Naomi I. Coughlin Haven, 70, United Helpers Canton Nursing Home, formerly 37 riverside drive and 8 Park Place, Canton, died on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 at United Helpers Canton Nursing Home in Canton. The funeral will be Monday, August 23, 2004 at 11:00 am, at the Lawrence Funeral Home.
Calling hours will be Sunday, August 22, 2004 from 5-8 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Beech Plains Cemetery in Canton. Contributions may be made to the Friends of the New Canton Fire Station, PO Box 304, Canton, NY 13617, Canton United Methodist Church, 41 Court Street, Canton, NY 13617, HOSPICE of St. Lawrence Valley, PO Box 469, Potsdam, NY 13676, and The Haven Memorial Fund, C/O Gerald Findley-Scout Master, 2026 CR 21, Hermon, NY 13652. Surviving Mrs. Haven are two daughters, Mrs. Richard (Melody) Haven-Broderick, Jr., Atkinson, NH; Mrs. Phillip (Luene) Mulhall, Sandown, NH; one sister, Mrs. Nelson (Rogene) Bessette, Canton, NY; two granddaughters, Alyssa Kaitlyn and Julia Rose Mulhall, Sandown, NH; four nieces and four nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Jere Michael Haven in April 2002; a brother George D. Coughlin in December 2000 and her husband Herbert J. Haven in January 1996. Born on January 10, 1934 in West Pierrepont, the daughter of George W. Lyon and Irene Caswell Coughlin, she attended school in West Carthage, Lowville, West Pierrepont, North Russell and graduated from Knox Memorial High School in 1951. Mrs. Haven worked as an usher and cashier at the American Theatre in Canton and at the Evergreen Gas Station Garage, run by her father. On April 12, 1952 she married Herbert J. Haven, a Canton shoe repairman, at the Canton United Methodist Church with Rev. C. Stanton Williams presiding. Mrs. Haven served as Assistant Financial Secretary for the Methodist Church in the early 1960’s. She also helped with the Baking Badge in the Girl Scouts organization; joined the Boy Scouts of America in 1978 and served as Secretary for Pack #62. She served as Assistant Den Leader of Den #1 and Co-Leader in the Webelos Den in Pack #62 from 1978-1982. In 1982 she joined BSA Troop #27 and served as Committee Member and Minutes Recorder. As a Scouter, she served on District Committee and Advancement Committee. Mrs. Haven was the recipient of the District Award of Merit as well as the Silver Beaver Award while serving the BSA. Since 1996 she has held the position of Chartered Organizational Representative of Pack and Troop #62, a position her husband held for many years and also continued as Troop #27 Committee Member. She was a member of the Canton Potsdam Hospital Guild and Canton Women’s Bowling League and Couples Sunday Night Bowling League. Mrs. Haven also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, scrabble, knitting, crocheting, needlework and having friends drop in for coffee and conversation.
Brian Rexford, 52, Anchorage, Alaska and formerly of Canton, NY, died on July 6, 2004 at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. The funeral will be July 12, 2004 , at the First United Methodist Church in Anchorage, Alaska with a memorial service being held on August 14, 2004 at the Pierrepont Cemetery with David Decker, a friend of the family speaking..
Burial will be in Pierrepont Cemetery in Pierrepont. Mr. Rexford was born on April 28, 1952 in Canton, NY. He first visited Alaska in 1971 and became a permanent resident in 1973. He worked as a surveyor on the trans-Alaska pipeline in the mid 1970s and worked at Anchorage Municipal Light and Power for the past 22 years. Mr. Rexford was an avid hunter and outdoorsman as well as an accomplished pilot. His family said: "He loved everything Alaska has to offer, but mostly he loved sharing Alaska with his friends and family. Whether teaching a newcomer to shoot, searching out the best spot to catch the day's limit of reds, spotting moose for friends from the Lower 48, or kicking back at his cabin, preferably in the hot tub, Brian always enjoyed sharing his love of Alaska with others. He brought joy into the lives of everyone he touched. His passion for life was contagious. He will be sorely missed." Mr. Rexford is survived by his companion, Carla Hostetter; son, Andrew Rexford; former wife, Mariann Rexford; parents, Fred and Mary Rexford of Canton; sisters, Linda Khamsyvoravong of Barrington, R.I., and Merideth Buxton of Royal Oak, Md.; brothers, Alan Rexford of Canton, Kevin Rexford of Big Flats, N.Y., and Clisson Rexford of Chicago; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association or to Ducks Unlimited (www.ducks.org or 1-901-758-3841). Arrangements were made with Evergreen Memorial Chapel and Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton, New York.
