Laird S. Thompson, V.M.D., 88, of Middlesex Township, formerly of Butler, died Wednesday afternoon at UPMC Passavant Hospital, McCandless.

Born in Pittsburgh, Dec. 5, 1916, he was the son of Robert V. and Sarah Boyle Thompson.

He was a veterinarian in Butler for more than 50 years and owned Suburban Animal Clinic on Route 8. He had been a member of the Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania and the American Veterinarian Medical associations.

Dr. Thompson received his bachelor's degree from Penn State University and earned his veterinarian degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

He served in the Army Veterinary Corps during World War II and attained the rank of captain.

He was a member of the Nixon United Methodist Church, Penn Township. He also belonged to the Butler Elks and John E. Mair Lodge 729 F&AM and was a former member of the William H. Miller Lodge F&AM in Butler.

Surviving are a son, Wayne Thompson of Center Township, and a grandson.

His wife, Margaret G. "Peg" Burkett Thompson, whom he married Sept. 4, 1947, died May 17, 2002. Three brothers and a sister also preceded him in death.

THOMPSON - There will be no visitation. A memorial service for Laird S. Thompson, V.M.D., who died Wednesday, June 8, 2005, will be held at 11 a.m. June 18 at Nixon United Methodist Church, Airport Road, Penn Township, with the Rev Keith Dunn officiating.Memorial donations may be made to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.Arrangements are under the direction of theMCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, Mars.