Obituary of William A. LaFountain

Warrensburg: William A. LaFountain, Sr., 75, of Hudson Street, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, March 29, 2006 at his home with his loving wife, Nancy by his side. Born November 14, 1930 in Hudson Falls, he was the son of the late Edward and Doris (Constantineau) LaFountain. Following his graduation from Hudson Falls High School, Bill worked for Freihofers. He dreamed of having his own business and in 1969, he bought the Gansevoort Market. After many years of running the store, he went back to route work with a Drake’s business. When he sold that business, he was employed as a school bus driver for South Glens Falls School District until he retired in 2003. Bill loved music and was an accomplished trumpet player. He was never more proud than when he watched as his children and grandchildren learned to play an instrument. He always enjoyed the outdoors and kept himself in shape by skiing, snow shoeing, walking and hiking. He was so proud to have hiked four of the high peaks at the age of 74. Bill loved to camp and spent many summers on the beautiful shore of Saranac Lake. He was a wonderful woodworker and painter. Although he never thought what he made was good enough or finished, anyone who received one of his crafts had a true treasure. Although shy by nature, Bill will be remembered as the life of the party. He never passed up an opportunity to make a child laugh. He was a wise and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle and his beautiful, warm smile and sparkling eyes will be forever in our hearts. He often said that how ever long he and his wife, Nancy were on this ride together, they would enjoy that time and make the most of it. He enjoyed experiencing new places, from the tops of the high peaks to the beaches of Cancun and Martha’s Vineyard. This past summer, he fulfilled one of his life long dreams of owning a cabin cruiser and enjoying the sunny days on Lake George. Bill gave many gifts back to the world, the greatest of these were love, loyalty and friendship. He was a communicant of St. Cecilia’s RC Church in Warrensburg. He married June A. Oliver on October 22, 1950, she passed away in July of 2002 after 52 years of marriage. He married Nancy Morrison on June 28, 2003 in Warrensburg. Besides his parents, and his first wife, his daughter, Mary Ann and his brother Richard also predeceased him. Survivors besides his wife, Nancy include his children, William LaFountain Jr. and his wife, Brenda of South Glens Falls, David LaFountain and his wife, Laurie of Fortsville, Patricia Hammel and her husband, Anthony of Saratoga, Robert LaFountain of South Glens Falls, Renee Vinskus and her husband, Michael of New Hampshire, Alan LaFountain and his wife, Jessica of Lake George, Brandy Murphy and her husband, John of Ballston Spa; grandchildren, Jennifer, Jarrod, Jarica, Kali, Isabelle and Avril LaFountain, Michelle Aleva and her husband, Ryan, Madeline and Lisa Vinskus, Allie, Phil and Eran Swears, Meghan and Alaina Murphy; great grandchildren, Alec Aleva, Tyler and Ayden Swears; his sisters, Theresa White of Glens Falls, Mary Corlew of Queensbury; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call on Bill’s family from 4-7 pm today (Friday) at their home, 43 Hudson St., Warrensburg. A funeral mass to celebrate his life will be conducted 11 am Saturday at St. Cecilia’s RC Church in Warrensburg with the Rev. Paul Cox, presiding. Pallbearers will be Bill’s six children. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Cecilia’s RC Church Building Fund, 3802 Main St., Warrensburg, NY 12885. Visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.