Erlend Laird

Memorial service for Erlend Laird, 83, of Ekalaka was held February 25 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Ekalaka with Pastor Larry Phalen officiating.

Burial followed at Beaver Lodge Cemetery in Ekalaka.

Erlend Dixon Laird passed away Monday, February 21, 2022 at Saint Vincent's Hospital in Billings after a short illness. Erlend was the son of Frank W. and Margaret (Pritchard) Laird, born at the ranch on November 16, 1938. He grew up on the ranch and graduated in 1956 from Carter County High School. He married TheaLou Powell on July 1, 1961. To the union, three children were born: Ande Kay, Robert Dixon, and Scott Ryan.

Erlend enjoyed everything about his life on the ranch and in the air. His lifelong joy was flying. He went to college in Bozeman to learn to fly at nineteen years old and has been in the air ever since. He owned a variety of different planes over the years. He and TheaLou enjoyed hunting coyotes out of the Super Cub. He also shared his passion for flying with numerous students he instructed over the years. Erlend and TheaLou enjoyed woodworking together, making many family heirlooms. He made many lifelong friendships with his hunters as well as those he met through his faith.

Erlend was an active board member of Southeast Electric, serving for 52 years, making him the longest serving board member. He was also on the Upper Missouri Power Cooperative board, traveling to Sidney for monthly meetings for over 23 years. Additionally, he served on the Ekalaka Public School board for many years.

Erlend is survived by his children, Ande Kay (Dennis) of Ekalaka, Robert "Bob" Dixon of Ekalaka, and Scott Ryan (Tammi) of Ketchikan, AK; grandchildren, Kelly Nathan (Becky), Amanda (Josh), Douglas, Brandon, Shannon (Keith), Melinda, Jake (Mikayla), Scotty, Chelsey (Jason); very special member of the family, Becky Erickson (Jeff), and children Jasmine, Justin, Bricon; great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Margaret "Georgie;" his wife, TheaLou; and his sister Bess and her husband Gary.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Ekalaka EMTs.

Condolences and remembrances can be shared with the family at: http://www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.