Donald "Don" E. Laing, 84, of Chapin, SC, died February 15, 2025 at his residence after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Don was born December 8, 1940, in Oak Park, IL, son to the late Edwin Laing and Helen Plaza Laing. After meeting his wife, Germaine, they left the Chicagoland area together to build a family in Twin Lakes Wisconsin and, later, relocated to South Carolina to finish out their retirement closer to family.

Don happily integrated himself into the slower-paced life in the south and quickly found his place here. He was a proud member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Columbia, where he enjoyed being an active participant in planning the festival for the community. He was also an avid Chicago sport fan, especially the Chicago Blackhawks, until the end. Don loved going to gather with fellow Chicagoan transplants in SC and enjoy Bears games together. After settling in SC, he grew to appreciate the USC sports scene and became a big fan.

Apart from his favorite teams, Don also enjoyed fishing, playing golf, gardening in his beautiful backyard, and being out on the lake with his family. Holidays were special to Don and the Laing family, and he would never miss a chance to be in the center of all the grandkids and great-grandkids, cheating at the games they played with him in the hopes of winning. For that, he was affectionately titled "Cheater Papa" by all of them, who did not often let him get away with his tricks and antics! Don was well liked by all those who knew him, and will be remembered as a fun-loving family man who lived a full life.

He is survived by Germaine, his wife of 63 years, as well as his children; Denise (Steven) Zuk, Daniel (Donna) Laing, Dionne (Jeffrey) Thies; grandchildren, Madison (Sam) Klimek, Michaela (Alex) Janssen, Marina ( Tyler) Howe, Samantha (Rylee) Thies, Natasha Zuk, Allison Thies, Lara Zuk; great-grandchildren, Jackson Janssen, Luna Janssen, James Klimek, Henry Howe; and siblings, Eileen Templin, Carol Fanella, Tom Laing, David Laing, Charles Laing. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 109 Sundance Point, Chapin, SC, 29036.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Don to the Salvation Army at Donate Online - The Salvation Army of the Midlands

Memories and messages may be left on his tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Laing family.