John Laing

After the tragic loss of his wife Kathy King in January 2021, John Laing moved West to be near his children, James and Genevieve. His brief time in the Pacific Northwest was well spent, living with his son and daughter-in-law, helping to cook family meals, appreciating a diverse range of takeout food, playing card games, taking walks in the neighborhood, and enjoying the outdoors. He passed away in Seattle, WA on April 14, 2021.

Born March 24,1946, John grew up in Orillia, a small city in Ontario, Canada. He received his B.S. degree in math and chemistry from the University of Toronto, a Ph.D. in chemical physics from the University of Chicago, and his MBA as part of the Executive Development Program at the University of Rochester. Over the course of his career, he issued 19 scientific publications and was awarded 13 U.S. patents.

For over forty years, he was a devoted resident of Rochester, NY, where he set down roots in the 19th Ward neighborhood and enjoyed a successful thirty year career at Xerox. After retiring as a senior vice president, John spent his retirement as a community volunteer. He was active in a number of local initiatives such as school reform, the Cupboard, the distribution of Christmas baskets, Books for Children, and the Backpack Program, as well as organizations such as Community Bikes, Rochester Youth Hockey, the Stewardship Council of Rochester, and SWEM –– all of which have had transformational impacts in the community of Rochester and the 19th Ward neighborhood. John was admired by his fellow 19th ward community members for his kind, steady, and calm presence, and as a man who generously shared his time and talent.

John is remembered by his family for his love of hockey, rugby, and the Buffalo Bills, his appreciation for travel and good cuisine, his Dad jokes, and his knack for woodworking.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to https://foodlinkny.org/donate/ in his memory.