WATERVILLE – Lawrence Lewis Grard, 90, passed away at The Woodlands on Saturday, April 7, with loving family members by his bedside.

He was born on April 18, 1916, in Steuben, the son of John and Florida Ashe Grard.

He attended schools in Fairfield, Winslow, and the University of Maine at Augusta.

As the Great Depression struck the country, he was forced to leave school following the eighth grade, and work in the woods to help support his family. By necessity, he quickly went from being a boy to a man.

He married the former Lorena Abbott of Winslow in 1939, in Bangor.

He worked in area mills until the late 1960s, when he made a brave decision to quit his job at Scott Paper Co. in Winslow and attempt a career in real estate. He obtained his Realtor’s license, and built a successful career with Lorena. Together, they specialized in country and lakeside properties in the area, and made many friends while they were at it.

He loved the outdoors, and was an excellent hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed gardening.

Lawrence lived for 10 years after his great love, Lorena, died in 1997.

Among his survivors are sons, Gary and his wife, Linda, of Vassalboro, Larry and his wife, Lisa, of Winslow, and David and his wife, Marian, of Lewiston; daughters, Sandra Hill of Benton, Joan Veerman of Burlington, Mass., and Claudia Mathieu and her husband, Tony, of Winslow; a stepdaughter, Greta Waugh of Albion; a stepson, Bert Martin of Waterville; a brother, Fred Grard of Winslow; and many grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

He was predeceased by his wife; a brother, Henry; and stepdaughters, Eunice Palmer and Theresa Simpson.

A caring grandson, William Hill of Benton, paid frequent visits and gave personal care to Lawrence during his final years. The family also wishes to thank the wonderful staff at The Woodlands, who treated him like a father.