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By Michael Reeve, Q101.ca / Dave Barry

Elizabeth Laird

Merritt mourns loss of broadcaster

Jan 3, 2022 | 9:04 AM

MERRITT – 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.

Elizabeth was born and raised in in Waterloo, Ontario before moving with her parents to British Columbia in 1967 after completing high school. She met David Laird in 1968 and the two were married the next year.

The couple settled first in Salmon Arm, then moved to Enderby and then to Armstrong. While raising two sons in the North Okanagan, Elizabeth became involved in many volunteer activities and became a key volunteer for community groups and organizations in the area.

In 1982, the family moved to Nicola Ranch near Merritt 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. When the family moved into Merritt in 1985, Elizabeth was elected as a School District 58 trustee, a position she held from 1986 to 1996.

Elizabeth’s introduction to the radio industry came through her son Andrew, a former morning show host at CJNL 1230 in Merritt. In 1994 she invested in Merritt Broadcasting and in 2016 became the sole owner of what is now Q101.

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As the only female independent broadcast owner/operator in B.C., Elizabeth gave many broadcasters their first opportunity in the industry, an accomplishment she took a great deal of pride in. In 2021, Elizabeth completed the sale of Q101 to Pattison Media Ltd.

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.

Services will be announced at a later date.