Laurie B. Melanson

Laurie B. Melanson, "Mascot" of Ashland, passed away peacefully at home on May 17, 2024.

Laurie was born in Humphreys, New Brunswick, Canada, the son of the late Alice and Arthur Melanson. He lived in the Moncton, New Brunswick area until moving to the U.S. in 1964 in search of an opportunity to provide for his family. He never forgot his roots and, for his entire life, reminisced about his wonderful childhood and life in Canada as a young man. In the stories he told of his childhood, he brought Humphrey Pond to life.

As young man, Laurie was able to master and play stringed instruments. He found great joy in music. He was part of a five-man band called the Range Riders, which would broadcast live from radio station CJRW in Summerside, PEI. He took a different path when he met the love of his life, Rachel, his wife of 68 years. She was the cornerstone of his life. He was incredibly proud of his wife and the life they built together.

Laurie was a hardworking man. He worked in many different capacities, never turning down a chance to earn money to support his family. Besides working at General Motors Corp., he owned and operated Laurie Melanson Movers. He made many road trips across the US and Canada with a load of furniture and a sense of adventure. He loved people and made friends everywhere he went.

He had an incredible sense of humor and a way of making others laugh. He enjoyed hockey, music, playing cards and many cruises. He loved his cottage on the river in St. Mary's, where he and his wife Rachel spent time reconnecting with friends and family over the years. For the past 20 years, he and Rachel wintered in Clearwater, Florida. Their time was filled with friends, music, laughter, and sunshine.

Laurie's 93 years were well lived. He was devoted to his family and was deeply loved. He leaves behind memories his family will cherish forever.

Laurie was predeceased by his brothers George and Edward (Ned) and his sister Helen Hansen. He is survived by his sister, Doris (Dot) Bourque of Moncton. He is survived by his devoted wife Rachel (Leger) and five children: sons Terry, David (Jean), Bernie (Marisa), Tim (Mary-Beth), and his daughter Patsy (Rick) Hutton. He is survived by his 7 grandchildren, Amanda, Joseph, Dan, Sam, Tom, Laura, and Katie, and his great-granddaughter Olivia. He is also survived by Peyton and Preston who he considered family. He is survived by many relatives, as well as his beloved cat Tutu.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Cecilia Parish, 54 Esty Street, Ashland, on June 8th at 10:30am. There will be no calling hours. For family and friends who wish to pay their respects, the family invites you to a casual and light hearted celebration of Laurie's life on June 8th, 2024 at 11:30am at La Cantina, 911 Waverly Street, Framingham, MA.

In memory of Laurie, those wishing to do so may donate to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.