LAIRD, Jerry Lee

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Monday, April 13, 2009 Jerry Lee Laird, “Pontoon Jerry,” 74, passed away on March 15, 2009, with his wife, Sue, at his side. He was born March 12, 1935, in Elvins, Mo., to Murrill and Wilma (Pfeister) Laird. Jerry and his family moved to Phoenix in 1947, when he was 12 years old. He graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1953. In 1955, Jerry joined the U.S. Army, serving for two years in Korea. Upon completion of his military service, Jerry went to work at a service station in Arizona, and eventually became an owner. Over the years, he owned several service stations in Arizona and California. In 1981, Jerry and his wife Sue moved to Lake Havasu City from Cathedral City, Calif. It was here in Lake Havasu City that he became known as “Pontoon Jerry” because of his knack for buying pontoon boats, fixing them up and selling them. He was also a member of the Elks. Jerry is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sue; daughters, Patricia J. Vreeland, of Spokane, Wash., Pamela J. Kimmick, of Huntington Beach, Calif., Jerilynn Culmone of Orange Beach, Ala., Patricia L. Sullivan of Conn.; brother, Tom Laird, of Missouri, and grandchildren Regan, Amy, Kash, Shea and Logan. He is preceded in death by his grandchildren Rebecca and Katie. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be at the Laird residence 2936 Jamaica Blvd. S., Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m. Casual attire is requested. Military Honors will take place at 2 p.m. provided by VFW Post No. 9401 and American Legion Post No. 81. Friends are welcome to come by, celebrate Jerry’s life and share in some Mexican food and drinks. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s name can be made to the Western Arizona Humane Society, 1100 Empire Drive, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.