Stanwood R. Williams

Gorham - Stanwood Richard Williams, 89, of Gorham and Alexander Maine, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2017. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 15th, 1927, he was the oldest son of Theodore Stanwood and Marion Delia Fairbanks Williams. Stan was an 11th generation descendant from the George line of Jonathan Fairbanks who settled in Contentment, Massachusetts -- later called Dedham, Massachusetts -- in 1630. A graduate of the Brookline, Massachusetts school system, Stan enlisted in the Navy, and was assigned to the US Naval Aviation Program, known as V5, during World War II. After his naval experience, Stan attended Northeastern University, graduating in 1950 with a degree in chemical engineering. In 1948, Stan married Lorraine Fernandez, a neighbor in Chestnut Hill. They became proud parents of two precious daughters, Cheryl Lynne and Lauryl Anne. As an engineer, Stan worked for several Massachusetts companies -- participating in the early stages of freeze drying coffee, designing Marks-A-Lot colored markers, and working on thrust engines for the space program. Involved in the early credit union movement in Maine, Stan managed the First National Credit Union and helped found the Gorham Community FCU. For 27 years Stan was also the treasurer of the First Congregational Church UCC of Gorham. During his lifetime, Stan created many cherished gifts from wood for family and church. He helped create frames for his wife's paintings and together they refinished antique furniture. Stan was a prolific reader, a very good puzzle solver, excelled at latch hooking projects -- some of which required 18,000 individual hand-tied knots -- and a fine card player. He leaves his wife Lorraine of 68 years, two daughters, Mrs. Cheryl Clark and husband Robert, and Mrs. Lauryl Williams and husband Frank Hazelwood, three grand children Erin Clark and partner Janelle Bainter, Gregory C. Hazelwood, and Aaron J. Hazelwood and three great-grandchildren, James, Arianna and Joshua Bainter-Clark. He is also survived by his brother Charles R. Williams of Sherbon, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his brothers David R. Williams and Theodore R. Williams. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service to be held at First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St, Gorham, on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 10:00 AM. A reception will follow in the church hall. Services are under the care of Dolby Funeral Chapels, 76 State St. Gorham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Stan's memory to First Parish Congregational Church, Gorham.

Stanwood R. Williams

July 15, 1927 - January 15, 2017

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