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Longstanding IAABO 111 Board Member Remembered
BANGOR - Wayne Arthur Lawton, 78, died peacefully at home on Thursday, May 24, 2018, with his loving family by his side.
Wayne was born on March 24, 1940, in Southwest Harbor, the son of Clark and Lurlene Lawton. It was there that he developed a passion for basketball, golf, and baseball.
At the age of 12, Wayne and his family moved to Bangor where his father was stationed at Dow Air Force Base.
During this period Taylor Field was being constructed for area little leaguers, and Wayne volunteered in the effort.
Wayne's team, the Jaycees, was the first to play on the field, with many games to follow over the years. Two years ago, to commemorate the anniversary, a ceremony took place on the pitcher's mound with Wayne and his great-grandson, Brandon.
Recently, Wayne enjoyed numerous baseball games at the field watching his great-grandson, Brady.
Wayne attended Bangor High School, where he lettered in both basketball and baseball. After high school, Wayne attended Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, and enrolled at the University of Maine in Orono.
It was at MCI that Wayne met Anne. By chance, she was a stand-in for a friend who became unavailable for a date with him, and after that first meeting, the two have been inseparable. Wayne and Anne married on December 12, 1959.
After their marriage, Wayne began a lengthy career with the Bangor Daily News. He began in the advertising department and remained there, spending the last 25 years as the director of the department. Wayne retired from the BDN in April of 2008 after 48 1/2 years with the company that he felt so privileged to be a part of.
In addition to working at the news, in 1966 Wayne became certified by the I.A.A.B.O. He officiated hundreds of games at both the high school and small college level. Wayne served as both president and chief assigner during his time as an official.
Wayne enjoyed the game of golf and shared his passion with his son, Brian. Together they played many courses in New England, as well as some fine courses in Florida where they were often joined by Wayne's brothers, Gary and Alan.
Wayne was the founder and commissioner of the Eastern Maine Junior Golf League, supporting young golfers from the area.
For Wayne's contribution to Maine sports, he was awarded the Maine Sports Hall of Fame Presidents Award in 2006. Wayne served on the board of directors of the Maine Sports Hall of Fame for 18 years.
Wayne's lifetime of professional and personal accomplishments include being named President of the New England Newspaper Advertising Associates, the first recipient of the Maine Person of the Year in Advertising, member of the Greater Bangor Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, recognition by Governor John McKernan for this work developing awareness of "Goals 2000-Educating Maine," President of the Bangor Daily News Charities, member of the Board of Directors for Larkin Enterprises, member of the Bangor Noontime Kiwanis, and served on the board of directors for the Bangor Salvation Army.
Wayne will be lovingly remembered by his wife Anne; children, Susan and husband, Samuel, Gail and husband, Emad, Vicki, Brian and his love, Melissa; grandchildren, Stephen, Sarah, Jennifer, Samantha, Chad, Ashley and Nicholas; his great-grandchildren, Brittany, Elizabeth, Kathryn, Brandon, Brady, Isabella, Aliyah, Emmanuel, Joshua, and Jesse; his brother Alan and wife, Roxanne; brother-in-law, Leon and wife, Leedra; and uncle Clyde and wife, Carolyn. Wayne will also be remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. Wayne was predeceased by his parents; his brother Gary; son-in-law Frank; and great-grandson Jared.
A memorial service will be held noon Sunday, June 3, 2018, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street, Bangor, with the Rev. David Gardiner, Chaplain of Hospice of Eastern Maine, officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center Street, Bangor, immediately following the service Sunday. Those who wish to remember Wayne in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the American Heart Association, Maine Affiliate Inc., 51 US Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
Obiturary published by the Bangor Daily News
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