Jeffrey Michael Laing
We grieve the loss of Jeffrey Michael Laing who died on March 20th, 2018 in Santa Fe, N.M. He taught English for 40 years in New York State and New Mexico. Jeff was a loving husband, an enthusiastic teacher, and an excellent friend. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jacqueline; his stepmother, Eleanor Laing of Albany, N.Y.; stepsister Debra Dunbrook and her husband James of Albany, N.Y.; stepbrother Robert Ludwig and his wife Dr. Susan Baum of Albuquerque, N.Y.; cousin Lois Snow and her husband Joseph of New Milford, CT; cousin Pam Considine of Fort Myers, FL; cousin Barry Considine and his wife Jennifer of Troy, N.Y.; and cousin Joseph Snow Jr. , his wife Sarah Hamilton, and his daughter Aurelia of Washington, CT. Jeff was born on October 15, 1948 and was raised in Troy, N.Y. His parents were Marion Laing and Robert Laing, both deceased. Jeff began teaching in 1972 in Schenectady, N.Y. He was a graduate of La Salle Institute in Troy, N.Y., Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., and received his Ph.D. in Literature from the State University of New York at Albany. He and Jacqueline moved to Santa Fe in 1982 where he taught at a number of high schools and colleges in central and northern New Mexico. He taught for a year in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on a Fulbright Teacher Exchange and for a year at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland as a visiting professor. Jeff loved to travel. He was generous, gentle and thoughtful. He was a storyteller and loved to discuss literature, politics, and sports. He authored over 100 articles on the arts and culture. He was passionate about baseball history and published two books and numerous articles on 19th century baseball. Funeral services are private. A memorial mass and a celebration of Jeff’s life are being planned. For those who might wish to do so, donations may be made in memory of Jeffrey Laing to St. Elizabeth Shelter and Supportive Housing Programs, 804 Alarid St., Santa Fe, NM 87505.