HOLDEN – Eugene H. Laughlin, 75, went to be with the Lord peacefully Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, at a Bangor nursing home. Eugene was the husband of the late Mary Ann (Cormier) Laughlin, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. He was born May 21, 1936, in Bangor, the son of Percy H. and Helena C. (Kearns) Laughlin.
Eugene graduated from John Bapst High School, class of 1954, and served in the Air National Guard from 1953 to 1956. He married Mary Ann, his high school sweetheart, in 1955. He worked at Eastern Fine Paper from 1955 until he retired in 1994, having worked his way up to production manager. Throughout his career he was recognized for his excellence in the papermaking industry. He was the division chairman of NorthEast Paper Industry Management Association and was appointed an official ambassador in 1987. He was the recipient of the Glen T. Renegar Award, PIMA’s highest honor of service. He was a member of the Maine Parkinson’s Support Group. Despite his struggle with Parkinson’s disease for 30 years, he lived an active life and never lost his sense of humor. He was most happy spending time at his camp on Beech Hill Pond and cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren, Riley, Jordan and Allison. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and cruising around the lake on his boat and sea-doo. Since Eugene lost the love of his life, Mary Ann, his daughter Karen managed his care. Due to her love and devotion, he was able to live independently for the last 12 years. In acknowledgement of the exceptional care given to Eugene, the family would like to thank the staff at Westgate Manor.
He is survived by his daughters, Linda Laughlin of Pittston, Karen Burns and her husband, Joey, of Brewer and Noreen Elkin and her husband, Allen, of Orrington; his grandchildren, Riley Godley, Jordan and Allison Burns of Brewer; his sister, Joan E. Poole of Bangor; his brother, William Laughlin of Levant; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Ann; his parents; brothers, Francis Burnett, Kenneth, Robert and Thomas Laughlin; and sisters, Margarett Robillard and Marie Thurston.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, where a funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. After the service, the family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Interment will be held in the spring at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. Those who wish to remember Eugene in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Westgate Manor’s Activities Fund, Memory of Eugene Laughlin, 750 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.