Norma D. Lumley, 68, 235 State Street Road, Canton, died on July 28, 2004 at the Canton Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam. The funeral will be at a later date, at the descretion of the family.
If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Agarwall Renal Center, 214 King Street, Ogdensburg, NY 13669. Born October 10, 1935 in Ogdensburg, NY, she was the daughter of the late Charles Edward and Marvel Micheal Curbeau. Surviving are a brother, Charles Curbeau of Canton; four sisters, Marilyn (Thomas)Gurnett of Sun City, LaDonna (Richard) Ellis of Sun Lakes, AZ; Emily (Pete) Green of Lisbon and Joyce (William) Farley of Gouverneur. On August 15, 1959 she married Dennis Robert Lumley at the Frist Baptist Church in Ogdensburg. Mr. Lumley died October 11, 2002. Upon graduating from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1954, Mrs. Lumley worked for New York Telephone in Ogdensburg until 1963. She also worked at Dorothy's Gift Shop, for the St. Lawrence County Board of Elections and on the family farm. Mrs. Lumley enjoyed snowmobiling and the activites at the Canton's Sportsman's Club.
Kathryn L. Ostrander, 83, 150 Howardville Road, died on July 21, 2004 at Fletcher-Allen Medical Center, Burlington, VT. The funeral will be July 24, 2004 at 11:00 AM, at the Crary Mills Church.
Burial will follow in Crary Mills Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Lawrence Funeral Home in Canton. If friends so desire contributions may be made to the Crary Mills Church, c/o Susan Huntley, 420 Post Road, Canton, 13617. Surviving are her husband, Lynde E. Ostrander, Sr., two daughters and one son-in-law; Linda A. Seeger, and her husband Lawrence “Larry”, Canton, Joyce K. Smith, Canton, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one brother, William Strate, Russell, and nieces and nephews. Mrs. Ostrander is predeceased by one son Lynde E., Jr. who died October 6, 1999 and one brother Frederick Strate. Born February 5, 1921 in Syracuse, she was the daughter of Alonzo B. and Beatrice E. Brundage Strate. After graduating from Canton High School in 1939, she graduated from Watertown School of Commerce in 1940. Mrs. Ostrander worked for the Racquette River Paper Co. as a secretary to the President for about 5 years. On May 25, 1943, she married Lynde E. Ostrander at the home of her uncle and aunt, Frank and Laura Brundage in Crary Mills with whom she lived from the age of 13. She had been raised by her grandmother, Amarette Gotham Brundage and her uncle, Frank Brundage. Mrs. Ostrander was a former member of the Crary Mills Grange. She was active as a member of the Crary Mills Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Women’s Organization. Mrs. Ostrander taught Sunday school and in the 1940 she served as a leader for the Crary Mills Church Youth Group. She also held the role as leader of the local 4-H Club, The Husky Workers in Pierrepont.
Thelma M. Mason, 87, Spicer's Adult Care Facility, Eddy-Pyrites Road in Canton and formerly of State Street Road in Canton, died on August 4, 2004 at Spicer's Adult Care Facility in Canton. The funeral will be Saturday, August 7, 2004 at 10:00 am, at the Lawrence Funeral Home in Canton.
