George R. Laure

LAURE, George R.
Age 99
Of Portage Mr. Laure passed away early Friday morning, September 30, 2011 at Fountain View Assisted Living. He was born April 20, 1912 in Chicago, IL, the son of Andrew and Rosa Rath Laure and grew up in South Bend, IN. On June 10, 1934, George was united in marriage to the former Esther L. Wells. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1938 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. It was at the University of Notre Dame where he developed an early interest in the emerging field of plastics. After graduation, George was employed at Seagram's Distilleries in Lawrenceburg, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky as a plant chemical engineer for one and one half years. He then was employed by The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo for nine years. He was in charge of Packaging Development. While there, he was instrumental in developing a wound package for soldiers. George also was involved in research and development for all packaging projects to test chemical and mechanical stability. While at Upjohn, he investigated the possibility of incorporating plastics molding at The Upjohn Company. When this did not materialize, he began his experimentation in the basement of his home. For one year, he spent eight hours each day at Upjohn and eight hours in the basement of his home experimenting with plastics. Then, he made the decision to leave Upjohn to pursue the development of a plastics molding company. In 1945, The W-L Molding Company was formed. For 66 years, this company has provided numerous jobs for the Portage community. All of this was possible because of George Laure's outstanding leadership and his vast array of talents and abilities. Kalamazoo County is a stronghold for the plastics industry. This is due in large part to the capabilities and successes of Mr. Laure. After learning the trade, many former employees have gone on to form their own plastics companies in the community. He also founded Portage's LaRos Equipment Company, Inc. This company produces product-handling equipment, conveyors, and labor-saving devices for the plastics industry. He was a pioneer in the design and manufacture of custom plastics products for primarily industrial clients. He also had an interest in orthopedic implants. George collaborated with a Cleveland surgeon to manufacture artificial joints for the wrist, hand, and toe. He also worked on the design and manufacture of a plastic bowling pin. George was a long-time aviation enthusiast. He held a commercial pilot's license, airplane single and multi-engine land and instrument ratings. He owned many different types of aircraft in his active flying years. He was instrumental in the founding of the Portage Rotary Club and served as its first President. George recently achieved 50 years of perfect attendance. Rotary was a vital part of his life and he loved his fellow Rotarians. George was a charter member of the Notre Dame Club of Kalamazoo. In 2008, he received its coveted Award of the Year. Mr. Laure provided an example of dedication to the spirit of entrepreneurship for others to emulate. What he has brought to bear on behalf of the community merits nothing less than unqualified praise. Surviving are his three children: Shirley Rossio of Wayland, MI; Barbara Mellinger of Costa Mesa, CA; and James Debbie Laure of Vicksburg. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Kim Keith Anderson of Wayland; Lisa Bob Holz of Lebanon, OH; Debbie Ken Magee of Belgrade, MT; Judy Mark Alexander of Huntington Beach, CA; Steve Mandy Mellinger III of New Carlisle, IN; Brandon, Shaylin, and Mariah Laure of Vicksburg; sixteen great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife of 66 years, Esther Laure, on April 3, 2001; his parents, Andrew and Rosa Laure; one brother, three sisters, and grandson, Christopher Rossio. Honoring Mr. Laure's wishes, cremation has taken place with a private family service on Friday at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 10 am-1 pm and 3 pm-5 pm on Saturday, Oct. 8, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue. Memorial contributions may be directed to Heartland Hospice, Portage Rotary Club, or a charity of one's choice. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign, view or print Mr. Laure's online guestbook or leave a condolence to the family.