ORONO – Grover B. MacLauglin, 98, a leader in secondary education and public service, passed away peacefully Nov. 22, 2011, surrounded by family at his home. Grover was born Aug. 6, 1913, in Brewer, the first child of Bert and Myrtle (Dicker) McLaughlin, and he grew up in the Springfield/Carroll area.
He was the devoted husband to his loving wife, Eleanor Gray MacLaughlin, who predeceased him in 2006. Grover graduated valedictorian of his high school class in Springfield and college class at Washington State Normal School, Machias. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Maine, and studied toward his doctorate at Boston University. He began his professional career teaching eight grades in a one-room schoolhouse in Lakeville with his siblings, among others, for students. His brother George made it clear, “I am not calling him Mr. MacLaughlin!” As an educator his career included positions as teacher and principal in Lagrange, Lee Elementary School, Bowdoin Street School, Houlton, Ashland Community High School and ultimately 20 years as principal of Orono High School. He did whatever was required of the principal from teaching math and social studies, stoking the coal furnaces, varnishing the school room floors, to selling tickets for the football games in the booth with Barney Deering. During his tenure at Orono High School the school became accredited, expanded with three additions, acquired further certifications by the New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, initiated the first team teaching program in the state, and participated in the Ford Foundation closed circuit TV experiment with the University of Maine. He was very proud of the many awards and accomplishments of the students. The school produced winners in the Presidential and National Merit Scholarship programs, top honors in the state science fairs, state championships in music, debate, basketball, football and track, that filled the trophy cabinet to overflowing. Occasionally he taught classes at the University of Maine, Orono, and in 1965 as a member of a National Education Association study mission to Eastern Europe, he was detained in Russia for carrying a book by Isaac Asimov. In January 1941, Grover enlisted in the U.S. Army’s 152nd Field Artillery, Maine National Guard. At Officer’s Candidate School, Fort Sill, Okla., Grover and Eleanor were married. At Fort Ord, Calif., he was named commanding officer of the 832nd Amphibious Truck Company assigned to the Pacific Theater. Service included the famed Battle of Leyte and the re-capture of Manila, Philippines. Grover’s unit, augmented by Japanese prisoners of war, spent five months rebuilding the city of Manila, Philippines. Grover’s dedication to education extended well beyond his work as high school principal. He served as president of Maine Secondary School Principals Association, Maine Education Association and as a board member of New England Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. He was a life member of National Education Association and served as a member of the board of directors for five years. He was a life member of Maine Congress of Parents and Teachers. Grover was honored to receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Maine at Machias, in recognition of his many contributions to education and a life dedicated to public service. In his retirement Grover attended Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, becoming a licensed electrical technician and opening an electronics and TV repair business in Orono. He also became the legislative chairman of three retiree groups, Maine Retired Teachers Association, Maine Association of Retirees, AARP and Penobscot County State Legislative Committee. In 1987 he received a National Community Service Award from AARP. He was appointed trustee of Maine State Retirement System by two Maine governors of different political parties and served respectfully for 12 years. For 15 years he delivered Meals on Wheels in Veazie, Orono and Old Town as part of Orono-Old Town Kiwanis Club community service. He worked tirelessly repairing TV and radios for the annual Kiwanis auction, and served on many committees and as past president in 1967-1968. He received the 50-year member Legion of Honor of Kiwanis International. He was an active member of Church of Universal Fellowship, Orono. He was a life member 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. Through 64 years of marriage, Grover and Eleanor enjoyed family first, camping, travel, playing bridge and continued service to their community. Dad enjoyed contact with all people, loving to tell old Maine stories with a bit of mischief and a twinkle in his eye.
He is survived by his daughters, Carol Combes and husband, Edward Combes, of Scarborough and Daytona Beach, Fla., Anne Vadakin and husband, Charles E. Vadakin II, of Rye, N.H., and Jane MacLaughlin and husband, R. Brooks Sherman, of Boston and Annapolis, Md.; his grandchildren, Michael Combes and wife, Nikki, of Windham, Charles E. Vadakin III and wife, Jennifer, of Pownal, Robert O’Neil Vadakin and wife, Lindsay O’Neil Vadakin, of Portland, Kelsey Sherman of Los Angeles and Anne Sherman of Stanford, Calif.; as well as very great-grandchildren, Owen and Kia Combes of Windham and Charles E. Vadakin IV of Pownal; sisters, Laura Christensen and husband, Raymond, of Brewer; sister, Barbara Tourtillotte and husband, Randy, of Howland; sister-in-law, Rebecca McLaughlin of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Beryle McLaughlin of Olamon; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his loving wife, Eleanor; three brothers, Carroll and his wife, Marie, Clifford and George; and three sisters, Susan Curtis and her husband, Ralph, Dorothy Phillips and her husband, Carroll, and Velma Downs and her husband, Mayland.
A celebration of Grover’s life will be held noon Monday, Nov. 28, at Church of Universal Fellowship, Main Street, Orono, with a reception for friends and family afterward. A private interment for family will be held at the Veterans Affairs cemetery in Augusta. Donations in his memory may be made to the Grover B. MacLaughlin Scholarship at Orono High School, Goodrich Drive, Orono, ME 04473. A service of Brookings-Smith, Orono Chapel, 72 Main St., Orono.