Laing Funeral Home

11/30/2025

Memory is the diary that we carry with us every day. Memory was given to us that we might have roses in December and snowflakes in July if we wish to call them up in our mind’s eye.

We are all ruled by our memories, but we can choose what we remember. A person with a bad memory is often not one who forgets, but one who remembers the wrong things.

You sometimes hear it said that someone has “long” memories. They cherish grudges for a lifetime. They remember unwise and hateful words or thoughtless acts which hurt. Others also might have “long” memories, but theirs are joyful and pleasant —the highlights of their years, favors done in an hour of need, support from friends, tender thoughts of family and friends, joyful times.

Memory is a God-given gift. The capacity to forget is also a gift when the things that need to be forgotten are bitter to the taste and incapable of being remedied.

Make remembrances a blessing, not a burden, in your life

11/24/2025

"When you get where you’re going, where will you be?”

This is a leading question that often is very provocative for people who are willing to do a little soul-searching. There are always some people who answer, “I’m not going anywhere, anymore.” They assume they are going nowhere in life, that they are standing still.

The fact is we’re always moving in some direction. There may be times when we might want to stop the world and get off, but life moves on, even when we think we are standing still.

Actually, none of us are created to stand still in life. We are created to grow and develop, not just in the beginning of life but through to the very end. From the moment of conception we are moving on a course that carries us through life to death, and we trust, to something beyond.

“Where will YOU be when you get where you’re going?”

11/20/2025

11/17/2025

“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.”--Henry David Thoreau

While we celebrate Thanksgiving next week it would be wise to keep in mind this thought from Thoreau. We have so much to be grateful for in our lives, but we often forget to express our thanks or to even think how lucky we are.

Some people keep “Gratitude Journals” where each day they record something for which they are thankful. Whether you make it an actual written record or merely take time at the end of the day to reflect on what you received that day, this is a mindful way to keep gratitude uppermost in our minds. We should be happy to realize the blessings in our lives and how they have helped to shape us.

Our “thanksgiving” should be perpetual. Share your gratitude on Thanksgiving -- and every day!

11/15/2025

https://laingfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/885/R-Randall/obituary.html -start

It is with great sadness that we share the loss of a true Legend. Our community, our family, and countless friends mourn the passing of a remarkable man whose warmth, strength, and unwavering spirit made the world a better place. R. Ferris Randall, age 98, of Eden, New York died Friday, November 14,...

11/10/2025

“In November, the earth is growing quiet. It is making its bed, a winter bed for flowers and small creatures. The bed is white and silent, and much life can hide beneath its blankets.” --Cynthia Rylant

There is such a shift between October and November. We have turned the clocks back and it is dark early; there is a chill to the air; the trees are showing us their bare branches as leaves pile up on the ground.

But there is beauty and wonder all around. You might find a summer flower still blossoming in a sheltered spot. “Wooly-bear” caterpillars wend their quiet way across sidewalks littered with leaves. New birds appear at the feeders and the skies are filled with geese heading to southern spots.

It is a month of loss, but also one of anticipation as we await the first falls of snow. November is a good month for reflection and gathering our thoughts as we start planning for a new year

11/05/2025

“The nation owes a great debt to its veterans, whose service to the nation spans every decade, every year, every day of our country’s existence. Through untold courage and sacrifice, America’s veterans have secured the liberty which the founding fathers sought to establish here in the new world. Whenever and wherever the nation has called-- in times of darkness and danger as well as in times of peace and prosperity-- America’s veterans have been there. Veterans have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see.”-- Colin Powell





On November 11, think of the thousands of individuals who have answered the call of service to this country and give thanks for their selflessness. They might be friends or relatives or unknown to you, but all have risked their lives for our free dom. It is not a trivial thing. They have put their personal lives on hold to serve our nation and we owe them a debt of gratitude that is without measure. Remember those who have served this Veterans Day.

11/04/2025

https://laingfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/883/David-Shaffer/obituary.html -start

SHAFFER- David E. age 88, of Hamburg, NY died November 2, 2025. Devoted husband of Helen M. “Tookie” (McLeod). Loving father of Susan (Timothy) Sessanna, Wendy (Tim) McCool, David (Audrey) Shaffer and Eric (Tammy) Shaffer. Grandfather of 13, great grandfather of 8. Brother of the late Betty (Car...

11/03/2025

https://laingfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/884/Michael-Kawaler-Jr/obituary.html -start

Michael L. Kawaler, Jr. of Eden, New York died unexpectedly on November 2, 2025 at the age of 58. He was the son of the late Michael and Jeannette Kawaler. Devoted husband of Wendy (nee: Kester). Loving brother of Debbie Kawaler, Lynn Kawaler and Laurie (James) Bitten. Uncle to Jeremy and Autumn Bit...

10/24/2025

CONGRATULATIONS to Weidner BBQ and Kevin Karstedt. Both are deserving of these awards!

10/13/2025

“Be not disturbed at being misunderstood, be disturbed rather at not being understanding.” -- Chinese Proverb

It is not always easy to understand another person — his thoughts, his actions, his beliefs may not agree with yours. In fact, the actions, emotions and thoughts of others can often leave us confused and baffled.

Even if we can’t understand, wouldn’t it be a good idea to try not to judge too quickly? We need to remember that no two human beings are alike in their thoughts and emotions; no two human beings are molded by exactly the same experiences. We need to try to understand and learn as much as possible about the feelings and point of view of the other person.

It’s not an easy thing to do, but attempting to understand can prevent differences in viewpoint from becoming needlessly distorted. At the very least, it is a worthy start toward understanding and worth the effort.