Obituary of William J. Laing

William J. Laing Bainbridge, NY William J. Laing 78 of Bainbridge died January 13, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family listening to bluegrass music. He was born October 7, 1934, son of the late Merion and Cornelia (Mabon) Laing in Delhi. Bill graduated from Al Kellogg School in Treadwell in 1954 and went to serve his country in the United States Navy. He was stationed aboard the USS Albany and honorably discharged in 1957. Bill married Doreen Odell on June 28, 1959 in Meridale. He worked for Bendix and Keith Clark in Sidney for many years and retired from both. Bill also sold cars and insurance, was a part time patrolman in Bainbridge and drove School Bus and truck for AJ Carmen. For 17 years he was the Bainbridge Town Justice and had performed over 150 weddings. Bill was a member of the Afton -Bainbridge Masonic Lodge for over 40 years serving as Grand Master for several. He was also a member of the Shiners in Albany. Bill and his brother had a Bluegrass Band. They ran the Laing Family Bluegrass Festival in Bainbridge, Oxford and Norwich area for many years. Every year he would travel to Owensboro, Kentucky for the Bluegrass Music Festival and was a Kentucky Colonel. He loved his family and was very proud of their accomplishments. Bill enjoyed their sporting and musical events even coaching and chaperoning a few. He provided guidance and love to many young people and always had time for any and everyone. Along with Bluegrass music, he loved deer hunting and travelling. Bill especially enjoyed travelling to Scotland in 1998 with 14 members of his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Doreen and Children Roxanne Holden, William and his wife Sharon, Paul and his wife Caroline and Larry Laing. Grandchildren, Nevin and his wife Melanie, Katie Mae, Craig, Ben, Billy, Bobby and Betsy. Great Grandchildren Connor, Dixie and Sadie Sisters, Helen Bramley and her husband John, Joyce Freyer and her husband Marty, Linda Ridell and Her husband Neil Brother, Daniel Laing and his wife Sandy Sister-in-law - Ann Laing Numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins He was also predeceased by his step-father Burr Harrington, Brother, Gilbert and Son-in-law Allan Holden. Friends may call Friday, January 18, 2013 from 3-5 and 7-9 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 main St. Sidney. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 3:13 PM at the funeral chapel. Rev. Frank MacCracken, Jr. of the Word of Faith Church in Maryland, NY will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Meridale in the spring. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Town Hall Opry c/o Jericho Arts Council PO Box 62 Bainbridge, NY 13733 Or the charity of ones choice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel Sidney.