William Curtis Laney Sr.

Laney, William Curtis Sr. AUGUSTA, Maine On Friday, June 8, 2018, Bill passed peacefully from this world in the loving presence of his family in Augusta, Maine. Born and raised in Edgewood, in Indiana County, Pa.; Bill and family relocated to Hamburg, N.Y., where he ran 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 1950-51, as an aid to Major General Joseph Sladen Bradley. Bill was a member of St. Matthew's Church of Christ in Hamburg, N.Y. for 30-plus years, happily volunteering in the nursery. He loved children (and they loved him too); this was one of the great joys of his life. Preceded in death by his much loved and doting wife, Helen (Olihovski) in 2011; parents, Vevan and Jennie (Shaffor) Laney; brother Elmer and sister Ester Wissinger. Bill is survived by his truly adored baby sister, Lauranell (Clarence) Evans with whom he shared 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 cherished friends. Virginia Houck is a special angel to Bill and his family. Her unwavering friendship and loving support provided much-deserved happiness, comfort, strength, and courage through the end of his beautiful life. Bill was 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. Well-suited for his work as a barber, many first haircuts were given in Bill's chair - it followed him from Hamburg to Albany, where he enjoyed trimming heads of friends and family well after his retirement. Bill loved time with family, gardening at their camp in East Otto, travel, country music, daily constitutional walks and coffee rituals. He was always ready with camera to document special celebrations. Bill lived his last three years at the Veteran's Village at Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta, Maine. There he received excellent care and formed friendships with staff, VFW volunteers and special souls who became a part of his family. Memorial services 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 VA Voluntary Service (Memo: Veteran's Village) at Togus VA Medical Center, Building 205, 3rd Floor, Augusta, ME, 04330.