Robert Norris Laney, 86, passed away at the Maine General Medical Center in Augusta on July 9, 2025. Bob was born in Skowhegan, Maine on Sept. 16, 1938, to the late Charles Julian and Rena (Mazerole) Laney.
Bob graduated from Skowhegan High School, class of 1956, where he was very active in both sports and music. In addition to playing football, basketball and baseball for all four years, Bob was also very involved in the band, having played the saxophone for the school as well as in local jazz bands. After graduation, Bob attended the Maine Maritime Academy where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science with a concentration in engineering. Over the years, Bob enjoyed attending MMA class reunions with his fellow Mariners and most recently attended his 60th reunion. In 1962 Bob married Nancy (Tardiff) Laney after which they moved to Augusta where they raised their children, Mark and Lynn. During this time, Bob enjoyed camping with his family and coaching in the Augusta North Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs.
Throughout his life, Bob was best known as a devoted father and grandfather. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf at Natanis Golf Course and the Augusta Country Club. He took great pride in having taught his children and grandchildren how to play golf and enjoyed supporting their sports activities over the years.
Bob worked for over 25 years as a control room operator for S. D. Warren Paper Company in Skowhegan. He was highly respected for his work and maintained many close friendships from his time at the mill. After Bob retired from SAPPI in 2000, he spent countless hours happily engaged in projects in his workshop. He was often seen out and about in the Mount Vernon community where he lived with his partner, Norma Wright. Bob could also be found helping any friend or family member who needed a favor or a helping hand.
Bob is survived by his sister Janet (Dwight) Violette of Skowhegan; his son, John Mark Laney of Winthrop and daughter, Lynn (Anthony) Olszewski of North Canton, Ohio. He was also a grandfather to Cameron and Shaun Laney of Winthrop and David (Carly) Olszewski, Emily and Krista Olszewski of North Canton, Ohio.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, C. Julian and Rena, his sister Patricia A. King, nephew Robert M. Goodine and niece Susan G. Theriault, and his companion of 40 years, Norma Wright.
Thank you to the staff of Woodlands Assisted Living of Hallowell and Dr. Roger Hall and Dr. Gene Cheng and their staff for their care and compassion over the years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday August 14 at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church, 41 Western Avenue, Augusta. Internment and committal prayers will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Townsend Road, Augusta. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.
Arrangements are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1 Church Street, Augusta, Maine.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home website: http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.
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