William Edward Lawson

William “Bill” Lawson, affectionately known as “Dustee” by some family, passed away surrounded by his three children and his beloved “pupper dog,” Beau on January 6th, 2025. Born on June 10, 1950, in El Paso, Texas, to Air Force Major William E. Lawson and Vernie Mae Feinbergh, Bill’s life was one of adventure, love, and unrelenting curiosity. From the moment he was born, Bill’s childhood was a worldwide experience with the family accompanying his father’s military assignments to Okinawa, Japan, Tokyo, Hawaii, California, Thailand, Iran, and Australia. Upon his family’s return to the United States, Bill lived in California, New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Connecticut before settling in Maine. He attended five different high schools, ultimately graduating from Cheverus High School in 1969. Bill had a lifelong interest in classic cars which blossomed into a lifelong passion for muscle cars, including Chargers, Mustangs, and Barracudas. He relished attending car shows and admired the craftsmanship and stories behind these classic treasures. Bill was equally passionate about airplanes. He built dozens of model planes, including a 10-foot-long, highly detailed F-14 jet, and in 1981, he earned his private pilot license. He belonged to many flying clubs in Maine and Florida. Bill shared this love with his children, taking them to airplane shows and flying fields and bringing them along on flights in small Cessnas. He delighted in letting them take a turn at the controls, sharing his excitement for flight and aviation. In 1970, Bill met Elaine, the love of his life, and they married on August 7, 1971. Their life together was a blend of love and hard work, raising three children and building a home wherever life took them—from the U.S. to Canada and back again. Bill’s incredible work ethic and drive to learn shaped every aspect of his life. Contrary to most people, Bill loved to work. As an industrial engineer, he loved to tackle new challenges and immersed himself fully in everything he did, often working tirelessly to find solutions and improve efficiencies. Bill got his start at Maremont in Saco, Maine, and continued to build his career at Koch Engineering, working throughout Canada, and later at Pratt & Whitney. He loved taking his son, Billy, to “the plant” on Sundays, where they would spend time together while Bill worked. After many years of dedication, Bill retired in 2017 from Hannaford Corporate. Bill’s adventures didn’t stop there. In 2017, he and Elaine bought a motorhome and, along with their beloved bichon frise, Beau, embarked on a journey across 49 states. Beau became Bill’s inseparable companion and "social ambassador," helping Bill make friends wherever he went. Bill found a special sense of community in the Ocala RV Resort in Florida and Homestead Campground in Saco, Maine. Both of these close-knit communities provided Bill with much-needed love and support during his life, especially after losing Elaine in 2022. They will fondly remember him for his deviled eggs, cabbage dinners, pumpkin bread, and warm presence. An expert card player, Bill loved euchre, cribbage, and bridge, and even managed to get himself banned from a few casinos thanks to his photographic memory and skill at counting cards in blackjack. He also enjoyed social games like washers, shuffleboard, and especially cornhole, where he was always ready with "helpful" tips for his cornhole partners, yelling, "Put more arc on it!" Known for his ability to fix or build anything, Bill was a real-life “MacGyver.” From homemade solar pool heaters to furniture carpentry to auto bodywork, there was nothing he couldn’t figure out. His creativity and resourcefulness were both legendary and a bit “questionable.” Above all, Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He was a proud and devoted father to daughter Dawn Pendergrass, and son-in-law Craig Pendergrass of Saco; son William Lawson of Old Orchard Beach; and daughter Kristyn McKenzie and son-in-law Kevin McKenzie of Saco. He was a doting “Bumpa” to Katelyn and Jordan McKenzie, Tyler Lawson, and Elijah Pendergrass. Whether teaching them to play golf, taking them to the movies, or supplying them with an endless stash of M&M’s and Sour Patch Watermelon, Bill treasured every moment with his grandchildren—often making a bit too much noise as he cheered them on at their athletic events. Bill’s non-judgmental nature, patience, quick wit, and willingness to lend a hand left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. He had a remarkable ability to assimilate into any social situation, often using Beau to break the ice and brighten someone’s day. Bill is survived by his sister, Lysa Rene Bea of Chicago; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joanne and Chet Emerson of Saco, his three children; his four grandchildren; and his beloved pupper dog, Beau. He is now reunited with Elaine, his wife of 51 years, in eternal peace. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in the spring. In honor of his memory, please share a kind word, fix something with your hands, or take a moment to make a new friend—just as Bill would have done.

William Edward Lawson

June 10, 1950 - January 6, 2025