Community mourns loss of broadcaster

A longtime radio station owner who used her business to champion industry, tourism and non-profit organizations has died after a valiant effort to overcome cancer. Elizabeth Ann Laird (nee Futter) passed away Friday December 31st, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was 73.

The third of three children of John and Betty Futter (sister to Peter and Ian and pre-deceased by brother Michael) born in Waterloo, Ontario December 9th, 1948, Elizabeth enjoyed a loving family and childhood with travel overseas starting at a young age; also sharing with anyone the thrill of seeing The Beatles at the CNE in 1964. Elizabeth moved with her parents to British Columbia in 1967 after completing high school.

It was in BC, Elizabeth met her life partner David Laird in 1968 and the two were married May 31st, 1969 in Sidney, BC.

Moving to the BC Interior in 1970, the couple settled first in Salmon Arm then Enderby; where they built a home and resided until 1978 before moving to Armstrong.

While raising two sons in the North Okanagan, Elizabeth became involved in many activities such as Cubs and Scouts, slo-pitch, bowling leagues, church activities and more. Upon having a larger property, she was also able to pursue her lifelong love of horses. Elizabeth’s jovial spirit and can-do attitude made her a much sought after volunteer for community groups and organizations.

In 1982, the family moved to Nicola Ranch near Merritt, BC and immediately picked up making new connections and contributions to the community in the Nicola Valley. In 1984 Elizabeth became the owner and operator of JADE Garden Centre (named from “Jeffrey, Andrew, David, Elizabeth”) and forged many new friendships as a result.

With the family moving into Merritt in 1985, “Liz” (as she was known by her many friends, business colleagues and community connections) was elected as a School District 58 trustee (1986-1996) while operating the garden centre until 1993.

Elizabeth’s introduction to the radio industry came through her son Andrew, a former morning show host at CJNL 1230 in Merritt. Elizabeth joined the “Radio NL” family and in 1994 became an investor in Merritt Broadcasting until becoming the full owner in 2016 of what is now Q101; the only female independent broadcast owner/operator in BC. Elizabeth gave many students and broadcasters their first opportunity at Q101 and has always been proud of what they would go on to accomplish.

Moving to their beloved Nicola Lake home in 2007, Elizabeth and David began enjoying travelling the world on more adventures that would take them to dozens of countries over the next decade.

Even with the many challenges of running a business, Liz continued to find time to serve her community. She was elected as the first female president of the Merritt Rotary Club in the 1990’s, served on the board of the Merritt Chamber of Commerce and contributed to many community partners.

Elizabeth’s inspiration, guidance, love and her spirit will live on in the lives of her loving husband of 52 years David, her sons Andrew (Craig) and Jeffrey (Aleece) and grandsons Maclean and Calum.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions in memory of Elizabeth to the organizations that captured her passions would be appreciated. Donations may be made to the Merritt Rotary Club Flood Recovery Campaign at www.rotarymerritt.com or to the Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association at www.ktra.ca.

Services will be announced at a later date.