Read About Who We Are and What We Do
Memoriam
We celebrate the lives of fellow 46ers who are now climbing the celestial hills, wishing them peace.
2022
David Vermilyea #342W
Dr. David A. Vermilyea
Born on October 11, 1923 in Troy to the late Wesley and Lois (Warner) Vermilyea, David grew up in Lansingburgh and had been a long time resident of Niskayuna and Schenectady.
He served in the United States Army in Germany during World War II, and was decorated with the Purple Heart. He drove and maintained a truck for an artillery battalion.
Dave earned a PhD in metallurgy from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, graduating in 1953.
Dr. Vermilyea was first employed as a metallurgist. He also taught metallurgy and electrochemistry at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for a short time. Dave worked at the General Electric Company Research Laboratory in Niskayuna for 33 years retiring in 1983. His areas of specialty were metallurgy and electrochemistry. He also spent several years as a key member of the technical planner team determining the focus areas for the Center.
Dr. Vermilyea was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Edward Acheson Award from the Electrochemical Society, the Coolidge Fellowship from the GE Research Laboratory, and the Whitney Award from the Association of Corrosion Engineers. He served as Editor of the Annual Review of Materials Sciences, and was President of the Electrochemical Society in 1974-1975. He had a hundred articles published in scientific journals, with an exceptionally high number of citations, and was awarded 9 patents.
Dave loved the outdoors. He was a proud member and chapter head of the Adirondack Mountain Club, and had climbed all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks several times. He was also the third recorded Winter 46er, and guided two of his children to completion of the 46 as well. Upon his retirement he purchased 60 acres of woodland in Pattersonville and "went to work" there four days a week, creating a beautiful forest with many hand-planted trees.
He was a man of letters, whose classical education showed throughout his life. He could recite many famous poems word for word, and had many much-read poetry books with dozens of bookmarks in them. He and Jane probably solved several thousand New York Times crosswords and acrostics. He also continued to learn about new ideas and technology throughout his life, with many recent acquisitions by authors in fields from psychology and sociology to astrophysics and cosmology.
Dave also had a lovely singing voice and loved to sing any time he got a chance.
In addition to his parents, Dave was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Jane, and by his brother, Richard Vermilyea, who was killed in action during World War II. He was also predeceased by his sister, Jeanne Vermilyea Ackerman. He is survived by his sister, Laurie Wolfe, his two daughters, Carol and her husband Roger Cherney of Newton, New Jersey and Barbara and her husband Glenn Johnson of Shelburne, VT, and by his son Mark and wife Kathleen of Niskayuna. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His family was a source of great pride and joy to him.
Arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home, Inc., 1503 Union Street, Schenectady.
To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jonesfh.net.
Dave and Jane spent their final decades at Kingsway in Schenectady, and were very happy during their time there.
Rosemary DiRenzo #2568
David Colemen #5773
2021
Frank John Traver Jr. #2341
1939—2021
TROY–Frank John Traver Jr., 82, died December 24, 2021. He was born on August 14, 1939, in Ghent to the late Frank John Traver Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Howland Traver. He was the loving husband to Barbara Coulson Traver.
Frank graduated from Chatham High School, class of 1957, attended Syracuse University and Hudson Valley Community College, and graduated from the State University of New York at Albany, class of 1969.
He worked for General Electric Silicone Products in Waterford from 1960-2001 as a research chemist. He held numerous patent awards granted over 50. Beloved for his generosity and kindness, he will be missed by his family and friends.
Frank married his wife, Barbara, at South Royalton Block Methodist Church on June 6, 1959, followed by an outdoor reception on the farm of Leslie and Lula Coulson (Barbara's parents). On June 6, 2019, Frank and Barbara celebrated 60 years together with a luncheon party followed by a cruise on Lake George.
One of Frank's proudest, happy days was when his son, John, received his Eagle Scout award. Without a doubt, his saddest day was when John passed away alone in a nursing home on April 27, 2020, from complications of COVID-19. In addition to his wife Barbara, Frank is survived by his daughters, Joan Traver and Joy Jones; his granddaughter, Laura Jones; his daughter-in-law, Carol Foglio; his brother, George Traver; his brother-in-law, Danton Coulson; and his sisters-in-law, Kathy Traver and Paulette Coulson. In addition to his mother and father, he was predeceased by his son, John Eric Traver; his brother, William Traver; his brother-in-law, John Coulson; and his grandparents, George and Eleanor Howland, Charles and Nellie Traver.
