Pastor Vivian Patrick Laird "Pastor Viv"'s Obituary
Laird, Mr. Vivian P, "Pastor Viv", 89, of Pinellas Park went to be with his Gracious, Loving Heavenly Father on October 3, 2013. Pastor Viv, known to many as "Bro", was born in Northern Ireland on June 5, 1924. He was schooled in Glasgow, Scotland and was invited to the USA by Rev. Billy Graham to attend Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He went on to be a Missionary in Africa with his beloved wife Merilyn from 1955 to 1989. He learned to speak Arabic and worked in the Sudan for 7 years, NIgeria for 6 years, Ethiopia for 2 years, and ended his mission career in Kenya where he spent 12 years. For health reasons, he returned to the US and joined the Pastoral staff at Calvary Chapel in St. Pete in 1989 and maintained that position until his death. The Church was his extended family and the love he shared with others and that which has been shown to him and his wife Merilyn is beyond measure. He loved everyone - just the way they were, and in return, he was a father to many! He suffered a stroke in 2011 that changed his ability to do some of the things he loved doing, but he never lost his wonderful sense of humor, his love of the simple things in life, his pure joy to be alive, his incredible and strong faith in God, his contagious positive energy and genuine love for everyone, and especially for his beloved wife. His tender love and mutual adoration for his children and grandchildren will leave a lasting memory in their hearts forever. His legacy - one of Love, Joy and Faith is what those who knew and loved him most will remenber his by. We all miss him so much already but know he is rejoicing in Heaven.
What’s your fondest memory of Vivian?
What’s a lesson you learned from Vivian?
Share a story where Vivian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Vivian you’ll never forget.
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