Loring K. Mills Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Hampton – Loring Keith Mills, age 82, of Hampton, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 3, 2021 following a lengthy illness. His last words, “I told you I was sick” confirming his own early diagnosis of cancer that was to claim his life. After careful consideration of alternate venues, he was born at Exeter Hospital on November 8th 1938 in order to be near his mother. His early years proved uneventful although he was to disappoint his parents by becoming neither a professional brass player nor famed terpsichorean despite two years of trombone lessons and seven years of dance classes. Following graduation from Hampton Academy he briefly attended Mass College of Pharmacy. But the chemistry just wasn’t there and the association was ended. So what was to have been the prescription for life-long employment was terminated, much as the lives of countless individuals would have been, had he pursued that particular career path. While awaiting the fall term at New Hampshire Technical Institute Loring entered the army under the RFA (Reserve Forces Act), serving six months active duty followed by 7 ½ years as an active reservist. He noted with pride that no foreign entity was to challenge the power of the United States military during his tenure. Sadly, his claim of military service remains unsubstantiated since he misplaced his separation papers (DD-214) and the Army Records Center in St. Louis, MO burned to the ground along with his records. Completion of the two year drafting course at New Hampshire Tech. earned him his first job at Western Electric Co. in No. Andover, MA. Employment at MIT Instrumentation Lab in Cambridge, MA followed and later Polaroid Corp. also in Cambridge from which he retired in 1995. While at Instrumentation Lab he entered the 5 year evening degree course at Wentworth Institute from which he received his Associates Degree in Mechanical Design Engineering Technology. Upon graduation he entered the 4 year evening degree program at Northeastern University from which he graduated with a BS in Industrial Technology (BSIT) [not a misspelling]. He is survived by Judith (Osgood) Mills, the love of his life and wife of 62 years, son Keith and daughter-in-law Kimberley (AKA Kimba), and son Kevin and daughter-in-law Elaine. His brother Ernie and sister-in-law Mary (Cowie) Mills and sister-in-law Nancy (Osgood) Clark also survive him. Ernie’s longevity is due in part, to Loring’s bravery in subduing the town bully who unleashed a vicious attack on Ernie while Ernie was still a youth. Grandchildren Nicole (You’re not the boss of me!), Tara (Roo), Lauren (Yauren with an L) and Ryan (No Money!) also brought pleasure to his life. Loring lived his life by the rule of “no regrets” ever thankful for the many blessings he and his family were fortunate to receive. For those who didn’t know him, words will not adequately convey his personality, and for those who did know him no words are necessary. A private family service celebrating his life is planned. . In lieu of traditional remembrances donations may be made to the Hampton United Methodist Church, 525 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842.

Loring K. Mills

November 8, 1938 - June 3, 2021