Franklin Greenlaw

WESTBROOK — Franklin W. Greenlaw, 87, died on Sunday, March 13, 2016 in Westbrook.

He was born in Gardner, Mass. on Dec. 31, 1928, the son of Charles B. Greenlaw and Edna H. (Collum) Greenlaw Hawse.

While growing up, Franklin attended schools in South Portland. He married Kathleen Cole on March 21, 1948. Together, they raised five children, and were married for 62 years when she passed in 2011. Franklin was a founding member in 1974, of the Galilee Baptist Church. He was involved in all aspects of the church, including participating in its construction. Franklin was devoted to God, his wife, and his family. He was also passionate about metal detecting, and when special items with inscriptions were found, he was successful at returning them to original owners. Franklin enjoyed taking his family camping, traveling at home and abroad, being outside and with animals. His Scottish roots led to his interest in family genealogy, and he was able to trace the Greenlaws (then the Hume Clan) back to 1757, and their arrival at Deer Isle. All of this research was done prior to the Internet.

Franklin is survived by his children, Paul Greenlaw of Talking Rock, Ga., Lauren Greenlaw of Sebago, Carol Greenlaw of Newry and Brian Greenlaw of Bermuda; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Franklin was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen E. Greenlaw; daughter, Rae Lynn; three brothers and his sister.

Franklin’s burial took place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the Scarborough Memorial Cemetery, Old Blue Point Road, Scarborough. A memorial service and celebration of his life was held at 4 p.m., the same day, at the Galilee Baptist Church, 317 Main Street, Gorham. Arrangements by the Dolby Funeral Chapel, Gorham. To express online condolences and participate in Franklin’s online tribute, please visit www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

Memorial donations in Franklin’s honor may be made to the: Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Rd., Fryeburg, ME 04037 or at www.harvesthills.org