Laing Funeral Home

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.

10/07/2025

https://laingfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/879/Peter-Hatch/obituary.html -start

Peter James Hatch, age 75, of Williamsville, New York, formerly of Eden, New York, died October 3, 2025. He was born on December 24, 1949 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to the late George P. and Pauline E. (Williams) Hatch. Peter is survived by his brother Paul (Karen) Hatch and his twin sister Pamela...

10/07/2025

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say ‘thank you’?”
--William A. Ward

It only takes a second to say, but its effects could last a lifetime. Is there someone who has made an impact on your life but you’ve never let them know about it? Did someone call you just to say ‘hello’ when things weren’t going right for you?

Expressing gratitude to friends and family are among the most important things we can do. It’s never too late to acknowledge what a difference their acts or help have made for you. Think of all that you have been given in this life. Expressing thanks to God for His many gifts to us becomes a source of prayer that has immense power.

Use one or more of those wonderful seconds that have been given to each of us, each day, and say “thank you” to the precious people who have touched our lives-- and to God as well.