Ernest C Greenlaw

Ernest C. Greenlaw, 87, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the South Portland Nursing Home. He was born in Hollis, the son of Carroll and Violet (Main) Greenlaw. He was raised in South Portland, where he attended local schools. Ernest worked for his father in his automotive garage where he learned how to do welding. While roller skating in Westbrook he met Velma Dyer and they married in March of 1943. He enlisted in the Navy and because of his welding skills he never went to basic training. Ernest left for a nineteen month tour of duty in Oran, Africa and was headed for the Pacific when World War II ended. He worked for the South Portland Fire Department for 23 years retiring as Captain in 1977. He and small group of firefighters were instrumental in starting the Local 1476 Firefighters Union. He was honored by receiving several citations for his heroic conduct while serving as a fire fighter. He was 2012 recipient of the Remember Me Award presented by Anne LePage and the Maine Health Care Association. He served in the Maine Legislature for 14 years representing the Standish area. He also served on the Inland Fisheries and Wild Life Board. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Standish Kiwanis Club, the American Legion, and the V.F.W. He and his wife Velma were active in the Thornton Heights and Buxton Methodist Churchâ€™s. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, wood carving, and photography. Ernest was predeceased by his wife Velma last October, a brother Thomas Greelaw, a sister Gloria Woods, and a grandson Michael Terwilleger. He is survived by his daughters Joann Greenlaw of Scarborough and Anne Terwilliger of Hudson, NY; granddaughters Heather Weaver and Karen Case; great grandchildren Jadya, Gabriel, Kameron, and Michael; a brother Leonard Greenlaw (Thelma) of So. Portland; a brother-in-law Kenneth Dyer, and many nieces and nephews. A visiting hour will be held from 10 to 11 AM Wednesday followed by a funeral service at 11 AM at Blais & Hay Funeral Home, 35 Church St., Westbrook. Interment will be in Smith Cemetery, Windham. Condolences may be expressed at www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com. The family would like to thank all the staff at the South Portland Nursing Home for their care and compassion. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Resident Services, South Portland Nursing Home, 42 Anthoine St., So. Portland, ME 04106.