Burial will be in Crary Mills Cemetery in Canton. Contributions may be made to Crary Mills Presbyterian Church c/o Sue Huntley, 420 Post Road, Canton or Crary Mills Cemetery, Inc. c/o Gerald Maloney, P.O. Box 134, Canton. Surviving are a grandson, Robert Bellinger, Florida; a stepson, Bion Mason, North Syracuse; stepdaughter, Barbara Graveline, Ogdensburg and several nieces and nephews including Clifford Streit, Grace Whitman, Karen Goldie and Linda Smith of Canton. Mrs. Mason is predeceased by her husband Albert, a son, Carl Bellinger, a grandson Duane Bellinger, and two sisters, Ruth Northrup and Lena Coleman, seven brothers Stanley, Raymond, Millard, Merton, Frank, Clifford and Francis Pitts. Born July 24, 1917 in Pierrepont, New York, Mrs. Mason was the daughter of Homer and Bertha Fisk Pitts and attended Pierrepont and Canton Schools. She married James Bellinger in 1941, which ended in divorce. She married Albert Mason December 28, 1963 at the First Presbyterian Church in Canton. Mr. Mason died April 27, 2002. Mrs. Mason loved traveling, she and her husband toured through the United States extensively in their motor home. They spent many winters in Florida and returned to Canton for the summer. Mrs. Mason was a past member of the Presbyterian women’s organization of Crary Mills Church.
Evelyn G. Lumley, 97, 40 West Main Street, Canton, NY, United Helpers Canton Nursing Home, died on August 5, 2004 at Canton Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam. The funeral will be August 8, 2004 at 1:00 pm, at the Lawrence Funeral Home in Canton.
Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. If friends so desire contributions may be made to HOSPICE of St. Lawrence Valley, PO Box 469, Potsdam, NY 13676. Surviving Mrs. Lumley is one daughter, Beverly “Jeanne” Walker of Ashville, NC; one son, Weldon, and his wife, Shirley of West Potsdam, NY, 10 grandchildren and 18 great- grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold J. Lumley in 1969 and a daughter, Beth E. Sovey in 2002. Born on April 16, 1907 in Canton, New York, Mrs. Lumley was the daughter of Warren and Jesse Davis Blanchard. She graduated from Canton High School in 1926 and worked in housekeeping at the Cascade Inn in Canton from 1963-1981. Mrs. Lumley married Harold J. Lumley on June 22, 1927 at the Methodist Church Parsonage in Ogdensburg, NY by Rev. Samuel Johnson. Mrs. Lumley was a member of the Canton Untied Methodist Church.
Vivian R. Hayes, 85, 29 Post Road, Canton, died Saturday July 3, 2004 at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg. The funeral will be Thursday July 8, 2004 at 11:00am, at the Lawrence Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Hannawa Falls Cemetery. Mrs. Hayes died Saturday evening at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg. Calling hours will be Wednesday afternoon and evening from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Lawrence Funeral Home. If friends desire contributions may be made to the Pierrepont Fire Department, 62 Old County Road, Canton, 13617, the Crary Mills Tri-Town Community Center, c/o 46 Howardville Road, Canton,13617, or to the David Sullivan Scholarship Fund, c/o Cynthia Sullivan, 1751 County Route 35, Potsdam, 13676. Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Richard P. Hayes and his wife Twila, Canton, two daughters and one son-in-law, Judith H. Martin and her husband, Frank, Lisbon, Cynthia Sullivan, West Potsdam, her deceased son’s companion, Betty McCuen and her son Thomas, Potsdam,, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren . Predeceasing Mrs. Hayes is one son William Hayes, who died on April 27, 2003, and one brother, Robert R. Clark. Born on the Butternut Ridge Road in the town of Pierrepont on July 27, 1918, she was the daughter of Roy William and Mantie Helen Ayers Clark. She graduated from Canton High School in 1938. On July 31, 1940, she married Bernard J. “Jim” Hayes in the Rectory of St. Mary’s Church, with Rev. Herbert Hannan, officiating. Mr. Hayes died on September 19, 1992. After graduating from high school, she worked at J.J. Newberry in Canton as a clerk, until she got married. In 1963 her husband’s disability forced her to retire from working at the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority House, where she had worked as a domestic for nearly 15 years. Mrs. Hayes worked as a volunteer at the Crary Mills Tri-Town Community Center and also volunteered for the past ten years to run the dishwasher at her son’s business, the Town Line Diner, in Crary Mills.
