Last run held for beloved community member in Riverview, N.B.

The last run for John Laird wasn’t your usual celebration of life.

Over 20 tow trucks and emergency vehicles paraded past the Pine Glen Community Centre in Riverview, N.B., Saturday as a fitting tribute to the late Laird, a self-employed businessman who was a beloved member of his community.

Afterwards, close to 100 people crammed inside the Centre to share stories and pay tribute to Laird who was also known as Dad, Grampie Laird, Papa, Uncle John and Junkman.

His granddaughter Kendyl Scott said she was deeply touched by the parade and the turnout.

“It’s honestly amazing. I was able to hold it together until I saw the trucks coming through. And it just shows the kind of guy he really was and what he was for the community,” said Kendyl.

Laird died on Dec. 21 at the age of 79.

During his eventful life, Laird owned several businesses and donated to numerous local charities, but was probably best known for Laird’s Towing on Pine Glen Road, a company he started 50 years ago.

His son John Laird Jr. said it’s the oldest towing company in the Greater Moncton area.

A "Laird's Towing" tow truck is pictured driving with a car loaded on the back.

“He would help anybody in the community who would ask him for help,” said Laird Jr. “Whether you had money or didn’t have money it didn’t matter. You could come back and pay him later.”

Laird’s daughter Karen Scott said her father loved kids and enjoyed being a part of the annual Santa Claus parade.

“I remember working at Tim Hortons in the Champlain mall and him sitting there and kids coming up and say, ‘Oh, Santa is sitting over there,’ because he looked just like Santa Claus,” said Karen. “He would go, ‘Ho Ho Ho’ and really freak the kids out in the mall. He just really loved doing that.”

According to his obituary, Laird was a familiar face at the nearby Tim Hortons where he would enjoy his morning tea, always with a pen in his hand and second pen ready for anybody who might be looking for one.

Award, mementos and photographs honouring the late John Laird are pictured laid over a series of tables at a reception.

He enjoyed going on road trips and seeking out old cars to fix up.

John Laird Sr. had many passions including driving a tow truck, something he did all his adult life.

“He’s always loved towing and helping people,” said Laird Jr. “ It didn’t matter the time of day or night, didn’t matter the weather. He would always go out.”

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