Sears Catalog Vet Richard Laibly Dies at 86

Richard B. Laibly Sr., a 30-year veteran of Sears, Roebuck and Co., died on Jan. 9 of pneumonia and kidney failure at 86, according to the Chicago Sun Times.

As compilation manager, Laibly oversaw production of Sears’ “Big Book” catalog, making sure it got out on time, his son Richard Jr. told the Sun-Times. He retired from the firm in 1980.

A native of Wausau, WI, Laibly served in the U.S. Army in the military police. Prior to joining Sears, he worked for Northern Trust.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, his brother Arthur, and by three sons: Richard Jr., Arthur W. and Thomas B.