ENROLLED
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 11
BY REPRESENTATIVE THOMPSON
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives upon the death of James Allan
Laird.
WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness and profound regret that the House of
Representatives has learned of the death of James Allan Laird of Delhi, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Allan was born on July 23, 1943, to Jesse and Beulah Laird of Tallulah,
Louisiana; he graduated from Tallulah High School and attended Louisiana Tech University
on a track scholarship; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Louisiana Tech, Mr. Laird began what would
become a thirty-three year career working for the state of Louisiana, which culminated with
his retirement as a regional administrator; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Laird made the most of his life in retirement; he was often found
in his woodworking shop, where he loved carving wildlife scenes and building a vast array
of practical items such as deer stands, boats, and mantles; he also cherished spending time
with family and friends enjoying the outdoors; and
WHEREAS, Allan was also a longtime member of Delhi First Baptist Church, where
he served as a deacon and taught Sunday school to both adults and young people; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Laird met his beloved wife of fifty-five years, Anna LaPrarie, while
attending Louisiana Tech; the two married on August 13, 1965, and were blessed with a long
and happy marriage; he is survived by his wife, Anna Laird; his siblings, Gene Laird, and
his wife Lynell, Ann Kukor, and John Laird; his children, Lesley Free, and her husband
Todd, and Leigh Cordill, and her husband Bryan; his grandchildren, Ashley Martin, and her
husband Tyler, Emily Stogner, and her husband Joseph, Allie Welch, and her husband Ethan,
Caleb Free, and Anna Beth Cordill; and his great-grandchildren, Audrey, Oliver, and Finn
Stogner; and
Page 1 of 2 HR NO. 11 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, Mr. Laird is remembered as an amazing husband, father, grandfather,
brother, and friend to many; he always invested his time in guiding Delhi's younger
residents, and he will be deeply missed.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express heartfelt condolences on the death of James
Allan Laird; does hereby recognize Mr. Laird for offering his time to help mold the youth
in his community; and does hereby extend sincere hopes and wishes that his family, friends,
and loved ones find comfort during this difficult time.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of James Allan Laird.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Page 2 of 2