Lawrence Wilbur
FARMINGTON – Lawrence Edward Wilbur, 95, of Farmington, passed away on Feb. 14, 2019, at the Pierce House in Farmington, Maine.He was born on May 20, 1923, in Farmington, a son of Everett and Alice Mary (Walker) Wilbur.He attended local schools and grew up during the depression. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II; 18 months state-side, and 18 months in Europe.Always a hard worker, he first earned money by cutting wood, and later, worked at the Wilton Woolen Mill for 13 years. In 1953, he began his career as a hand stitcher at G. H. Bass and Co. After 28 years and over 300,00 pairs of hand-stitched shoes, he spent another 19 years traveling the world for Bass, demonstrating how the renowned Bass Weejuns were made.He loved to travel for Bass and with his family. He was a diver for the New England Divers; loved ice fishing and bee keeping. He was proud of his Harley Davidson King of the Road. Later, he became an accomplished cross-stitcher and was published in world circulated cross-stitch magazines.He especially loved his camp on Long Pond where he spent time with family. He loved his boats and became an accomplished water skier.Lawrence volunteered for Franklin Memorial Hospital for over 15 years giving over 6,400 hours.He was a member of the Wilton Masonic Lodge #156, the Kora Temple Shrine, and was a member of the Odd Fellows where he held the position of Noble Grand of Williamson Lodge for over 20 years.He married the love of his life, Hazel Walker, on Dec. 9, 1941, with whom he enjoyed 67 years of marriage. Following Hazel’s death, Lawrence reflected on his life and wrote his book “Let Me Take Your Hand.”He is survived by a daughter, Lillian Mary Dagneau and son-in-law, Marcel Dagneau; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by two daughters: Elizabeth Gosselin and Vera Williams; son-in-law, Ernie Gosselin; sisters, Evelyn, and Everdene; brothers, Elton and Cecil.He was a life-learner. No one loved life more than Lawrence. His spirit will always live on in the hearts of those who love him.You are invited to share a memory or kind word on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com. Family and friends are invited to call at the Wiles Remembrance Center: Adams~McFarlane Chapel, 137 Farmington Falls Road, (Routes 2 & 27), Farmington, Monday, Feb. 25, from 1-2 p.m., where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a comfort reception at the Center. Following cremation, private family burial will take place in the springtime at Lakeview Cemetery, Wilton.In keeping with his generous spirit, remembrance gifts may be given to the meaningful charity of one’s choice.
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