Graham Allen Laird

Family and friends are mourning the loss of Graham Laird, beloved son, brother, husband and father of two, who touched and inspired the lives of all who knew him.

Graham Allen Laird was born March 28, 1981, in Des Moines to Amy Van Wagner and adopted at birth by Rox and Teresa Laird. Graham graduated from Hoover High School, where he was on the swim and cross-country teams, and he graduated with honors from Vatterott College.

Graham’s winding career path took him from skilled trades and retail sales to programming robots and most recently construction work and many other pursuits along the way. He was blessed with an intuitive sense of how things worked and how to fix them when they didn’t, a gift he shared with anyone who sought his help whether it be navigating a TV remote or a balky internet router.

Graham forged a winding spiritual path as well, finding a home at Eternity Church in Johnston, Iowa, where he, as usual, threw himself into every part of that faith community, from weekly Men’s Prayer breakfast to countless discipleship classes. In September he travelled to Costa Rica with a group of men who shared the Word of God and helped build schools and churches.

He was profoundly shaped by his love for the Lord Jesus Christ, and in turn he worked to help lead others to Christ and experience true transformation just as himself.

For many years, Graham struggled with drug addiction. When he had reached the end of himself, he encountered the Lord Jesus in a jail cell that radically changed his life forever. From that moment on, he was freed from addiction and was determined to make a positive impact. He transitioned to a drug treatment program for his seventh and final time, through Bridges of Iowa.

After completing drug rehab, Graham became deeply committed to the ministry of Discovery House of Iowa, a sober living community of homes for men, and now women, in recovery founded by Johnny Feucaloro. In true Graham fashion, he didn’t just participate—he immersed himself. He chose to live in one of the houses, becoming a steady mentor and a source of hope for the men who shared that space with him. Every Wednesday evening, he and a close friend from church led Bible study for the residents, opening Scripture, sharing testimony, and building community. Many men he encountered through Bridges and Discovery House experienced real transformation through Graham’s strength, support, encouragement, and his unwavering love for God. His life will forever leave an eternal mark on theirs.

In late 2021, at Eternity Church, Graham laid eyes on Kyla Naig for the very first time. He quickly set his sights on marrying Kyla, even if she did not feel called to that step in their relationship. While Graham patiently waited, their friendship deepened and they spiritually grew together. During his waiting period, he often voiced that he would rather have Kyla be a part of his life if only as a friend than not to be in his life at all. It proved to be worth the wait. They were united as one in marriage on May 31, 2025 for such a time as this. It was the happiest day of his life and it was very clear this was predestinated as God’s will came to pass. Many witnessed the love they shared for each other as truly reflecting the unconditional love of Christ.

On November 13, 2025 our Heavenly Father felt it was time to call Graham home to be in His presence. We pray that he will continually be remembered for the positive impact he was determined to make since the day the Lord Jesus Christ changed his life forever.

Graham is survived by his wife, Kyla; daughters Adelynn Nicole and Destiny Diann Finnell; brother Ross (Stephanie) Laird; sister Hannah Laird; half-sister Chevelle Van Wagner; half- brothers Wolfgang and Thor Van Wagner; his father and mother Rox and Teresa Laird; his birth mother Amy Van Wagner; Kyla’s parents Tim and Jane Naig, and extended family.

The family will donate any contributions made in Graham’s memory to Discovery House of Iowa and Bridges of Iowa.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. A memorial service for Graham will also be held at Eternity Church in Johnston,  on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be held an hour prior.