RUMFORD – Lawrence M. Gaul, 81, died peacefully at his home on Maple Street, Rumford, Sunday, Nov. 4, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Roxbury, Mass., on July 26, 1926, the eldest son of Howard R. and Elizabeth W. (Johnson) Gaul. He attended schools in Rumford and graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford, class of 1944. He served with the U.S. Army, 27th Infantry Division, in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Lawrence was a member of the Robert Shand Post 1641, VFW, Napoleon Ouellette Post 24, American Legion, Fr. Ambrose J. Barry Council 2091, Knights of Columbus and a Communicant of St. Athanasius and St. John Church.

He was employed by the Boise Cascade Paper Co. in Rumford, in the hydraulic department until retirement in 1986. Following his retirement he and his wife traveled extensively to Colorado, Canada and Las Vegas.

He married the love of his life, Evelyn M. Mahoney, at St Athanasius Church in Rumford, on April 23, 1949. Together they raised four daughters who were a great joy to them. He especially loved his six grandchildren and spending time with family and friends at his camp, KaCoMoLa, in East Andover.

He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years of Rumford; four daughters, Kathy and husband, Greg Richard, of Dixfield, Colleen Gaul and her partner, Susan Manning, of Conifer, Colo., Maureen and husband, Michael Boudreau, of Rumford, Laurie and husband, Mark McKenna, of Rumford; six grandchildren, Stephen Richard of Sioux City, Iowa, Deanna, Heath, Shay and Drew McKenna, of Rumford, and Jennifer Rose Boudreau of Rumford; a brother, David Gaul and wife, Mary, of Damariscotta; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Earl of Mexico and William of Connecticut; and a sister, Constance DeRaspe of Seattle, Wash.