Mary L. Reilly, 96, Eddy-Pyrites Road, died on June 22, 2004 at Spicer Home in Canton. The funeral will be June 25, 2004 at 12 Noon, at the St. Mary's Church.
Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Long Island, NY on Saturday, June 26 at 11:00 AM. If so desired friends may send memorial contributions to St. Mary’s Church, 66 Court Street, Canton, Ny 13617 or to a charity of one’s choice. Lawrence funeral home Canton is handling arrangements. Surviving are her daughter, Margaret Eggelson; a grandson, William E. Eggelson; a granddaughter, Mary C. Leonard; and a great-granddaughter, Riley C. Leonard, all of Canton, NY. Predeceased daughter, Carol Ann Reilly; a son, Edward R. Reilly; sisters Katherine McArdle and Louise Mosco; a brother, Joseph Mosco and a nephew, Edward McArdle. Born Nov. 28, 1907 in Stony Brook, NY, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Mosco. She was a graduate of Port Jefferson High School and Brown School of Business. On February 14, 1942, she married Edward P. Reilly at Sts. Philip and James Church in St. James, NY, who died February 9, 1977. Mrs. Reilly had worked for Masback Hardware in NYC and later as a legal secretary in East Islip for Joseph R. Risdell, Attorney. She was a previous Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader in East Islip; former Officer of the East Islip Branch of AARP; and volunteered at Birthright in Islip, NY. She enjoyed gardening, reading, cross-word puzzles and in her youth, horseback riding. Mrs. Reilly moved to Canton in April of 2001.
Philip D. McMasters, 80, 4 West Street, Canton, died on June 10, 2004 at his home. The funeral will be June 14, 2004 at 11:00 am, at the Canton United Methodist Church.
Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Canton. If friends so desire, contributions may be made to Canton Fire Department, 77 Riverside Drive, Canton, NY 13617 or HOSPICE of St. Lawrence Valley, P.O. Box 469, Potsdam, NY 13676. The St. Lawrence Lodge F and A M # 111, will hold a service at 6:45 PM; Canton Fire Department at 7:45 PM; and the Edward C. Seymour VFW Post 1231 at 8:45 PM Sunday evening at the funeral home. Phil is survived by his wife of 60 years, Emma (Mastrocola) of Canton, his four children, Katherine (Steven) Vetter of Warners, NY, Rouette McMasters of Canton, NY, Margaret (Scott) Jayne of Coxsackie, NY and Philip (Suna) McMasters of Gallupville, NY; five grandchildren; Albert and Robert Vetter, Amanda Sanderson, Emma Jayne and Molly McMasters; sisters Rouette (Robert) Swift of Massena, NY, and Helen (Clarence) Wallace of Delmar, CA; two great-grandchildren, Joseph and Emily Vetter, and several nieces and nephews. Born on January 13, 1924 in Canton, NY, he was the son of the late, Norman P. McMasters and Zona Sprouse McMasters. In his youth, he excelled at sports, particularly football. His education was interrupted in 1943 when he left high school to serve his county in the United States Navy. After completion of military training, Phil returned to Canton on a weekend pass and on June 28, 1944, married the love of his life, Emma Marie Mastrocola. Phil’s experiences while serving as a gunners mate aboard an L.C.I., patrolling the Japan coast during Work War II, remained with him his entire life. He was awarded a bronze star for his part in the interception of a Japanese torpedo boat as it was about to launch into his ship. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and remained a staunch patriot. He considered the time spent serving his country his greatest accomplishment. After the war, Phil returned to Canton and completed his high school education. He completed an apprenticeship in printing with John Finnegan, proprietor of The Commercial Advertiser. He left there and worked on the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway in Ogdensburg, NY. In 1958 he established McMasters Printing and continued to serve his last few customers until 2003. Phil also worked for St. Lawrence County as director of Central Printing and Mailing, retiring in 1987. Phil served for over twenty years as a member of the Canton Town Board. He was a life long Republican, working faithfully to help elect his fellow party members. He was a life member of the Canton Fire Department and Rescue Squad, serving the community for over 25 years. After the death of his mother, Phil generously donated the children’s drinking fountain near the entrance of the Canton Village Park. He also served as a trustee of the Evergreen Cemetery in Canton as well as being a past president. He loved Canton and took pride in trying to make it a better place. In 1962 he was a leader in the founding of the first Rushton Memorial Canoe Race. Throughout the efforts of Phil and Norman McMasters, New York State built the boat launching site on the Ogdensburg Road. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the St. Lawrence Masonic Lodge #111. Phil’s hobbies and interests were varied and plentiful; from beekeeping to restoring a 1927 Model T Ford, although his life long love of the outdoors was always first. His camp “in the woods” was Phil’s utopia. He was an expert marksman, hunter, trapper, fisherman and well respected member of both National and New York State organizations such as The National Muzzleloading Rifle Association, The American Mountain Man Association, The New York State Mountain Man Association, The National Rifle Association, Clear Pong Club, The Rock Pond Club, Canton Sportsman Club, which he served as a founding member and The Long Sault Rangers Muzzleloading Club. The family wished to express their supreme gratitude to the Canton V.F.W. for their generous support of one of their own, to the nurses and staff of Claxton Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, NY, to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, to Mrs. James (Barbara) Davis and to Dr. Gregory Healey.
George La Sala, Sr., 78, 711 Sykes Road, Canton, died on Thursday, September 9, 2004 at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse. The funeral will be Monday, September 13, 2004, at the St. Mary's Church in Canton.
Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Mr. La Sala died Thursday afternoon at Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Syracuse. Calling hours will be Saturday evening from 7-9 and Sunday afternoon and evening from 5-8 at the Lawrence Funeral Home, where the Canton Fire Department will meet at 7:30 Sunday and the Knights of Columbus will hold a service of Sunday at 7:45. If friends desire contributions may be made to the St. Jude Shrine, 512 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Surviving are his wife Eleanor, three sons and one daughter-in-law, Ralph and his wife ,Teresa La Sala, Potsdam, Lester and George La Sala, Jr., both of Canton, three daughters and one son-in-law, Sally Smith and her husband Terry, Canton, Eleanor Patricia La Sala, and Dorothy Catherine La Sala, both of Canton, eleven grandchildren, one sister, Susan Raffellini, Brooklyn, and several nieces and nephews. Predeceasing Mr. La Sala is one grandson, John Michael La Sala, two brothers, Henry and Dominic and one sister Minnie Colabella. Born on August 2, 1926 in Brooklyn, he was a son of Ralph and Adelade D’Anthonia and attended Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn. On May 18, 1946, he married Eleanor Ruth Clapper at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Brooklyn with Rev. Coyne officiating. On December 14, 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served until May 7, 1945. Upon returning from service in World War II, he went to work at various markets in Manhattan until he went into the paper stock business. In the very early 1950’s he worked at Progresso Foods in Brooklyn where he worked until the mid 1950’s. He then worked as a chauffeur and truck driver at the Masaback Hardware House until the mid 1960’s when illness forced him to retire. In 1972 the family moved to Canton where Mr. La Sala became very involved in the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight. While serving he was instrumental in the the organizations contributing money to the Canton Sports Community, including Pee Wee Lacrosse and Football Programs. He also for many years ran the K of C Bingo Nights. He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church.
Dorajean Kenyon Martin, 76, 19 Cleveland Avenue, Canton, died on September 8 ,2004 at her home. The funeral will be September 10, 2004 at 10:00 am, at the St. Mary's Church in Canton.
Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday afternoon and evening from 4-7 at the Lawrence Funeral Home in Canton. If friends desire contributions may be made to the St. Mary’s School, Powers Street, Canton, 13617, or to the Canton Free Library, 6 Park Street, Canton, 13617. Surviving Mrs. Martin are two daughters, Kathleen Rogers and Maureen Durki, both of Canton, two sons, Daniel and Timothy Martin, both of Canton, eleven grandchildren, one sister, Beverly Creasy, Canton and nieces and nephews. Born July 15, 1928 on the State Street Road in Canton, she was a daughter of Maurice and Mabel Tracy Kenyon and graduated from Canton High School in 1945. In 1947 she graduated from Hepburn School of Nursing in Ogdensburg. On April 11, 1950, she married Edson J. Martin at St. Mary’s Church in Canton, with Rev. John M. Hogan, officiating. Mr. Martin, who owned and operated Martin Beer Distributors, died March 26, 1994. Mrs. Martin was an extremely active volunteer for the American Red Cross working on the Blood Bank, working at St. Mary’s School, a member of the St. Mary’s Alter and Rosary Society as well as the Ogdensburg Garden Club and a past Girl Scout Leader for many years. After her family grew older she went to work at the St. Lawrence University Health Services and the Hepburn Medical Center Dialysis Unit. For many years the family had a summer cottage west of Jacques Cartier State Park in the town of Morristown. Later the couple sold the cottage and bought a home on the River Road in Morristown, where they lived until after Mr. Martin’s death. She then sold the home and moved to back to Canton. Mrs. Martin was an avid, accomplished bridge player as she was member of the American Control Bridge League and director of Duplicate Bridge in Canton and Ogdensburg.
David A. MacDonald, 62, Wingdale, NY, died Sunday, October 3, 2004 at his home. The funeral will be October 5, 2004 at 2:00 PM, at the Lawrence Funeral Home in Canton.
Burial will be in the Beech Plains Cemetery in Pierrepont, NY. Surviving are his wife, Nancy Bisnett, Wingdale, NY; his father and step-mother Lawrence and Lorraine MacDonald, of Pierrepont, NY and his mother, Beatrice Pearson Vielhauer of Ogdensburg, NY, three children, Julie MacDonald, Waterbury, CT, Laralie MacDonald O’Neill, RN, of Wingdale, NY, and Allen MacDonald of Bartlett, TN; five brothers, Gary MacDonald of Winthrop, NY, Steven MacDonald of Hastings, FL, Jeffrey MacDonald of Millbrook, NY, Douglas MacDonald of Canton, NY, and Lawrence MacDonald of Corpus Christi, TX; five sisters, Sharon Bean of Manchester, NY, Glenna Beaulieu of Russell, NY, Marla MacDonald of Tazwell,VA, Mary Beaulieu of Churchville, NY, and Rhonda Robert of Morley, NY, and two grandchildren, Zachary O’Neill and Alyssa O’Neill of Wingdale, NY. He was born June 15, 1942 in Potsdam, NY, the son of Lawrence and Beatrice Pearson MacDonald. He was a graduate of the Harlem Valley School of Nursing and attended Dutchess Community College. On May 26, 1962 in Canton, NY, he married Nancy Bisnett. Mr. MacDonald worked as a registered nurse and nursing administrator at Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in Wingdale, NY and later at Hudson River Psychiatric Center in Poughkeepsie, NY, retiring in 1995 after thirty-two years of state service. Contributions in his memory may be made to Ducks Unlimited, Inc. One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120.
Harriet G. Smith, 82, 4 Church Street, Canton, died on October 3, 2004 at her home in Canton. The funeral will be October 5, 2004 at 11:00 AM, at the First Presbyterian Church in Canton.
A reception will follow at the church. There will be no calling hours. If friends desire contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund, First Presbyterian Church, Park Place, Canton, 13617. Surviving are her husband, Dr. Edwin B. Smith, DVM, two sons, Dr. Michael Smith, DVM and his wife, Claudine, Potsdam, Brian and his wife Jeanette, Aurora, Ohio, two daughters, Penny Austin and her husband Clemont, Erie, Pa., and Melinda Preston and her husband Ralph, Lake Placid, ten grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one brother, Randall Gauss, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and one sister Barbara Gauss, Wellsville. Born in Wellsville, on April 1, 1922, she was a daughter of Charles and Isabell Julia Wesche Gauss and graduated from Wellsville High School in 1939. Mrs. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in 1943. On May 14, 1944, she married Edwin B. Smith at the Sage Chapel at Cornell University in Ithaca. She and her husband owned and operated a Veterinary Practice on Church Street, for many years. Mrs. Smith was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Canton, and a former member of the St. Lawrence Wild Fowlers Carving Club and the St. Lawrence Golf and Country Club.
William D. "Bill" Stalder, 79, 303 Chapman Point Drive, Morristown, died November 7, 2004 at Samaritan Keep Home in Watertown. The funeral will be November 12, 2004 at 11:00, at the First Presbyterian Church of Canton.
Private Burial services will precede at Pine Hill Cemetery in Morristown. Mr. Stalder, 79, of 303 Chapman Point Drive, Morristown and Naples, FL, formerly of 2 Crescent Street, Canton, died Sunday, November 7, 2004 at Samaritan Keep Home, Watertown. Calling hours will be Wednesday and Thursday afternoon and evening from 4-7 PM at the Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton, where the members of the Stillwater Club will meet at 5:30 on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to William R. and Margaret Stalder Scholarship Fund, SUNY Canton, Foundation Office, 34 Cornell Drive, Canton, 13617; Morristown Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 4, Morristown, 13664; and/or the First Presbyterian Church, Park Place, Canton, 13617. Among his survivors are his wife, Margaret “Peg”; two daughters and one son-in-law Debbie Pahler and her husband Jochem, Potsdam and Cheryl Shatraw of Black River; four grandchildren, Krista Pahler, Potsdam, Eric Pahler, Sierra Vista, AZ, William Shatraw and Ann Shatraw both of Black River. Born May 23, 1925, in Watertown, he was the son of the late Ernest J. and Iva Mae Dumas Stalder. He was a1941 graduate of Watertown High School. In 1949 graduated from Cornell University, where he was a member of the Acacia Fraternity and later from Purdue University receiving his Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. Mr. Stalder was a Veteran of WWII enlisting in the Marine Corp on January 19, 1945 and serving until November 25, 1946 in the Pacific Theatre. On June 18 1949, he married Margaret Haller at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Watertown, with Rev. Frederick Vogt, officiating. The couple moved to Canton in 1952, when Mr. Stalder accepted a position at the First National Bank. They purchased a summer residence in Morristown, NY on the St. Lawrence River in 1963. In 1955, Mr. Stalder purchased Carl Witherbee’s share of Witherbee & Whalen, a monument, burial vault, and septic tank business on Hodskin Street, Canton. In connection with the business, he served as director of both the New York State Monument Builders Association and the New York State Burial Vault Association. In 1992, he sold his share of the business to his partner, Robert Whalen. Mr. Stalder was a distinguished and active citizen of the North Country and was involved in numerous organizations and memberships. In 1961, he was named to the Canton (then ATI) College Council. Then in 1971, became chairman and served at that position until 1988. He retired from the council in 1992. In connection with SUNY Canton, he and some other members of the Canton community, Peter Nevaldine, Thomas Patterson, and Edson J. Martin formed the Canton Industrial Committee which lobbied successfully in Albany to keep ATI in Canton. They played an important role in planning construction of the new campus which moved from St. Lawrence University in the mid-late 1960’s. Mr. Stalder was a founding member of ACT, the Association of Council Members and Trustees, where he served as President in 1977 and continuously as a Director in 1970 until 1992. In