Laird Doherty Jr.

Laird F. Doherty, Jr.

August 31, 1938 – March 27, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father Laird Francis Doherty, Jr., also known as Larry by his friends. He was the beloved husband of Gale Lott Doherty (Deceased), father of three sons Michael, Jeffrey and Stephen; grandfather of four beloved grandchildren John, Tara, Finnegan and Aidan; Father-in-law of Elizabeth and Heather. He is also survived by his brother Jerry, his wife Fran, and nephews Kevin and Patrick. He was a kind, generous, and caring man who made easy and lasting friendships, touching the lives of all he encountered.

Laird passed away surrounded by his family on March 27, 2025 at the age of 86. He was born in San Francisco, August 31, 1938 to Laird Francis Doherty, Sr. and Kathryn Doherty. (Deceased).

He attended St. Emydius grammar school (1952), Riordan High School (1956), and the University of San Francisco where he received a BS in Business, Finance (1960). Upon graduation from USF, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the US Army, Artillery and served a short tour of active duty as a Training Officer at Fort Ord. Upon his return to San Francisco, he attended UC Hastings College of Law (one year).

He worked for two years at Standard Oil and then joined the banking business in 1964, retiring in 2004 as Vice President of Product Development at California Bank and Trust, a subsidiary of Zions Bancorp. Since retirement, he enjoyed continuing education classes at the Fromm Institute for Life Long Learning at the University of San Francisco, and weekly Pedro games with his old San Francisco buddies and the Novato Senior Citizens Group.

On October 11th, 1963 he met Gale Lott at the Pierce Street Annex, a then-popular watering hole in San Francisco’s Marina district. They married on August 8th 1964 and spent 55+ wonderful years together until her passing in April, 2020. In 1972 they moved to Novato with their three young children.

Laird was a big fan of the San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco Forty Niners. He was a season ticket holder for the Forty Niners from their days playing at Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park and throughout their time at Candlestick Park until their move to Santa Clara.

He was a starting outfielder for Riordan’s 1955 CAL championship Hall of Fame baseball team; former Vice President of Novato Little League Baseball; former President of Novato Babe Ruth Baseball League; and a Member of the SF Old Time Athletes Association.

He loved to travel with his wife Gale, enjoying many cruises, land trips and adventures to destinations throughout the world.

He loved music, primarily Classical and Traditional (Dixieland) Jazz. He played Piano by ear and if you could hum it, he could play it.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Marin Humane Society in Laird’s memory.