He was a member of the Cornerstone Community Church (former St. Mark's Methodist Church), for 56 years, serving in various capacities. Frank had many life-long community involvement activities including the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, starting as a young man in Troop 4 South Troy as scoutmaster, cubmaster in Speigletown, scoutmaster of Troop 679 Speigletown, merit badge instructor for several badges, and served in multiple district and council leadership positions, receiving several awards including National Jamboree Staff (Kayaking), Wood Badge, Powder Horn, Order of the Arrow, Rotary Scout Reservation weekend campmaster, and Boy Scouting's honor: the Silver Beaver Award.
He also was a kindergarten science mentor for the Lansingburgh School District and Waterford School District, New York State Hunter Safety instructor and director at the Brunswick Sportsman's Club. Frank had many hobbies and was a member of many clubs including the Fort Orange Stamp Club, American Philatelic Society, Brunswick Elks, Brunswick Sportsman Club, Adirondack Mountain Club, Green Mountain Club, Taconic Hiking Club, Catskill 3500 Club (#699), Appalachian Mountain Club, Adirondack 46ers Outdoor Leadership Workshop and Adirondack 46er (#2341).
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 29, in the McLoughlin & Mason Funeral Home, 8 109th Street (corner of 109th Street and Third Avenue), Lansingburgh. A committal service will follow in the Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Troy. Calling hours will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home prior to the service. His family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to either: Twin Rivers Council Boy Scouts of America, 253 Washington Ave. Extension, Albany, NY, 12205 or Cornerstone Community Church, 570 3rd Ave., Troy, NY, 12182. Please visit www.mcloughlinmason.com.
Ismael Colon #4857
Clayton (Pete) F. Bush, Jr. #1559
Feb. 12, 1928 – Feb. 1, 2021
NEWCOMB - Clayton (Pete) F. Bush, Jr., 92, of Newcomb, NY, born February 12, 1928 to Clayton F. Bush (DDS) and Marion Pauly Bush, died peacefully on February 1, 2021 at Glen Falls Hospital.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle, Clayton inspired the entire family with his wisdom, humor, love of gardening and unwavering dedication to physical fitness.
A graduate of Webster High School (1945) Clayton obtained a B.A. in History and an M.ED. in Secondary Education from the University of Rochester and then taught and coached in both Delmar and Rochester City School Districts for 33 years. A dedicated gymnastics coach, he served as the N.Y.S.P.H.S.A.A. State Gymnastics Chairman, co-owned and operated Pete Bush Gymnastics Camp with this wife, Anne (1968–1977) coached the Penfield Women's Varsity Gymnastics Team (5yrs) provided a multitude of classes for the Penfield Recreation Depts. (25yrs) GTC (3yrs) and S.E. YMCA (6yrs).
Clayton served as an SSG, USA (1951–1953) as a combat-infantrymen in the Korean War: defense of the northern rim of the Punchbowl with 5th RCT, earning the Korean Service Medal, 2 Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. He then served in the U.S. Army Reserves (1953–60).
Clayton married the love of his life, Anne Dillon from Newcomb, NY, in 1956 and raised nine children in Penfield, NY: Cynthia Rice (Mark), Eric Bush (dec), Heidi McCandless (George), Colleen Larose (Don), Colonel, USA (ret) Hans Bush (Maribel), Kathleen Bush, Pollyana Bush, Gretchen Buckholtz (Adam), and Colonel, USA Aron Bush (Danyl). He spent many years enjoying his 21 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews: (BIL) Roger Dillon (Marilyn) and (SIL) Mary Jane Rice. He and Anne retired to Newcomb, NY in 1996.
A Mass is scheduled at St. Therese Church in Newcomb, NY on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with a visiting hour from 10 - 11:00 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will be at Oakwood Cementary in Penfield, NY on Monday, February 9, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Newcomb Fire and Rescue Squad, Newcomb, NY 12852.
