DOUGLAS BRISTOL LAING, 61, of Quincy, formerly of Hingham and Plaistow, NH, died on Friday, October 20th at the Carney Hospital in Dorchester. Son of Aura Schroeder Emery of Hingham and Carlton Blick Laing of Carmichael, CA, he was born in Boston at the Richardson House on November 26, 1944. The obstetrician was Dr. Delos Bristol, the source of Douglas's middle name.
Mr. Laing attended Hingham Public Schools, graduating from Hingham High School in 1963 and the University of Maryland in 1967 with a major in retail business. During his school days in Hingham, Douglas was active in the Hingham Theater for Children and the South Shore Theater, starring in several productions. Member, also, of the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Lion's Club, he served as a Past Master Councilor of the Hingham Chapter, Order of DeMolay and an auxiliary member of the Hingham Fire Department.
At work, Mr. Laing held several management positions in the rubber industry, the distribution industry and most recently, the trade show industry. Until his retirement, his business travels took him to Brazil, Germany, France, Mexico and across the United States. He was also an adjunct faculty member of New Hampshire College for many years, teaching undergraduate courses in management, sales, marketing, advertising and public speaking. During this time, he relocated to Plaistow, NH.
In Plaistow, Doug was elected to the Budget Committee and Board of Selectmen and served as chairman of both boards. He also served as chairman of the Timberlane Regional School Board and was appointed to the New Hampshire School Boards Association representing the Southeastern District.
As a hobby, he tended his extensive vegetable garden which complemented his culinary skills. An exellent dancer and music enthusiast, he had a special love for "oldies but goodies" music, a passion dating back to his teens and his first guitar.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his children, a daughter, Shannon Brown of Beachwood, NJ; sons Jason Laing of East Kingston, NH and Nathan Laing of San Jose, CA; and a granddaughter, Jillian Brown. Doug's four siblings are Nancy Elmore of Ardmore, PA, Bruce Laing of Ipswich, MA, Robin Chamberlain of Hingham, and Brian Laing of San Francisco.
A Private Funeral Service was conducted at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel in Hingham followed by interment in the Hingham Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, VA 22038-1131.