Blaine K. Ladd Obituary (1922 - 2014)

Oakland, Maine – Blaine K. Ladd of Oakland, Maine passed away Friday April 18, 2014 peacefully in his home at the age of 92 surrounded by family. Blaine was born in Waterville, Maine on March 16, 1922, the son of the late Arthur S. and Ethel M. (Chamberlain) Ladd, and was one of five boys. Blaine graduated from Waterville High School, and then joined the U.S. Navy in November 11, 1943. He served during World War II as a Machine Mate Second Class in Diesel refrigeration. He served on the vessels NAS Quonset Pt RI, USNTS Newport, RI., the USNRS Mobile, AL, and the USS Arkab. Blaine served for two years, and received an honorable discharge on December 27, 1945. Just a few days before entering the Navy, he married his wonderful wife Madelyn (Brown) Ladd on November 6, 1943. They shared over 65 years of marriage, and had two children Timothy and Kathaleen. He worked as the Assistant Shop Superintendent at Maine Central Railroad, and retired in May of 1982. During retirement, Blaine and his wife purchased a sailboat called the “Euphoria” and enjoyed many adventures throughout the Oceanside of Bayside in Northport, Maine. Spending time with his family at his camp on Salmon Lake was another of Blaine’s personal joys. He was surrounded by his other family members next door to the camp, which included his grandchildren, nieces, nephews and wonderful neighbors he enjoyed spending time with each summer. Blaine was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Ethel Ladd; his wife Madelyn Ladd; son Timothy Ladd; daughter Kathaleen Ladd; brothers Lloyd Ladd and wife Margaret; Arthur Ladd and wife Sylvia; Abbott Ladd. Blaine is survived by his grandchildren, Brooks Ladd and companion Rebecca Bunker-Koepsell; Kristin Cronkite and husband Jerod and children Maddison and Jeremy Brock; Spencer Ladd and wife Li and children Mckenzie and Roland; Melanie Sweet and husband Christopher and children Isaac, Alexia and Baylie; Arthur Ladd and wife Sara Ladd; daughter in-law Corda Ladd Kinzie; son in-law Glenn Turner; special nephew Brooks Hurley and wife Linda; brother Beecher Ladd and wife Virginia; and several wonderful nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special thanks to his special helpers Lisa Lambert, Perry Mosher, Corda Ladd Kinzie, Kathy and Arthur Paradise, and Kathy Smiley for taking care of him so wonderfully as well as the wonderful care provided by Maine General Hospice. Blaine was truly a very special person to the grandchildren and family members and will forever be in our hearts. A service will be held at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, Mt Vernon Road, Augusta, Maine, on Monday, April 28, at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Mark Tanner officiating.