William S. Lawrence

William S. Lawrence, 74, passed on February 23, 2023 surrounded by family at home on Boyden Lake.  Bill was born in Eastport on October 3, 1948, the middle child of Virginia “Dingy” (Ross) & William “Wid” Lawrence.  Billy was a native Northender, tightly intertwined to the bustling Eastport community where he developed many lifelong friendships from days past.  He learned to survive and take care of himself from a very young age and was excited to see the world as a young adult.  After finishing up at Shead Memorial High School, he and some friends hit the road and ventured to Everett, Mass for a time, where he worked at a steel plant.

Bill eventually returned home and married the woman who would become his wife of over 50 years, Katherine Ann Craig.  They purchased a small home together at 247 Water Street, where they raised two children, Shannon & Ross.  Together they gave them a life filled with love, discipline, adventure, and ultimately taught them to be strong, independent adults.  He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and an unforgettable friend.  His ventures were sometimes unbelievable, like the time a prize-winning turkey found its way into the backseat of his car. 

Bill was involved in antique dealing, salmon farming, he was a magician at home renovations & auto mechanics, both trades he passed on to his son after many years of working together and was a craftsman by nature.  He was a collector, comedian, risk taker, and could never back down from what he believed in.  Above all, he loved his family.

Bill loved traveling, he was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Africa on business, Hawaii with his wife, many trips to Florida with his family and countless ventures with friends, like the time he drove a van full of antique woodstoves to California.  He was a devout member of St. Joseph’s RC Church and proud to have served as Grand Knight with K of C Council 671 in Eastport and a 4^th Degree Member of Assembly 342 in Calais.  He enjoyed motorcycles, boats, parties, mischief, and relaxing in the shade on a pontoon in the middle of Boyden Lake during his later years.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by a sister, Carol Ann Cook and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his soulmate and wife, Kathy Lawrence; his beloved daughter Shannon and her husband Scott Gove, his son and best friend, Ross “Ziffle” and his wife Missy; grandchildren, Cassidee, Jacob & Lillia Gove, and Mason & Craig Cushing; sister Theresa and her husband John Mealey; sister-in-law, Betty Bailey; brother-in-law, Gary Craig and wife Patty; lifelong friend and the Godfather to his children, Mike Baine; and so many other great friends; and the morning Strawberry Patch Crew. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Father Brad Morin on Tuesday, February 28^th at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Church in Eastport where a reception will follow.  Burial will be held at Hillside Cemetery at a later date.  The Lawrence family was graciously supported by the CH&CS Hospice team, a blessing that we will forever be grateful.  The family asks that memorial contributions be directed to Sarah’s House at sarahshouseofmaine.org