Beecher P. Ladd Sr. Obituary (1920 - 2017)

Waterville- Beecher P. Ladd Sr., 97, died peacefully on August 18, 2017, after a long, full, productive life. He was born to Arthur and Ethyl Ladd on May 1, 1920. He attended Waterville High School from which he graduated in 1938. Beecher married the love of his life, Virginia (Murray) Ladd and over the next 77 years he built his life, home, and family on the principles of hard work, a strong faith, and a belief in helping others in need. After graduating high school, Beecher and Virginia moved to Harmony where they went to work in a woolen mill knitting socks for a brief period. He then purchased a dump truck and began hauling gravel contracting with the state to help build roads such as Route 201. Beecher joined the Navy on May 15, 1944, and was honorably discharged on November 7, 1945, as a Motor Machinist Mate 3rd class. Beecher also worked for Keyes Fiber, Maine Central Railroad, and eventually retired from Ladd Paper Company while raising his family in Waterville. Around 1980 he designed and built one of Central Maine’s first underground homes which was a source of great pride for him. Beecher was a faithful member of the Getchell Street Baptist Church and he was known in the community as a man who could fix or build almost anything. Beecher would lend a hand to anyone in need and never expected anything in return. He was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Ethyl; his wife Virginia; son Lewis; daughter Paula; and brother, Lloyd, Arthur, Blaine, Chester, and Abbot. Beecher is survived by his sons, Wayne and his wife Marilyn of Oakland, and Phil Ladd of Pittsfield; grandchildren, Beth Medema, Terry Sucher, Craig Ladd, Stephen Ladd, and Christine Ladd; and 10 great grandchildren. A church service will be held in memory of Beecher’s life on September 16, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Getchell Street Baptist Church in Waterville. A graveside service will be announced at later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Beecher’s memory to the Getchell Street Baptist Church, 3 Getchell Street, Waterville, Maine 04901.