Dr. Larry J. Laber

Dr. Larry J. Laber

His greatest accomplishment was marrying his wife Dottie!

Larry Laber, 81 of Kennebunk, ME passed away, Friday, September 28, 2018 at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford, after a lengthy battle with COPD.  He was born July 9, 1937 in Burlington, VT, a son to the late Dr. Nelson L. Laber and Lila G. Laber.

The year 1955 was a very exciting one.  He graduated at the top of his class from Hinesburg High School, in Hinesburg, VT, joined the Air National Guard of VT, where he served six years, and met his future wife.  Larry obtained both his BS and MS in botany from the University of Vermont in 1959 and 1961 respectively.  He later obtained his PhD.in botany in 1967 from the University of Chicago.  After some Research Associate positions at both the University of Georgia and Brandeis University, he settled in as an Associate Professor of Botany with the University of Maine, in Orono until 1986.

Larry enjoyed the students more than the subject matter and really had the desire of wanting to help people more.  With that calling, he returned to school and obtained his Masters in Social Work from Simmons College in Boston, MA in 1986 and began his second career as a LCSW.  Larry began as a Social Work Intern with Strafford Guidance Center, Inc. in Dover, NH and later returned to central Maine and worked with Community Health and Counseling Services in Bangor, ME from 1986 until 1999. At the same time he had a private practice and worked into the early 2000s.

Larry was a member and later leader of an active Nicotine Anonymous group; where weekly meetings were held in the Forsythe Conference Room at EMMC.   He himself received his 30 year chip quite some time ago and made many cakes celebrating others cessation anniversary.

Other interests of Larry were travelling, having visited the Grand Canyon five times and even riding a mule for many miles into the canyon.  He also enjoyed taking Adult Education classes with Orono High School and most especially art, to improve his love of ink sketching and painting.  On weekends over the years you might have found him camping/canoeing, cross country skiing or golfing; pretty much covering all the great seasons in New England.

Larry married his best friend Doris Ann Walter (Dottie) on June 9th, in 1963.  Their love and devotion for one another has been witnessed by many and has no end.  Dottie will continue to reside in Kennebunk. 

He leaves behind a most precious sister in law and brother in law; Lynn and Paul Meier of Asheboro, NC and many loving nieces and nephews.  Melodie Laber Chapman (CJ Lisi) of Portsmouth, NH;  Marci Laber Poulin (Ron), Wells, ME; Mike  Meier (the late Yung Chi) of Sophia,  NC; Jodi Meier (Mike Overly), of Asheboro, NC; Carrie Meier (Kevin Wetter) of Cramerton, NC and a great nephew, Timothy Chapman (Lucyana), Kittery, ME and great niece Acacia Rose Overly of Asheboro, NC.

The main celebration of life will be held Friday, October 19th, 11AM at the First Parish Federated Church, 150 Main Street, South Berwick, ME.  A light luncheon will follow in the vestry.

With so much of his life being in the central part of the state, a second celebration is being planned.  Please contact a wonderful friend and former colleague, Kathy Bodkin at 207-949-3997 for date, time and location.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sarah’s House of Maine, 346 Main Road, Holden, ME 04429

Arrangements are entrusted to the Johnson Funeral Home, North Berwick, ME.  Condolences may be expressed at www.JohnsonFuneralHomeME.com

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