Ralph Laird, MAS, former owner of Blue Frog Promotions and a PPAI Fellows program recipient, passed away in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, on January 7. He was 78.

Laird graduated from Virginia Tech and served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. While in the promotional products industry, Laird was an active member of PPAI. He participated in several of the Association’s committees, including the Technology, Terminology and Standards Committee, the Distributors Advisory Council, the Conventions Advisory Council and the Membership Services Advisory Council, among others.

Outside the promotional products industry, Laird was an elder and head usher at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, a past president of Dixie Heights Booster, and for more than 20 years served as a Crestview Hills city council member.

Laird is survived by his wife Charlotte; son Ralph and his wife Pennie, and son James and his wife Mary Kay; and grandchildren Drew, Parker, Miles, Georgia and Camille.

Services were held at Lakeside Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laird’s name to the Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund.