John LaFleur Jr.

SEBAGO — John R. LaFleur Jr., 89, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015.

He was born in Waterville on June 24, 1926 to John R. LaFleur Sr. and Jeanette (Cote) LaFleur. John graduated from Deering High School in Portland, Class of 1944, where he was the captain of the swimming and track team and set many records.

After graduation, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for two years. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Portland Junior College and studied tree surgery and landscaping under the G.I. Bill.

He went to work for Goodall Tree and Landscaping Co. in Portland for 17 years. He also worked for Canal National Bank for 12 years as a manager at several branches. He retired in 1988 from LaFleur and Newell Landscaping and Design, where he served as president for 13 years.

He was a past president of the Maine Arborist Association; past member of the Maine Arborists Examining Board and administrator of their licensing examinations; past member of the Portland and Windham Rotary Clubs; Third Degree Mason in the Woodford’s Masonic Lodge and held a Royal Arch Degree in the Portland Masonic Lodge.

John was a director of the Sebago Branch Duckers Snowmobile Club and a representative for the Baldwin Belt Burners to the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA).

John was passionate about being a Christian and while living in Portland he was a very active member of the Central Square Baptist Church and upon moving to Sebago, he joined the First Congregational Church of East Baldwin and served as moderator and treasurer of the Board of Missions.

John embraced life and enjoyed years of snowmobiling, fishing, hunting and camping. His greatest pleasure was touring all 50 states with his wife Donna in their fifth-wheel R.V.

John and Donna celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this past September.

He is survived by his wife, Donna (Radel) LaFleur; and daughter Kathy both of Sebago; and a very special niece and nephew.

John was predeceased by his younger sister, Faith (LaFleur) Ames in 2013.

A celebration of his life was held on Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of East Baldwin, 26 School St., East Baldwin. Pastor Natalie Blake officiated. Online condolences may be expressed at wnyfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to: The First Congregational Church of East Baldwin, PO Box 49, East Baldwin, ME 04024, or Peabody Pond Association, c/o Mercier, 22 Angell Brook Drive, West Boylston, MA 01583.