LEWISTON – Richard Spencer Ladner, 77, of Lisbon Falls, died Saturday, Sept. 20, at Central Maine Medical Center, after a brave journey with cancer.

He was born on April 9, 1931, in Gardiner, son to Martha Ladner Apotheker and was the dear grandson of Ida May Ladner of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and West Gardiner.

Dick was raised by many during his youth and nurtured through the United Methodist Church. He was a 1949 graduate of Gardiner High School, where he was active in the music program, playing the cello in the school orchestra.

He graduated from Gorham State Teachers College in 1953, under the guidance of Dr. Frank Bailey and the dedicated education staff.

He received his graduate degree in 1956 at the University of Maine at Orono. For two years, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Infantry as a corporal.

On June 20, 1953, in Gardiner, he married the love of his life, Evelyn Woods, daughter of Phillip and Medston Woods. He and Evelyn were nurtured and supported by the Ladner and Woods families and many others who believed in this young couple. He and Evelyn had a loving and caring union of 55 years. The Ladners were blessed with three children and seven grandchildren.

He dedicated his life to the education of children, as both a teacher and school administrator. He served as the superintendent of schools in School Union 30 for 26 years, retiring in 1989. He was forever grateful for the support of the children, parents, and staff of the Lisbon school system. “Thank you dear friends.” His motto during his career was ‘All children can learn and all children want to learn.’

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Evelyn; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Reem Ladner and their sons, Max and Kade; his daughter and son-in-law, Victoria and Michael Nackley and their children, Meredith, Jocelyn, and Phillip; his grandchildren, Jonathan and Julia and their mother Cheryl Gonyou; his sisters, Delma Lipani and Denise Burke; as well as many dear family members, colleagues, neighbors and friends.

He was predeceased by his son, Jonathan.

The family would like to thank the dedicated and compassionate staff of Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston and Lisbon. Though Dick’s journey on earth is over, his influence lives on.