Laird Dowgray

Laird Dowgray, 63, of Overland Park, Ks., passed away August 18th, 2017 surrounded by his family. Laird (John Gray Laird Dowgray III) was born in Kansas City, Mo., on July 24, 1954, the son of John and Dorothy Dowgray, where he was raised and met his beloved wife and soul mate, Debi Denzer. Laird and Debi knew each other 11 years before they married on August 16th, 1980, and enjoyed a bond that lasted 37 years. Laird graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City. Laird started his career with David Beatty Stereo and Team Electronics, where he was able to use his passion for music by selling high-end stereo equipment. He spent the majority of his professional career (33 years) at Packaging Products Corporation, where he was Vice President of Sales. There, he had the opportunity to meet influential people like George Bush Sr., and travel to many notable places like Annapolis Naval Academy, and Augusta National Golf Club, where he was able to attend the Masters with his father. Laird enjoyed spending time with his family, watching and playing golf, especially at Wolf Creek Golf Course where he was a member for many years. He had a tremendous passion for music which included playing the piano, listening to Elton John in concert or on his stereo, and had a particular fondness for classical artists like Brahms, Rachmaninov, Mozart, Grieg, and Saint-Saens. Lastly, he loved playing gin with his friends, and watching football. He and Debi were able to attend a Chiefs playoff game in 1969 when they won the Super Bowl. Laird was preceded in death by his grandparents John Sr. and Mabel Dowgray, Lawrence and Helen Robbins; and father John Dowgray Jr. He is survived by his mother Dorothy Robbins Dowgray; wife Debi and their three children, daughter Erin Collins and husband Brett, daughter Stacey Dowgray, son Sean Dowgray and wife Ida Mullaart, and his fur baby Bentley Dowgray; two grandchildren, Charleigh Collins, and Baby Boy Blue Collins (who is due in September); sister Laurie McCormack and husband Dennis, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Laird was a passionate man who provided guidance, support and love to many friends and family members. He will be dearly missed. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, August 25th followed by a Service at 10:30 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 318 E 55th St, Kansas City, MO 64113. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to the UMKC Conservatory of Music through the UMKC Foundation. 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110


SERVICES Visitation
Friday, August 25, 2017 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Second Presbyterian Church 318 East 55th Street Kansas City, Missouri 64113
Funeral Service
Friday, August 25, 2017 10:30 AM
Second Presbyterian Church 318 East 55th Street Kansas City, Missouri 64113