LEWISTON: John Russell Wing, 55 of Sabattus, formerly of Auburn, passed away Sunday, July 28, 2018 after a courageous two year battle with lung and brain cancer. In the end, John was surrounded by his loving family who he cherished dearly. John was born in Lewiston on April 15, 1963. He attended Lewiston elementary schools and Oxford Hill Comprehensive High School. John married his soul mate, the former Linda Meservier in 1983 and they were to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary on November 5th.
John worked at Libby Mill from 1984 until its closing in 1991 and served as its ALF-CIO Union Representative. John worked at the City of Auburn in the Highway Department for 25 years and most recently served as Highway Supervisor. John loved his job and continually strived to make Auburn a better place to live. His magnetic personality always took center stage when he interacted with the public leading many residents to ask for him personally.
John was a talented local musician who played many venues around town. In the mid 2000’s John and his brother Manny formed the band Los’ Lazy Boys performing as the regular house band at the 20M Club. He also played with Tim Lafrance and Mario Blais in the band Geezer until his sickness forced them to disband. John will be remembered for his generosity, his creative ingenuity, and his memorable humor. Although his love for children often seemed to be in contrast to his size and booming voice, anyone who knew John knew that he would give anything of himself. He would often give a guitar from his own collection to a child interested in playing guitar. His altruistic nature was a core belief in his life. In June, John was provided with an end of life dream from the Dream Factory to meet ZZ Top. John and his wife Linda traveled to New Hampshire and enjoyed the concert and some time backstage with the band. John was also a fan of David Bowie and his music often dedicating a whole set of his music when playing out. John had an intense love for his family and friends and felt most happy surrounded by their love.
John is survived by his wife, Linda (Meservier) Wing, daughter, Kate (Wing) Robichaud and husband Curtis, daughter, Emma-Lee (Wing) St. Germain and boyfriend Josh Lafond, son Jonathan Wing and his fiancé Kelsey Labbe, his brother Jeff Wing and wife, Sandy, sister Lorna Mack and her husband, Michael, and brother Tim, sister-in law, Jackie Gervais and her husband Dan, and his father-in-law, Robert Meservier. John had 6 grandchildren who were the light of his world: Wesley, Edison, Allister, Costello, Ford, and Orion. John also had several loving uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews whom he cherished. John is predeceased by his father, Elwin Wing Sr., his mother, Roina Berube, his brother Manny (Elwin Jr.) Wing.
The Wing family wishes to thank Dr. Ikossi, Dr. Andrei, Dr. Oswald, Dr. Brown and the entire Oncology staff at St. Mary’s for the loving care that John received during his illness.
Condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.thefortingroupauburn.com
Visiting hours will be held at Fortin\Auburn on Thursday August 2, 2018 from 2-4pm & 6-8pm. A funeral service will take place on Friday August 3, 2018 at 11am also at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mt. Auburn cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, John’s family has requested that people consider the honor of being an organ donor to help those in need.
Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group \ Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.
