BANGOR and ROCKPORT – Joseph Howard Laing Sr., 95, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2007, at Pen Bay Medical Center. He was born Jan. 26, 1912, in Passadumkeag, to parents, Joseph and Sada (Taylor) Laing. A longtime resident of Bangor, he moved to Windward Gardens, Camden, September 2006. Joe graduated from Hebron Academy and worked for Eastern Fine Paper and Packaging, and Great Northern mills for many years. He and his father were well known and trusted scalers in the state of Maine. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and could tell a story with the best of them. He loved being at camp on Nicatous Lake, a place he and his family built in 1921 and have enjoyed since. His last trip to camp was in 2006 with his grandson, Justin; and friend, Norm. Joe was a member of St. Andrews Lodge No. 83. He was raised Nov. 3, 1933, received his 50-year medal in 1984 and completed 73 years in this brotherhood. Joe is survivied by his daughter, Jane Laing Grohs of Camden; a brother, Dr. Edmond Laing and his wife, Edna, in Augusta; four grandchildren, Jennifer Brooks and her husband, Jerry, of Warren, Kristi Atherton and her husband, Russ, of Lee, N.H., Justin Grohs of Choteau, Mont., and Dr. Bethany O’Brien and her husband, Bill, of Arlington, Va.; five great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Diane Lunden Laing, many nieces and nephews, his niece, Pamela Cripps Spear, is remembered especially. He was predeceased by his wife, Alice Turner Laing; his son, Joseph Howard Laing III; and his brother, Gerold Laing. Special thanks to his Bangor and Brewer neighbors, Norm and Doris O’Halloran, Lori and John Theriault, Emile Amnotte and Cathy and Ron Lemin. Their love and concern helped Joe to stay in his Bangor home, 69 Harthorn Ave., as long as possible. A celebration of his life will be held in the family cemetery on Bryant Ridge at a time to be announced. Because of his lifelong association with the Order of Masons, donations may be made in his name to 32 Degree Masonic Learning Center, Valley of Bangor, P.O. Box 676, Bangor, ME 04402-0676.
JOSEPH HOWARD LAING SR.
