Laird was a lovely man. I was blessed and honored to know him and play music alongside him.

Laird Addis helped me when I had difficulty working on my PhD dissertation. With his help I finished. That helped me to get to doing what I wanted: teaching philosophy. I'll always be grateful to him.

Dear Addis Family,

I had the privilege to meet Laird. I loved and respected him through my father, Craig Hickok, and through my step-mother, Vonne. My father admired Laird's extreme wit and intelligence, his wide ranging interests, and his musical talents. I know that Laird left a huge legacy of curiosity and passion for learning that will impact generations. I am grateful that an amazing man like Laird lived his life so well.

I share deep sorrow with you in this loss.

Much love,

Susan Hickok

Dear Family,

I had the great pleasure of enjoying Laird as his student 40 years ago and as his colleague for two decades at the University of Iowa. As my teacher he was open, kind, respectful and, of course, supremely interesting and intelligent. As a colleague, he was the same. I always valued running into Laird at the Coop, Hancher, or elsewhere in Iowa City. However brief, I always found our conversations stimulating. He was a person who made one feel better in an instant. I know how much he loved and cherished Patricia and his daughters. My wife Marilyn joins me in conveying our sincerest and heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends. I will miss him always.

Sincerely,

Bruce Fehn

Dear Family.

I am so sorry for your loss and send love and sympathy.

Laird was a huge "friend" to the School of Music. He served as that outside committee member for MANY dissertation defenses. In turn, he was that voice of reason that so many misguided committees needed. I loved having him on my clarinet committees for this very reason. Most importantly, he was appointed to the Director Search for the School of Music around 1991. Again, his voice of reason came out with eloquence when he turned the vote for a more balanced Director who would support the women on the faculty, as opposed to a more chauvinistic future for the School. His vote was the pivotal one and he knew it. We/I am indebted to him. I also loved seeing him and talking with him, due to his high standards and thoughtful conversations. I hope to see you all at a possible memorial service and I send love and sympathy.

Dear Pat,

I am deeply saddened by Laird's passing. I admired Laird equally for his accomplishments as a musician and as a philosopher. I cherish the many years I had the privilege of playing with Laird in the CCSO. It is hard to imagine the CCSO without Laird. And I have been an avid reader of his books.

Please accept my deeply felt condolences.

Sincerely, Ekhard

Dear Pat, Kristin and Karin,

Few persons held the esteem that I had for Laird. He was my patient, my friend, and a scholar whom I admired. I am truly sorry to learn of his death in this morning's Press Citizen. I send my most sincere condolence to each of you.

Oscar Beasley

Yvonne, just read of your brother's passing. You can be so proud of the incredibly accomplished person he became. Love to you and keep the memories and find peace.

We were saddened to learn about Professor Addis and extend our sympathies to his family. Know that we are holding you in our thoughts and in our hearts.

I am saddened to learning of Laird's (he asked that I call him Laird instead of Professor Addis) passing. I worked closely with him when he was chair of the Philosophy Department. He was very kind, considerate and conducted himself in a very professional matter. He always had time for the students and I know they thought very highly of him as did his colleagues.

Occasionally I would see him at University events and he was always pleasant and a delight to visit with.

My thoughts are with all of Laird's family.

I was so sorry to hear of Professor Addis' passing. He was one of the professors when my mom, Mary Ella Savarino, was at the U of I Philosophy department studying for her Ph.D. She always spoke so highly of him, enjoyed him as a professor, a mentor, a colleague, and friend. As a child at the time, I remember him being a friendly, gentle man. I'm so grateful that he and his wife came to the anniversary party for my parents in October 2017. My mom was delighted to see him and visit. My dad, Joe Savarino, and I are keeping you in our thoughts. Sending peace and comfort.