Harold LaValley
I was very saddened to read the obit of Harold LaValley in Wednesday’s paper. He and his wife Gerry were some of the most generous people I’ve even known. They certainly made a super team ever since they were classmates at Stevens High School in Claremont and gave back a great deal to all the communities in this area. Most of their contributions were totally unsolicited.
I remember, back in the early ‘70’s, being on the Claremont City Council and trying to get Arrowhead Ski Area re-opened after several years of being closed. The federal “Bureau of Outdoor Recreation Grant” hadn’t arrived. Winter was approaching and we didn’t have the funds available to purchase even a modest ski lift. Suddenly a check for $5000 arrived from the LaValleys! Mike Satzow and I borrowed a truck and drove down to Springfield MA on Thanksgiving Day to pick up the lift . . . all thanks to Harold and Gerry. Arrowhead was running that winter!
Harold, you certainly lived a full life to “ninety-four-and-a half.” Memories of you and Gerry will live forever!