The Martha's Vinyard Times Obituary May 4, 2006

Eugene E. Lakso
Eugene Edwin Lakso died peacefully on May 1 at the Martha's Vineyard Hospital in Oak Bluffs. He was 81.

Eugene was born in Fitchburg. He attended Fitchburg High School. After graduating he served in the United States Navy for four years during World War II. He graduated from Yale University in 1946 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and music.

Eugene was owner and President of Lakso Company in Leominster for 30 years. Lakso Company is a pharmaceutical packaging company established by Eugene's father, Eino Lakso. Eugene was also president of the Packaging Machinery Manufacturing Institute. He traveled abroad to promote sales and public relations.

Eugene and his wife, June, were married for 60 years. They attended the same grammar school and high school. They lived in Fitchburg and Ashburnham where they raised a family of five children. They retired to the Vineyard and lived in the Campground and on East Chop. He spent time sailing in the Vineyard waters in his boat, Serenity.

Eugene was an accomplished pianist and was well known on the Island for his musical abilities. He played in the Martha's Vineyard Swing Band. He also played privately at many Island functions. Eugene was considered a legend in the AA community. He always looked forward to seeing his friends at the meetings. He had many words of wisdom to share.

He is survived by his wife, June, and his five children, Dagmar Fichtel, Julie Brillhart, Eric Lakso, Christine Wirtanen, and Mathew Lakso: his eight grandchildren, Jenny, Jake, Hannah, Julie, Elizabeth, Seth, Olivia, Rachel, and his great-granddaughter, Bailie Gene.

A memorial service will be held at the Trinity Methodist Church in the Wesleyan Campground in Oak Bluffs Saturday, May 13 at 2 pm. A reception will follow at the church Parish Hall. Donations in Eugene's memory can be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation 1501 N.W. 9th Ave/ Bob Hope Road Miami, FL 33136-1494.