recognition of his service, the ACT created the William D. Stalder Scholarship Endowment at SUNY Canton. In 1995, SUNY Canton awarded Mr. Stalder the Distinguished Citizen Award. After serving for several years of service as a Director of the Canton Savings and Loan organization, he was elected to the Board of St. Lawrence National Bank in 1972 and served as Chairman from 1976 until 1983 continued when St. Lawrence National Bank became Community Bank in 1983. He continued to act as Director until May of 1996, and since has been Director Emeritus. Mr. Stalder was the founder/charter member of the St. Lawrence County Chapter of American Institute of Banking. An avid lover of the outdoors, he was a hunter, fisherman and golfer. He was a member of the Stillwater Club of Canton since 1957, where he served as President in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s and was very active in the building of the “Burdick Camp” at the North Branch facility in 1964. A member of the Brockville Country Club in Brockville, Ont. for many years, he was also a member of the famed “Tahiti Club”, to which one was only invited to be a member. First a member of the Ogdensburg Elks Club, Mr. Stalder transferred his membership to Naples, Florida to stay active in the club. He was also a former member of the Canton Lions Club, Chairman of the Village of Canton Planning Board, President of the Canton Chamber of Commerce, was Chairman of the Town Republican Committee, a 50 year member of the St. Lawrence Lodge #111 Free and Accepted Masons, and also was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Canton. Mr. Stalder also served on the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Foundation Board of Directors from 1991-1995. Due to his extreme loyalty and commitment, especially during the annual Independence Day Celebrations to the town of Morristown, he was named an honorary member of the Morristown Fire Department.
Burt A. Gray, 82, 40 West Main Street, Canton, died on November 7, 2004 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam. The funeral will be Private Graveside, at the Fairview Cemetery in Canton.
Burial will be held privately in Fairview Cemetery, Canton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Canton Fire Department, c/o Joan Newman, 13 Gouverneur Street, Canton, NY 13617. Surviving are his sister, Lois Wight of Canton; a brother Richard Gray of Canton; and four nieces and one nephew. Born December 22, 1921, in Canton, Mr. Gray was a son of the late Roy and Keitha Burt Gray. He was a graduate of Canton High School and a graduate of St. Lawrence University. Mr. Gray was a retired Business Manager for Smith Corona in Syracuse, NY. He was also a veteran of WWII, serving from 1942-1945.
Susan C. Briggs, 58, 29 Mills Street, Russell, died Thursday, October 14, 2004 at Fletcher-Allen Medical Center in Burlington, Vt.. The funeral will be Monday, October 18 at 11:00, at the Lawrence Funeral Home.
Burial will be in South Russell Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Russell Museum, 9 Pestle Street, Russell, NY 13684. Surviving are her husband, James “Jim” M. Briggs; two children, Cory Briggs and wife Betty, Conroe, Texas, Lynn Ames and husband Lawrence, Canton; two brothers, John C. Clarke and wife Joan, Russell, Thomas Clarke and wife Netty, Russell; three sisters, Dorothy “Ginny” Butterfield and husband Fred, Canton, June Franklin, Russell, Donna LaTray and husband John, Canton; three grandchildren, Charles, Austin and Logan Ames, Canton, and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Palmer and Evagene Dunning Clarke, one sister, Elizabeth “Betty” G. Hall and one brother, William Clarke. Born in Russell on March 14, 1946, the daughter of Palmer and Evagene Dunning Clarke, she graduated from Knox Memorial Central School in 1965. Mrs. Briggs married James M. Briggs on August 18, 1979 at the Russell United Methodist Church by Rev. Fred Bailey. She worked at the Knox Memorial Central School Cafeteria from the late 1960’s until the 1970’s. She was elected Town Clerk for the Town of Russell and began work on January 1, 1974, where she worked for over 29 years. Mrs. Briggs retired from the Town of Russell on April 30, 2003. She was a very creative individual and an avid painter. In 1988, a poem that Mrs. Briggs had written, entitled “Summer Sounds“ was published in the World Book of Poetry. As a member of the Russell Museum, she was dedicated to the history of Russell and made a collage of many items and organizations of Russell. The couple enjoyed their camp on Boyd Pond for over 25 years.
