Edwin Laird with P.A. Police Chief Jon Bergen. (Facebook/Prince Albert Police Service)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Remarkable Milestone

‘I feel good:’ P.A. Second World War veteran turns 100

May 8, 2023 | 5:00 PM

A Prince Albert veteran celebrated a rare milestone over the weekend.

Edwin Laird officially turned 100 on Saturday, becoming the first person in the community who fought in the Second World War to hit the century mark.

Smeaton-veteran Allan White celebrated his 100^th birthday late last year, while Birch Hills veteran Tom Hunter hit the milestone three years earlier. Wilfred Daniels, another veteran who called P.A. home, also turned 100 but fought in the Great War.

“Just felt like another day,” joked Laird. “Never heard of people being 100, never thought it’d be me.”

Laird was just 18 when he enlisted in the army. During his tour in Europe, he fought in several countries including Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

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He told paNOW he joined to support his family.

“I was the man of the family, I had (to support) two younger brothers and my mother with no other income,” Laird said. “They looked after my brothers and mother while I was there, so that was the main (thing).”

A birthday celebration was held at the Prince Albert Historical Museum. In the presence of his family, Laird was honoured by different people including P.A.’s Police Chief Jon Bergen and MLA Joe Hargrave.

“Between the family and us, we thought it was a very fitting place to hold a 100^th birthday,” said Michelle Taylor, the Manager and Curator for the Prince Albert Historical Society.

As a present, the society gave Laird a lifetime membership. Laird also gave the museum a gift: his Legion uniform and medals.

Fred Payton, President of the Prince Albert Historical Society and a local historian believes Laird is one of P.A.’s greatest residents.

Along with his time in the army, Laird volunteered with many local sports leagues and continues to be a member of the Prince Albert Legion. He joined the Legion as soon as he got back to the community from his deployment in Europe, a total of around 78 years.

Payton explained Laird is also partially responsible for how many communities in the country celebrate Canada Day every year. He along with fellow veteran Loyd Smith came up with an idea to recognize the country’s 100^th year.

“They decided to have an old-fashioned picnic up at Bryant Park, now called Kinsmen Park, and they had such a success with that celebration that it kind of became the role model for all other communities across Canada.”

Meanwhile, Laird believes he has many good years left.

He joked that being 100 feels the same as being 99.

“I feel good, nothing hurting. Some things don’t work like they used to, but nothing’s hurting.”

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow