear family and friends of Bill Laidlaw,

    I worked only a short period with Mr. Laidlaw at AACSB in St. Louis, Missouri, but in the year I worked for him I certainly saw his compassion for others and his kind heart. He will be missed by so many and has made an impact on many lives.

    My Sympathy,

    Cherri Yocum

    Reply
  49. Melanie Pratt 9.15.09 / 10am

    I never worked for Bill at OHS, but worked with him on the Cedar Bog project. I would often run into him in the OHS Parking lot, we got a lot of work done there! I will always remember how thoughtful and sincere he was in his approach to anything and the trust he generated. His smiling face and caring attitude will be missed. I am glad to have known him and I know he will be sorely missed.
    Sláinte,
    Mel

    Reply
  50. Connie Deneski 9.20.09 / 4pm

    I did not know him, but would like to convey my condolences.I appreciate what he has done for our state. To his family I send my prayers.

    Reply
  51. Gemma Palievici 9.21.09 / 4am

    I found out recently with immense sadness about the passing of Dean Laidlaw. He was a wonderful inspiration and a role model for me, as I believe he was for hundreds of students. Such a brilliant mind and charming smile. I remember we were flying back from Cleveland to Budapest in 2000, so that I would be handed the MBA diploma at both ceremonies. It was his idea and what an honor for me! I have that picture on the wall ever since. May God bless his wonderful soul and rest him peacefully. Dean Laidlaw will always be in my prayers. My condolences go out to the whole family hoping that they are managing over this terrible loss …

    Reply
  52. Caroline Tully 1.26.11 / 12am

    Dear Donna!
    It is January 25, 2011 and I just learned of
    Bill’s passing as I was searching on the net for you. How grevious this news is! I wonder about you and your family. Remember Jack, my Irish husband? He passed at age 63 from heart surgery, 10+rs ago, while we were living in MI. How can I reach you? I am in Maine, living a day at a time and want to talk with you! I trust that you are well and moving forward-somehow. Please respond, Donna. I have missed you ever since leaving St. Louis Station Partners!

    Reply

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