James E. Rand

Lewiston - James E. Rand, 82, of Auburn, passed away on Wednesday April 24, 2013 at Central Maine Medical Center with his family at his side. He was born December 16, 1930, a son of the late Carleton and Alfreda (Bowie) Rand. He attended local schools graduating from Lewiston High School in the class of 1950. He went to further his education receiving his B.S. in Business Administration from Boston University in 1954. During this time he served his country in the U.S. Army receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1954. He started working as a computer programmer in Arlington, Ma. He married the love of his life, Janis Rand, in Arlington on June 9, 1962. In 1966 they relocated their young family back to Maine. In 1968, he and his wife started their own business, Valetone Cleaners, where he went to work every day up to a week before his death. He was a very active member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Lewiston. He was a proud member of the choir and could be found practicing the piano every night at home preparing the hymns that would be played at church on that weekend. His love of music extended to his playing the organ, violin, trombone and harmonica. He enjoyed poetry, looking at the stars with his telescope, camping with his family and spending time at his fishpond behind his house, often with his children, watching the frogs, water bugs and just relaxing with the sounds of nature.James is survived by his wife of almost 51 years, Janis Rand of Auburn, two children: Nancy Linz and husband Tony of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, Thomas Rand and wife Nicole of Auburn, 10 grandchildren: Alexandra and Anna Linz, Benjamin, Pfc. Jacob, Samantha, Bethany, Amber, Kelsey and Autumn Rand and Troy Johnson, his brother David Rand, sister in law Hazel Rand and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brother Reverend Robert Rand, his sister, Elizabeth Merrill and her husband Charles. You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Rand family by visiting their guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Funeral Services will be held at The Calvary United Methodist Church in Lewiston on Monday April 29 at 6 PM followed by a reception in the Church Hall. Committal Services will be held at Gracelawn Memorial Park on Tuesday April 30 at 10 AM. Those wishing may make donations in James' Memory to: Calvary United Methodist Church, in Lewiston. A Service of The Fortin Group / Plummer Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, Me. 04210. 783-8645