William C. "Bill" Laney

William Laney Obituary

William C. "Bill" Laney Sr.
1929 - 2018
AUGUSTA - On the morning of Friday, June 8, 2018, William C. Laney Senior (Bill) passed peacefully from this world in the loving presence of his family, as well as those who befriended and provided care and comfort to him during his time at Togus VA Medical Center.
Born and raised in Edgewood, in Indiana County, Pa., Bill and his family later relocated to Hamburg, N.Y. where he ran a barber shop (Bill Laney's Barber Shop) until he retired in 1993.
Bill proudly and honorably served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Germany from 1946-48, and Korea from 1950-51 as an aid to Major General Joseph Sladen Bradley.
Bill was longtime member of St Matthew's Church of Christ in Hamburg, N.Y. for 30+ years, and happily tended to the nursery sharing many smiles, hugs, kisses and special memories there. It was one of the great joys of his life. He loved children (and they loved him too). A beautiful memory book created by those families over 20 years ago was a prized possession - providing much happiness and comfort over the years, including the final hours of his life. Sincere thanks to the creators of this special gift.
Bill was preceded in death by his much-loved and doting wife, Helen (Olihovski) in 2011; parents Vevan Russell and Jennie (Shaffor) Laney; brother Elmer, and sister Ester Wissinger. He is survived by his very special and truly adored baby sister, Lauranell (Clarence) Evans with whom he shared so many happy memories in this lifetime; beloved son, William Jr.; granddaughters Christine (Bradley) Barr and Cassandra (Matthew) Hickey; great-grandchildren Kayla, Sydney, Dylan and Kati Barr, and Donovan Hickey; and many wonderful friends (new and old) who he cherished. Virginia Houck of Albany, N.Y. has been a special angel to Bill and his family. Her unwavering friendship and loving support provided much deserved happiness, comfort, strength, and courage to Bill through the end of his beautiful life.
Bill was consistently kind and generous, always making time to share a smile and friendly word with those he cared about and treating all with love and compassion. He was well suited for his work as a barber, and many 1st haircuts were given in Bill's chair, which followed him from Hamburg to Albany, where he enjoyed trimming the heads of friends and family well after retirement. Bill loved time with family, gardening at their camp in East Otto, travel, country music, his daily constitutional walks and coffee rituals. He was diligent in documenting special occasions - always ready with a camera.
Bill spent the last three years living at the Veteran's Village at Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine. There he received excellent, skilled and supportive care and formed many lasting friendships with hospital staff, VFW volunteers, neighbors and special souls who became a part of his family.
Memorial Services and celebration of life are being planned for a future date following the anticipated return to health of his treasured son, Bill. Thereafter, he will make a last trip home to be laid to rest in his family cemetery in Pennsylvania.

Friends wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to:
Veteran's Affairs Voluntary Service
(Memo: Veteran's Village)
Togus VA Medical Center
Building 205, 3rd Floor
Augusta, ME 04330

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Central Maine on Jun. 16, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for William Laney

7 Entries

Jason G.

October 10, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Laney (I've always called him that since I was a kid) He was my first barber. My dad has pictures of me crying sitting in his chair, but what made it the best was the neck massager at the end. I was a parishioner at St. Matthews and Mr Laney held me as a baby and as I grew up we'd always hug when we saw each other every Sunday. Later on in life, My wife and I made the trek to Albany to visit him around 2012 or 2013. He said he was volunteering at the court house as an usher. It was nice to catch up with him and I always enjoyed his laugh. Losing a loved one is never easy. I hope everyone enjoys his memories.

Rich Becker

July 2, 2018

Can't say enough kind things about this wonderful man. We did not get to know each other until later in his life, but the times at the gym we spent together had so much meaning. Bill had plenty of reason to complain, but never did. His positivity was beacon of light we should all follow. May you rest in peace, my friend.

Jan Finn

June 18, 2018

Bill, you were such a great friend when we worked together at the Town of Colonie. I miss our talks and your wonderful smile. You will always be remembered with love. RIP my friend

June 16, 2018

Even though I have never met him I felt he was a good man through his daughter in law Barbara Laney who was very dedicated to going and seeing him and looking after his many needs along with Bill his son. I know he will be missed and loved dearly by his family. May you rest with the LORD and walk with him.

nancy campbell

June 16, 2018

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

June 16, 2018

May the love of friends and family comfort you during this difficult time Matthew 5:4.

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