LEWISTON — John Russell Wing, 55, of Sabattus, formerly of Auburn, passed away Sunday, July 28, after a courageous, two-year battle with lung and brain cancer. In the end, John was surrounded by his loving family, whom he cherished dearly.

John was born in Lewiston on April 15, 1963. He attended Lewiston elementary schools and Oxford Hill Comprehensive High School. John married his soulmate, the former Linda Meservier, in 1983, and they were to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary Nov. 5.

John worked at Libby Mill from 1984 until its closing in 1991, and served as its ALF-CIO union representative. John worked at the city of Auburn in the highway department for 25 years, and most recently served as highway supervisor. John loved his job and continually strived to make Auburn a better place to live. His magnetic personality always took center stage when he interacted with the public, leading many residents to ask for him personally.

John was a talented local musician who played many venues around town. In the mid-2000s, John and his brother, Manny, formed the band Los’ Lazy Boys, performing as the regular house band at the 20M Club. He also played with Tim Lafrance and Mario Blais in the band Geezer, until his sickness forced them to disband. John will be remembered for his generosity, his creative ingenuity and his memorable humor.

Although his love for children often seemed to be in contrast to his size and booming voice, anyone who knew John knew that he would give anything of himself. He would often give a guitar from his own collection to a child interested in playing guitar. His altruistic nature was a core belief in his life. In June, John was provided with an end-of-life-dream from the Dream Factory to meet ZZ Top. John and his wife Linda traveled to New Hampshire and enjoyed the concert and some time backstage with the band. John was also a fan of David Bowie and his music, often dedicating a whole set of his music when playing out.

John had an intense love for his family and friends, and felt most happy surrounded by their love. John is survived by his wife, Linda (Meservier) Wing; daughter, Kate (Wing) Robichaud, and husband, Curtis; daughter, Emma-Lee (Wing) St. Germain, and boyfriend, Josh Lafond; son, Jonathan Wing, and his fiancée, Kelsey Labbe; his brother, Jeff Wing, and wife, Sandy; sister, Lorna Mack, and her husband, Michael; and brother, Tim; sister-in law, Jackie Gervais, and her husband, Dan; and his father-in-law, Robert Meservier. John had six grandchildren who were the light of his world: Wesley, Edison, Allister, Costello, Ford and Orion. John also had several loving uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews whom he cherished.

John is predeceased by his father, Elwin Wing Sr.; his mother, Roina Berube; and his brother, Manny (Elwin Jr.) Wing.

The Wing family wishes to thank Dr. Ikossi, Dr. Andrei, Dr. Oswald, Dr. Brown and the entire oncology staff at St. Mary’s for the loving care that John received during his illness.

Condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

John R. Wing

John R. Wing