RIP Howard Lashway 1934 - 2020

We recently learned of the passing of Howard Lashway. From Howard’s official obit.

Howard, 85, passed away peacefully at his home, on Feb. 24, 2020 after an extended illness with kidney disease. He was born April 15, 1934 in Saranac Lake, the son of Howard Sr. and Mary Lashway, he was one of five children and grew up in Keene. Howard was most proud of and dedicated to his family.

He is lovingly remembered by Mary Jean, his loving wife of 63 years; his six children, Brian (Joy) Lashway, Nancy Lashway, Cindy (Don) Anslow, Beth (Dale) Carpenter, Lisa Rowlands and Kevin (Missy Aiken) Lashway. He spent many memorable hours with his grandchildren, Ryan, Anthony, David, Keith, Robert, Marcus, Geoffrey, Cassie, Crysten, Chelsie and Kevin Jr.; and his 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Ester Wheeler, Shirley Vagnarelli, and Charlie (Mary) Lashway. Raised hunting foxes, rabbits and deer and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible, it was a natural choice for Howard to find a career as a NYS Forest Ranger.

After a three year hitch in the USMC, where he served proudly and modestly, his early days as a Forest Ranger included seasonal stationing in Cold River for three seasons, Conservation Department Bobsled Brakeman and interior construction projects at Marcy Dam and Lake Colden.Once stationed in Schroon Lake in 1959, Howard’s projects included providing greater public access to the Crane Pond, Pharoah Lake and Hoffman State Land areas to include construction of bridges, lean-tos and trails throughout the areas. He actively led firefighting efforts on numerous wildfires in the area almost every season. Over time he went on to lead one of the Forest Rangers’ first highly trained and organized Search and Rescue Teams providing Air, Water, Ice, Ledge and Forest recovery of lost and injured persons.

After retiring from NYSDEC in 1989, Howard served as a Town of Schroon Councilman and found his way to the Charlotte Harbor area in Florida for 25 winters where he and Mary Jean enjoyed many winters fishing, exploring and making friends.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1114 US Rt. 9, Schroon Lake. A reception will follow at the church.

Howard will be remembered as a caring and responsible steward of the natural world, a loving father and husband, a very hard worker, and a generous and compassionate citizen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made to High Peaks Hospice or the Forest Ranger Scholarship Foundation Inc., PO Box 72, Warrensburg, NY 12885.

Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Edward L. Kelly Funeral Home. To offer online condolences please visit, click here.

RIP: Samuel R. Venner. January 4, 1942 to June 15, 2019

We are saddened to report the passing of Schroon Laker Samuel R. Venner.

The 77 year-old veteran passed away Saturday June 15, 2019 at home — with his family by his side — after a second valiant battle with cancer, according to his official obit.

A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, June 21, at the Edward L. Kelly Funeral Home, 1019 US Route 9, Schroon Lake. Interment will follow with Military Honors at the Severance Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from noon until the service at 2 p.m.

“Sam was born Jan. 4, 1942 in Ticonderoga, the son of the late Samuel and Elizabeth Venner.

He was predeceased by the love of his life and his wife of 49 years 7 months and 1 day, Barbara Bump Venner who passed May 27, 2013.

Sam served in the U.S. Army Reserve in the 625th Engineers in Elizabethtown, New York from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1967.

In 1967 Sam was employed by the Town of Schroon Highway Department, in 1985 he was elected superintendent of the department and held that position with honor and dignity until his retirement in 1996. He was a former member of the Essex County and the New State Superintendent of Highways Associations.

After his retirement he continued to operate heavy equipment for Bud Rodick, Kevin Moses, Larry Shiell and up until a year ago for Mike Marsdan.

Sam was a former 25 year member of the Schroon Lake Volunteer Fire Department, a former member of BPO Elks lodge #1494 of Ticonderoga and The Town of Schroon Lions Club. He was a member of the American Legion Post #982, and over the past few years found a loving family with the Schroon Lake Community Church.

Sam was an avid golfer: he was a member of the Schroon Lake Golf Course where he played in the men’s league, the couple’s league and many local tournaments over the years. For years he and his brother Fred AKA (The Brothers) could be seen nearly every morning at around 6:30 a.m. playing their 9 hole round.

Sam is survived by his daughters, Vicki (Roger) Belleville of Ballston Spa and Valerie (Craig) DeZalia of Schroon Lake; his brother, Fred (Patricia) Venner of Schroon Lake; his grandchildren, Naomi, Katherine, Derek, Dawson, Brett, Cara and Christy; and his great-grandchildren, Gabryell, Brooke, Landon and Jayce; his dear friend, Patricia Fero and family; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family suggests memorials take the form of donations to High Peaks Hospice, PO Box 192, Port Henry, NY 12974 or the Schroon Lake Community Church, Schroon Lake, NY 12870. For online condolences please click here.