PORTLAND- Stuart Laughlin, 82 played his last game of chess with us mortals with adjournment called on March 4th 2016, at Kennebunk Center for Health and Rehabilitation where he resided for the last eight years. Stuart was born on September 18, 1933, in Portland, Maine, the son of the late Curtis S. Laughlin and Dorothy (Taylor) Laughlin. Following generations of family tradition, Stuart was a deacon at Woodford Congregational Church, not far from where he lived his life in Portland. Stuart attended Deering High School and later went to college to become a teacher. He taught for a short time in Brunswick, Maine.
In a combination move, he returned to the family homestead in Portland and purchased a Victorian era cottage on Great Diamond Island, where his family had summered since 1900. Stuart had a very thoughtful and deliberate manner in everything he did. This likely contributed to his being an extraordinary teacher. As a substitute teacher in Portland, he was greatly admired by his peers and held a critical position working with students in special education. Other teachers noted his ability to connect with students that needed extra support. Stuart could make us stop what we were doing, review our actions and reconsider our choices, by simply uttering “now, now” in his caring teacherly tone.
Stuart loved games and was a member of the Portland Chess Club for most of his life. Many of those years he was the president of the local chapter, organizing many historic tournaments. Only until his health began to fail did he miss the Friday night meetings. The other evenings were spent visiting neighbors on the island for dinner, sharing stories and games of cards. Stuart also played tennis, cared for the old clay tennis courts and taught many children to become proficient players themselves. He is remembered for an amazing tennis serve accompanied by catch phrases, like “Christmas in July”.
Stuart loved life on Great Diamond Island and especially the community. He has been referred to as a “legend of volunteerism”. He served as board secretary of the Diamond Island Association for decades and was even credited for holding the group together. He was an original member of the Casco Bay Island Transit District and served the needs of all islanders for years. On Great Diamond Island he organized the movie nights for the children, and always kept the fires burning for all of the lobster suppers and 4th of July celebrations.
He is survived by his nephew Phil Laughlin; his wife Christine; and grandnephews, Zack Labbe, and Matthew and Nicholas Laughlin. He is also survived by a nephew, Robert Laughlin and a niece, Cat Laughlin of Manchester, Connecticut. Stuart will be greatly missed by his family including generations of cousins, and fellow islanders on Great Diamond Island, where he was a major piece of the community and the island community was the focal point of his life. Stuart was predeceased recently by his brother Frederick Laughlin of Portland. He was also predeceased by his other younger brothers, Ernest Laughlin of Kittery, R. Bruce Laughlin of Manchester, Connecticut and a niece, Gail Laughlin of Portland. Many people will miss Stuart Laughlin and an island community will have to adjust with this loss.
We want to send a special thank you to the staff at Kennebunk Center for Health and Rehabilitation for their kindness and genuine care of Stuart.
Arrangements under the direction of Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland, ME.
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