Donald R. Krahmer #577
James G. Bailey 46er #233
46er President 1966-1969
Outdoor Leadership Workshop Founder
In July of 1956 I began my first of fifty summers at Pok-O-MacCready Camps as a ten year old. The counselor in the tent next to me was a 20 year old college student from Elizabethtown, NY – Jim Bailey. In those days comic books were popular and constantly circulated around our section. It wasn’t long before Jim picked up the nickname “Beetle.” He quickly became the most popular counselor while sharing his enthusiasm, personality and positive attitude toward “all things camp.”
We moved through the sections together as camper and counselor, both becoming “infected” by the climbing bug – checking the boxes on the dining hall mountain chart as we summited each 46er. The year 1961 found both of us in the Camp’s “Advanced Section” – the counselor training group of 15 and 16 year-olds. “Beetle” was section head and by the end of the summer we had spent more nights camping in the woods than in the section. He was the prime motivator of my lifelong love of camping and hiking in the Adirondacks.
Jim’s constant creativity meant new experiences and challenges and left us eagerly waiting for what was going to happen next. Trips to the Mohawk Museum in Onchiota, attending different local churches each Sunday morning (of course that meant breakfast out of Camp that day!), and, of course, more mountains! [ie. Couchie from the Rondeau’s on the Cold River and out via Oulouska Pass after attempting Emmons from the back side – all before the existence of herd paths.]
Later he would become the first tripping head at Camp offering special adventures each week. An example was his “Operation Cool Bovine” – carrying an ice cream maker and all the ingredients into the Scott Clearing lean-to to use ice from the Indian Pass “ice caves” to make ice cream while baking a cake with a reflector oven.
While in high school my father sent me by train up to the Adirondacks for my introduction with Jim to Winter camping. Dad had total confidence in Beetle’s skills and knew I was always in good hands. With Jim, six of us drove to Maine in his Volkswagen Mini-bus to climb the knife’s edge on Katahdin and paddle on Lake Chesuncook. We shared his 46er finish on Emmons – meeting Jim Goodwin on Seward and finally reaching our vehicle by fading flashlights at 11:00 at night. One winter we spent New Year’s Eve camping on the top of Phelps Mountain and another year met him at 20 below zero at Lake Colden.
He was also active with the Forty-Sixer organization serving as President for three years. Beetle was instrumental in the creation of the Outdoor Skills Workshop – still in operation by the 46ers for over 50 years! Meanwhile, he and his wife, Anne, became leaders and vital cogs in the local chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
Not to be forgotten was his ability to write – humorous and creative in his small print. He loved maps and researching new routes or retracing old, forgotten paths. This love of history would continue to be a driving force throughout his life. While a teacher he initiated the Beekmantown Outing Club introducing his students to the Adirondacks. He was the Plattsburgh City Historian and was the driving force to rename Slip Mountain in the Jay Range Macdonough in honor of the Battle of Plattsburgh hero.
Jim’s impact on others as a gentle, patient, and kind human being – as I know from my personal experience - can’t be adequately expressed in words. He will be missed by all who had the opportunity and privilege to spend time with him!
-Phil Corell #224W
Kevin Cox #5144
William Lee Kauffman Jr. “Lee”, #8826W
William Lee Kauffman Jr. “Lee”, 8826W, from Newark, DE died unexpectedly on April 25, 2021 at age 63. Lee loved the Adirondacks and was initially introduced to the mountains as a teenager. Lee was an accomplished athlete in high school and college. He remained extremely active throughout his life finishing 57 marathons including 34 consecutive Boston’s. He also had a strong interest in photography, lugging his SLR on many of his trips in the ADK. Lee was semi-retired and coaching track and field at Padua Academy located in Wilmington, DE. He was an amazingly kind and encouraging coach and was well known throughout the Delaware community. He made friends wherever he would go including meeting many people on the trails throughout the Adirondacks in all seasons. Lee's idea of a restful weekend was a camping trip where he could run a competitive race or two, and then have a leisurely hike up a peak the next day before driving home. Living in Delaware didn’t slow Lee’s enthusiasm for the mountains of New York. He began climbing the peaks in earnest throughout New England over 20 years ago, and finished his regular 46 in 2008 and his winter 46 in 2011. He also had climbed many of the 4000 footers in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, as well as many of the Catskill 35er’s. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Richard Harvey #2562
Harrison Koons Caner #936
Koons Caner III, passed away peacefully on January 16th at Elizabethtown Community Hospital, N.Y., while family members, from far and wide, reminisced and sang hymns to him via Zoom.
