Maine has lost a favorite son … Hazen Lawrence "Larry" Oakes of Boothbay, Maine died suddenly and peacefully at home on Jan. 4, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones.

Larry was born May 4, 1941 in Deerfield, New Hampshire, the second of five children born to Lawrence and June (York) Oakes. In 1954, the Oakes family moved to the Boothbay region where Larry attended Boothbay Region High School. After school, Larry worked a few years for Ed Harding’s construction company.

In 1962, after a one year courtship, Larry married Jane Dowling of Wiscasset. They soon began their family, and Larry started as a well-driller for his father’s business, Ace Well Service. Larry took over in 1972 upon his father’s death and successfully continued the business for the next 43 years. His two sons, Peter and Jason, worked with him for many years, and took over management after Larry’s retirement in 2015. Larry and Jane enjoyed spending their recent retirement years wintering in Florida and returning to Boothbay in the spring.

Larry was an avid fan of stock car racing and spent many years participating in the Wiscasset Speedway races. Larry’s sons and grandson, Wyatt, continue this tradition now. Larry was an enthusiastic poker player and always looked forward to his weekly poker games and the camaraderie with local friends.

Children gravitated toward Larry because of his genuine interest in and fondness for them. There would often be grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends’ children at the Oakes’ home, enjoying the many four-wheelers, dogs, and other toys that were always around.

Larry was a passionate dog lover and he and Jane raised many pets in their household. He described feeling very blessed to have had special connections with a couple of his dogs, especially Mac, and they were his constant companions for many years.

Larry was known for his humorous storytelling, generosity, moral support, and the kindness he readily provided to his family, friends, neighbors and business customers when anyone needed it. He earned a wealth of respect and built many friendships over the years. He lived a full and happy life and will be truly missed by the many who loved him.

Larry was predeceased by his son, Jonathan, at birth, and his parents Larry and June Oakes.

He is survived by his wife Jane of 54 years; sons, Peter and Jason, grandchildren, Meghan, Hazen and Wyatt, all of Boothbay; his brothers, Harvey and his wife Joslyn of East Boothbay and Dwight of North Whitefield; sisters, Norma Pearson and her husband Bill of Damariscotta, and Mary Knapp and her husband Larry of Boothbay; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

It was Larry’s wish to have no funeral services at this time.

If you’d care to make a donation in his memory, Larry’s favorite charity was the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.

Halls of Boothbay has care of arrangements. To extend online condolences please visit www.hallfuneralhomes.com