Edsel C. Laing Died May 5, 2016

Edsel C. Laing

Died May 5, 2016

TRAVERSE CITY - Edsel Chapman Laing, 93, of Traverse City passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Boardman Lake Glens Assisted Living Facility.

Edsel was born on Sept. 24, 1922 in Detroit, the son of Earl and Jennie (Stiles) Laing.  On April 23, 1949 in Royal Oak, he married Nessa Lumsden, who survives.

Ed attended Michigan State University where he obtained his MS degree in Chemistry after serving in World War II as an army lieutenant.  MSU is also where he resumed his friendship with his future bride Nessa, who he married in 1949.  Ed and Nessa celebrated their 67^th wedding anniversary in April.

Ed was proficient in many sports but his passion was golf.  He was a life member of Crystal Downs CC in Frankfort, Michigan and a member at Black Diamond Ranch in Florida for many years.  The family joked that he was never more than 50 feet from a golf cart parked in his garages.  Many fond family memories were forged playing golf with Ed and Nessa.  His other sports interests included watching MSU sports and Detroit Tiger baseball on television.

Ed’s work career began with Dupont Chemical Company, moving around the country for several years before returning to Detroit to begin working in the manufacturing industry. In the 1970’s, Ed teamed up with his brother-in-law and best friend Jim Valrance to form Ajax Rolled Ring Company in Wayne, Michigan. The pair were so successful that they brought 3 sons and a nephew into the business. Ed retired from the business in 1983.

Ed and Nessa moved from Frankfort to Suttons Bay in 2006 to be closer to family- who were always their number one priority.  With a broad smile and an uncanny ability to remember jokes, Ed was a great storyteller. His style was to start laughing way before the punchline and finishing the joke with tears of joy rolling down his face.  Ed will be deeply missed not only by his family but also by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his loving wife of 67 years, Nessa, Edsel is survived by his sons, Stuart (Sharon), Scot (Rose), and Alan Laing; grandchildren, Michael (Kristin) and Peter Laing; great-grandson, Everett Laing.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Grace McNeil Laing; siblings, Earl, Oswald, and June Laing.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 16 at 11 a.m. at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church. Reverend Doctor Robin Carden will officiate.

Memorials may be directed to Munson Hospice, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share memories and condolences with the Laing family below: