Born on November 14, 1947 at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando, FL.

Died on October 24, 2019 at Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, FL at age 71.

Immortalized and dearly loved by Robin Cox-Laird (spouse), Ernest Laird (son), Katie Laird (daughter), Mary Bahr (sister), Kelly Bahr (niece), Jean Cox (Mother-in-law) and many others.

Archie grew up on forty acres of land on Lake Howell in Winter Park, Florida with his older sister Mary, father Ernie and mother Dorothy, as well as many pets. His childhood strengthened his passions for fishing, animals, nature, cars and tinkering with electronics. He was an avid fisherman throughout his life, and nature enthusiast. His knowledge and experience were invaluable to his friends and family, as well as the Boy Scouts of Troop 62 in Winter Park where he acted as an advisor for many years.

Archie graduated from Lyman High School and was drafted into the Army shortly after, in 1969. He served with the First Cavalry in Vietnam as a Radioman. He survived, and returned home to take over (and rebuild) the family business, Laird Electronics, in Winter Park. He met his beautiful wife, Robin, at his business, and both of his children were born and raised in Winter Park. In his retirement, Archie and Robin moved to Sebastian, Florida to live on the water and he became very active with the Friends of St. Sebastian River in efforts to protect our waterways.

He was a founding member of Early Iron car club in Orlando, Florida. He was an expert mechanic with a very rare knowledge set. He was willing and able to tackle difficult projects most others would not. He was a hot rod enthusiast who had a tendency to work in trade – he always had a few projects going on, and this passion of his could have filled many more garages!

He was not only handy with cars and electronics – Archie could fix and build pretty much anything! Just like his father and Robin’s father before him, there was no job too big or small. Build a cabin in North Carolina? No problem. How bout a sunroof in this car? (Archie – where’s my saw?). He was a natural problem solver, and never feared failure.

Archie loved being a father. His children were the luckiest to have him, as he never faltered in his role as entertainer, lover, explorer, storyteller… Dad. He was a man with an intoxicating sense of humor, bringing light and laughter into the lives of everyone he met. His endless sarcasm, cringe-worthy jokes, and heart-warming stories will live on with us forever. He always said, “I have to grow old, but I’ll never grow up” – and, boy, was that the truth!

Archie was a devoted husband, an extraordinary father, and generous friend who will be profoundly missed for years to come. We will mourn, and we will remember this unique and irreplaceable man. His light will shine on through all of us.

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Condolence

Charles T. Rahn

October 30, 2019, 12:39 pm

I fondly remember Archie in his business there in Winter Park. I was the electronic technician with the Orlando Police Department. I often took items to him for repair that was above my pay grade. I am proud of the fact that we both are veterans. I served with the US Navy Submarine Service. We often shared stories about our military past. He was quite the storyteller. We enjoyed many minutes comparing our military lives. Archie was a very intelligent man. I lost track of him after he closed his business. I hate hearing of his passing. May God rest his soul and give his family peace.

milton williams

October 31, 2019, 2:33 pm

C.Milton williams III Archie was a friend to all that new him he installed my first 8 track tape deck.I will miss him.I still remender his Willis coupe in 1970 somthing broke and he took the car apart in Stake &Shake parking lot in winter park and fixed it. To Robin his smile will be remembered by all that knew him.

Alex Dudding-Greven

November 1, 2019, 3:39 pm

Archie’s light is bright and will shine on through his family and friends. I recall Archie teaching me how to throw a cast-net without breaking all of my front teeth. Let’s just say he was a very patient teacher!

His love for electronics and cars was infectious to Ernest and I. There was never a day we were bored hanging out in Archie’s garage learning from him.

His enthusiasm for life was contagious and his smile impacts your soul with warmth and love. Mr. Laird is a role model as a friend, Boy Scout Troop 62 mentor, steward of the Earth, generous soul and most importantly as a father. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Joe D

August 7, 2021, 5:55 pm

My condolences to the family, Archie was recommended to me to to repair an old record player. He did a wonderful job. He was a very kind, and I will remember him fondly.

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