30 years ago – May 3, 1991
Died: Lifelong Central City resident, Viola Laird died April 29 at St. John’s Hospice in Lakewood at the age of 95. For the past six years, Laird resided at the Christopher House in Wheat Ridge. She always had hopes of permanently returning to her home on East First High Street in Central City, although her dream never came true. Born June 3, 1895, Viola Oliver attended Clark Grade School and graduated from Central City High School in 1913. Two years later, she graduated from Colorado Teacher’s College, now known as the University of Northern Colorado, in Greeley. Her first teaching job was in Nevadaville. She met her husband-to-be, Rae Laird, when he was the basketball coach for Central City High School. They were married in Central City on November 2, 1917. In an interview in 1987, Viola spoke fondly of their 54-year marriage, saying, “It was a good marriage. He was a nice man. We were compatible.” After the death of former Register-Call publisher George Laird, Rae’s father, in 1936, Rae began dividing his time between being an investigator and editor for the Register-Call. In 1953, Rae devoted all of his time to publishing the Register-Call, frequently being assisted by Viola. Viola’s husband was forced into semi-retirement for health reasons in about 1965. For a short time, Viola assumed the job as owner and publisher. On May 1, 1970, an era ended when the Register-Call, family owned since 1877, was sold to present owner and publisher William C. Russell, Jr. It was only the second time in a 92-year span that the publisher of the paper changed. Viola’s fond regard for the Register-Call never ceased. Until the time of her death she referred to the Register-Call as “My paper,” and the staff became known as “her girls.” Rae preceded Viola in death on April 11, 1971, and Viola continued to live at her lifelong home in Central City until March 1985. For health reasons she was forced to move to the Christopher House, but returned to Central City at least once a year to visit friends and former residents. Viola was a longtime member of the Order of Eastern Star. In previous years she played the piano and was the organist for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Central City for many years. Viola is survived by her close friend and companion Beverly Saxton and friends Ed, Barb, and Eddie Saxton; her nephew, Amos Clark of Arvada; her cousin, Darlene Knox of Tigard, Oregon, and numerous other relatives. Services are today at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Denver. She will be buried beside her husband in Fairmount Cemetery.
Died: Orlando Kenneth Johnson, formerly of Central City, died at St. Anthony Hospital April 18, 1991. Johnson moved to Central City with his family when he was 12 years old. He attended school here and later graduated. He served in the Navy during World War II, and married Delia Ress in 1948. They resided in Lakewood for 32 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Karen Foote of Sterling, Candace Johnson of Denver, Diane Waltman of Fort Collins, and Harvey Johnson of Lakewood; and eight grandchildren. Memorial services were held at Lakewood Methodist Church on April 22. He was cremated.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
