Richard “Dick” Laing Sr., 78, of Binghamton, New York, passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Lord on June 12 in Orlando, Florida, after courageously fighting a five-year battle with cancer.
Richard is predeceased by his loving parents, August & Elizabeth Laing, his brother Rick, and his sister Connie. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Eleanor; his son, Richard; his daughter, Christine; and his son, Brian, wife Meghan and their daughters, Penelope, Capri, & Evangeline; Richard's sisters, Judy and Bill Strait, Patricia and Art Kinberg; his in-laws, Frank Shea, Susan Abrams and Rosemary & Tom Carney; many cousins, nieces & nephews, especially Catherine Newland, Troy Lesovsky, Lisa Jones and Kate Sinphay, his goddaughter with whom he shared a birthday.
Dick lived the American dream. He was born in Concordia, Kansas, and raised on a small farm. He excelled in school sports, earning him the nickname “Wildcat,” an endearing moniker used by his granddaughters today.
In 1961, at 18, he joined the U.S. Navy and traveled to many ports, including his favorite Trinidad. This is where Dick honed his mechanical skills as an engineman. While serving his country, Dick met the “love of his life,” Eleanor, at the 1964 World's Fair in New York City. Upon being honorably discharged, Dick went on to graduate from the Nashville Auto Diesel College, where he taught after graduating. After marrying, Dick and Eleanor eventually settled in Binghamton, N.Y.
In 1970, Dick & Eleanor opened Dick Laing Diesel Service, Inc. with expansions into Williamsport, Penn. and Laing Truck & Trailer in Conklin, N.Y. Dick took his wealth of diesel knowledge and created a successful business. He, along with his dedicated long-term employees, ensured happy customers for over 40 years. He belonged to the Association of Diesel Specialists, served on their board of advisors, and, in addition, volunteered at many technical colleges. When not working, you would find him motor-homing with his family and dear friends, Frank and Lynn Whitney, all around the U.S., coaching Little League Baseball, hockey, riding snowmobiles and 4-wheelers, and tinkering with one of his many vintage cars. He was always up for an adventure and would take you on a journey!
Upon retirement, Dick and Eleanor resided at Oquaga Lake, New York. The lake was truly his favorite place, enjoying special times with friends and family, especially his precious granddaughters. Melbourne Beach, Florida, was their adopted winter home. They met many special new friends and his love of learning and enjoying new experiences became prevalent, including mastering tennis and winning a championship, standing on his head in yoga, kite surfing, wood carving, as well as baseball and pickleball. His thirst for knowledge flowed into an infatuation with health and nutrition, Elon Musk, electric cars, solar energy, space and the future!
Dick’s final moments were peacefully flanked by his sons, Richard & Brian. He spent the day with his wife, daughter, and Eleanor’s sister, Rosemary Carney, whom Dick asked to be present in his final days to hear her laughter. Some of his closest friends & family, Eddie & Lelia, Jack and Joy, Russ and Char, Frank & Lynn, Joe P., Dave B., Joe and Sandra, his nephew Troy, his sister Judy & Bill, were able to visit, call and pray with him during his final days. He was so grateful. A special thank you to Michelle & Ed who provided many healthy meals to keep him strong. Dick was also grateful to Aaron & staff at Whole Health Nutrition Center.
His months of care and final moments could not have happened without the dedication and love shown by the doctors, nurses and staff at Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Dick’s life showed us a path that always looked forward and never looked back. He will be missed as a leader, friend, father, grandfather and husband.
We will have a celebration of his life in May 2022, date to be announced.
Contributions in Dick’s name can be made to the Constance Foundation, www.constancefoundation.org to help cancer patients in our local community.