Born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Dec. 15, 1927, Harrison was the youngest child of Harrison and Sarah Uytendale Caner. He graduated from St. Paul's School in Concord, N.H., in 1946 and Harvard University in 1950.
Harrison moved to Dedham, Mass., in 1952 and began a long career at the First National Bank of Boston (now Bank of America). He retired in 1983 as Vice President and Manager of the Endowment Fund Portfolio in the Old Colony Trust Division. During his years in Dedham, he served as Town Finance Committee Chairman, Treasurer of the Dedham Library and Treasurer of the Dedham Choral Society.
In December 1963, Harrison married the love of his life, Judith (Martin). In the words of their favorite song by Frank Sinatra, they met "Just in Time." Guided by shared values, they blended their families together. Every August, Harrison and Judy gathered the children and a menagerie of pets and hitched a loaded trailer to the family station wagon. Off they went to a beloved cottage in Keene Valley, N.Y., and spent the month exploring all that the Adirondacks have to offer. After his retirement, Harrison and Judy purchased Clifford Falls Farm in Keene, N.Y., and lived there full time. For decades, it was the gathering place for family and friends.
Harrison was introduced to the Adirondacks by his first father-in-law, Richard Frothingham. Thus began a lifelong love of "God's Country" as he liked to call it. Beginning with Giant Mountain in 1953, he climbed all of the Adirondack peaks over 4,000 ft.(some many times over!) and proudly became an ADK 46er #936 on Aug. 25, 1973, at the age of 46. He served on the Board of the Adirondack Trail Improvement Society and was a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
In addition to being an accomplished hiker, Harrison enjoyed outguessing the stock market, reading about historical figures, singing bass in local choirs, and tending to his bountiful vegetable gardens. Whether the game was croquet, horseshoes or cards, he played to win! His love of football was perfectly captured in 1968 by his meticulous diagraming of "The Game" as he listened to the play-by-play on the radio. "Harvard beats Yale 29-29"! Swing music brought Harrison to his feet. He and Judy would attract a crowd whether "cutting a rug" in their own living room or out on the dance floor. Community service continued to be important to Harrison during his years in Keene Valley. He served on the Board of the Keene Valley Library, was the Treasurer of the Keene Valley Congregational Church and delivered meals for the local Meals on Wheels for many years.
Harrison is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judith, his daughters Janet Caner (Evan), Julie Craig (David), Emily Caner (Mark) and sons Brooks Rogers (Marian), Peter Rogers (Susan), Anthony Caner (Ann), and Nathaniel Caner (Cindy) 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, Merry. Harrison's steadfast spirit, intellect and touch of mischief will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Champlain Valley Senior Center where Harrison lived for two years. They also send virtual hugs to the wonderful Elizabethtown Community Hospital nurses who cared for Harrison with so much compassion in his final hours.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be shared online at: www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Keene Valley Congregational Church.
Matthew Malkiewicz #3678
Jay (Jason) List #12350
Jay (Jason) List died on November 7, 2020, at his home in Snyder, surrounded by wife, son, and dogs. He was 43. Jay was a loving husband to Andrea Ridings List, devoted father to son, Henry Ridings Martinez, and two beloved dogs. He is also survived by his parents, Robbin and Eileen (nee Meyer) List, brother Jonathan (Christina) List, sister Katherine (Brian) Sullivan, 6 young nieces and nephews, several aunts and uncles, and many friends. Jay and his wife met through the local road racing community in 2015 and they married in 2016. Together, they had a goal of completing the 46 high peaks of the Adirondacks, and becoming official “46Rs.” His diagnosis of cancer came after completion of only 28. Not to be deterred, the family then bought a mattress and a van, which they lovingly nicknamed ‘The Stank Wagon’ and traveled to the Adirondacks as often as he was able. They completed the 46 peaks on June 6, 2020, 9 months after his diagnosis.
