William P. Laird, 64, of Moline, died peacefully Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, with his family surrounding him.

William was born July 14, 1949, in Moline, son of Lester Neal and Margaret Elizabeth VanderBeke Laird. He graduated from United Township High School in 1967 where he was elected senior class president. He received his bachelor's and juris doctorate degrees from Drake University, where he was elected president of his beloved fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha. He married Susan Kelly at St. Anne's Catholic Church on Aug. 13, 1971.

William was an attorney for 38 years, working the last three years at Katz, Huntoon and Fieweger. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Council. He also was a member of the Iowa and Illinois State Bar Associations, the Scott County and Rock Island County Bar Associations, the Rock Island County Public Building Commission, the Rock Island County Jail Commission and the Iowa Inns of Court. Bill also appeared regularly on WQAD's Good Morning Quad-Cities for many years as a weekly legal guest speaker. He was also one of the original organizers of the Moline DARE Program.

William enjoyed golf, fishing, traveling, cheering on the Cubs, attending Iowa Hawkeye football games, but most of all, spending time with his family, friends and grandson, Liam.

Survivors include his wife, Susan Laird, Moline; daughters, Kelly (Steve) Ducey, Moline, and Katie (Sean) Allen, Davenport; grandson, Liam Patrick Ducey; brothers, Tom (Judy) Laird, Moline, and Joe (Jeanne) Laird, Moline. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Royce Laird.

Bill's family extends much appreciation to the staff at Clarissa Cook Hospice for their loving care during his time there, as well as his oncologist, Dr. Porubcin, and all his caregivers during his courageous 10-month battle against pancreatic cancer. Had it not been for Bill's strong faith, family, friends and those who prayed daily he would not have been able to fight the courageous battle he fought. The family invites friends to share their condolences by visiting esterdahl.com.
Bill will forever be remembered for his wonderful personality, quick wit, warm smile, kind heart and love for his family. He will be greatly missed.

Memorials may be made to Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House or Sacred Heart Catholic Church.