TURNER – Lawrence Caldwell, 89, a lifelong resident of Turner, died Wednesday, April 16, at his home on North Parish Road surrounded by his loving family and his much loved Dalmatian at his side.

He was born on May 24, 1918, in Leeds, the son of Ralph Edwin and Louise (Adams) Caldwell. As a young boy, he moved across the river to Turner and was a 1935 graduate of Leavitt Institute, where he excelled in debate and developed interests in math and classical literature. Moreover, he developed a serious interest in a classmate and future wife, Hilda Varney.

On March 23, 1936, he married Hilda Varney in Turner Center during the time of the big Androscoggin River flood. In 1944, after working for several successful dairy farmers in the area, Lawrence and Hilda bought the North Parish Road Farm that thrives today. He was a serious dairy farmer, who for more than 70 years was eager to put both great thought and labor into milk production.

He demanded much of himself and was cheerful in spirit no matter how dire the circumstances. His motto was just to wake a little earlier or work a little later until things turned around. He always did the right and honorable thing, even if there was an easier way, just because you should. He never gave up.

Dad was an extremely loving and generous man. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the love of his life. He enjoyed his life’s work which started when he was old enough to follow his grandfather around the farm in Leeds, and ended about six weeks ago at almost 90 years old when he broke his hip.

Being the optimist that he was, he wanted it fixed and underwent a hip-replacement surgery that went very well. Unfortunately on his part, the antibiotic caused a bacterial infection known as Clostridia, from which he would not recover.

During his illness we were able to share memories together as well as our love and respect for him. His work in the community and in different trade organizations was recognized by many awards over the years, especially dear to his heart was the Holstein Association, but he took his greatest joy by simply being on the farm and managing his cattle and horses, land and buildings.

He loved his family, and his examples of perseverance, integrity and humility made a strong, positive impact on his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He has gone to be with his very loving wife of almost 70 years, and will be greatly missed by us all, but until we’re with them again, the sun is shining and the calves are running and playing, and we have been deeply blessed by his presence.

He is survived by two sons and their wives, Lawrence E. Jr., and Sandra Y. Caldwell, of Turner and Ft. Meyers, Fla., and Ralph V. and Sandra R. Caldwell, of Turner; a sister, Natalie Dunton of New Jersey; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Hilda Varney Caldwell; and a great-grandson, Tucker Dean Curtis.