Laird Stinson Obituary (1954 - 2025)

Devoted husband, loving father, and caring papa, Laird Wendell Stinson, 71, of Fairfield, Maine, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 10, 1954, in Wilton, Maine, Laird was the son of Evelyn Gladys Williams and Owen Parker Stinson. He lived a life marked by humility, generosity, kindness, and unwavering strength. A faithful follower of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Laird was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1969 and spent his life serving in many honored church roles. Laird graduated from Mt. Blue High School in 1972 and went on to earn an associate degree from Central Maine Community College. He began his career as an electrician and was soon hired by SD Warren in Westbrook, ME. He later joined SAPPI in Hinckley, ME, where he worked for an incredible 47 years at their Skowhegan plant. In the spring of 1975, Laird met the love of his life, Sue Sites, at Reid State Park. They were married later that year and would have celebrated 50 years of marriage. Together, they raised a close-knit and loving family, always placing faith and service at the center of their home. Laird is survived by his devoted wife, Sue, and their six children: Sean Stinson of Phoenix, AZ; Melissa Hurley and her husband Brian of Winslow, ME; Megan Thomas and her husband Sean of Hampden, ME; Thomas Stinson and his partner Jeremy Damren of Belgrade, ME; Anganette Facer and her husband Hansen of San Antonio, TX; and Shane Reitze of Fairfield, ME. Laird’s legacy of love, kindness, and faith lives on through his children, who each carry his spirit of service and compassion. Laird was a man of many talents — he could build or fix anything and was especially known for perfecting the fried egg sandwich. He was an avid hunter and lover of the outdoors, and always happiest when surrounded by his family. He was joyfully welcomed into Heaven by his granddaughter, Princess Savannah Hurley, his brother Owen Stinson, and his parents. He will be sorely missed by his remaining 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who adored their Papa dearly. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Christian Thomas and his team at New England Cancer Specialists, as well as the compassionate nursing staff at MaineGeneral. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 13th from 4:00–6:00 PM at Veilleux-Redington & Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville, ME. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 14th at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 Washington Street, Waterville, ME.