TOPSHAM — Lawrence C. “Lonnie” Staples, 79, died peacefully Sept. 6 at his home, from complications of a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and, recently, heart failure.

He was born Aug. 14, 1936, the son of Geraldine and Winthrop Hunter Staples. In 1975, he married Jeannine Pelletier Woods. In 1986, the couple started a business, Lonnie’s Hydraulic Inc., with their son, Rodney Woods.

Staples always enjoyed spending time with his customers, especially many fishermen, some of whom he served for three generations. He was proud when his grandson, Nick Woods, began working for the family business two years ago.

Previously, Staples worked as a heavy equipment operator in IUOE, Local No. 4, and had just received his 45-year service pin. He also worked for Harold Ingerson and Ray Labbe & Sons.

A “true Mainer,” Staples enjoyed traveling everywhere in Maine and was content to have never crossed the state line.

His hobbies included boating on Casco Bay and camping with family and friends. He was an avid lover of dogs, especially his two yellow Labrador retrievers, Prince and Kate.

He was predeceased by two sons, Randy and Dennis Staples, and a brother, Harold Staples.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, Rodney O. Woods and his wife, Karen, and Kenneth J. Woods and his wife, Carrie; a brother, Dallas Staples, and his wife, Arlene; a sister, Linda Knowles; a sister, Jean Defreitas, and her husband, Tim; and eight grandchildren.

At the family’s request, services were to be private.

Arrangements are by Brackett Funeral Home, in Brunswick.