Wor. Bro. Dr. James Dunn Laird PM (7th August 1938 - Ulster Day, 28th September 2025)
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| Dr James Dunn Laird |
The Lodge regret to announce the passing of W. Bro. Dr. James Dunn Laird PM.
Dr Laird joined the Lodge in 1965 along with his brother, the late Lord Laird of Artigarvan (d. 2018), and served twice as Worshipful Master (1989-1990 & 2002-2006).
Both John and James followed their father into the Lodge, the late Dr. Norman Laird OBE, a local GP in West Belfast and MP in the Stormont Parliament. His mother Margaret also served as a member of Belfast Corporation and was involved in the Orange Women’s Association (Sandy Row WLOL 17)
Dr Laird was a staunch Orangeman, being active across the Institution as well as his own private Lodge, LOL 145. He was a former Chairman of Belfast OrangeFest, where he sought to balance tradition with new creative ways to celebrate and promote our Orange history and heritage.
A Consultant Radiologist, Dr Laird served across Ulster in his career in both the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Londonderry. He also worked in Saudi Arabia, Australia and the USA. He served as Chairman of the Positron Emission Tomography Institute.
He never gave up for his patients and lobbied as high as the Secretary of State for new equipment to help them. He famously entertained Richard Needham MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, at his home in Doagh, Co. Antrim.
Success for a new scanner came from an unlikely source, the then Health Minister, Sinn Féin’s Barbara Brown.
He was a member of Queen’s University OTC in the Medical Corps during his time at Queen’s University Belfast.
Being the son of an MP, he was also active in politics, albeit behind the scenes, as a young Unionist and later in Londonderry City when he was working at Altnagelvin.
Dr Laird is survived by his wife Arleen, daughters Joanne and Victoria, Step son, Graham, Grandson Graham Steven Barton and Great Granddaughters Abigail and Penelope.
Dr Laird will be greatly missed by his Brethren in Royal York LOL 145 and all those who knew him.
A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at Ballyclare Presbyterian Church at 12:30pm on Friday 3rd October followed by a private cremation.
“The Lord is My Shepherd” Psalm 23
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