IN MEMORIAM

Robert Lane LaDuke, 77;

Native Son, CCS Redskin

COOPERSTOWN – Robert Lane LaDuke, born at Bassett Hospital on Oct. 22, 1939, passed away peacefully at Bassett Hospital on Oct. 24, 2016, just two days after his 77th birthday.

Bob was the first child of Harry (Dutch) LaDuke, Jr. and Marion (Maisie) Lane LaDuke. He enjoyed the innocence of growing up in “old” Cooperstown and all of the freedoms and fun it offered. He had lots of memories and stories of bike adventures with John Robinson, visiting the merchants on Main Street, playing on Doubleday Field, the Clark’s Gym after school, stopping at Derrick’s Shoe Store to have your feet X-rayed, Saturday morning art lessons at the Children’s Museum (now the Cooperstown Art Association), picnics at the lake, the Red Bursey Playground program, weeks at Windward Cottages on Otsego Lake, up-to-no-good adventures with Pete Costello and Roger Coleman, after school at the Doubleday, and stopping by 32 Elm St. where there was always something great to eat.

Bob graduated from CCS with the Class of 1958. He cherished his years in high school and his buddies Andy Wick and Bob Solarchick. He was proud to play football and basketball as a Cooperstown Redskin and was a member of the Varsity C Club.

Following high school, Bob proudly served in the Coast Guard and was aboard the USS Castle Rock just off the Cuban shoreline during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Following his discharge from the service, he moved to Reno, Nev., where he attended the University of Nevada as an art student.

On his return to New York State, he was employed by Smith Ford, as a carpenter, and in 1980 went to work for the New York State Historical Association as a carpenter. During the course of working for NYSHA, Bob became somewhat of an expert restorationist, restoring many of the wagons and artifacts which are still being used at The Farmer’s Museum. Many of the early examples of local items that can still be enjoyed throughout the waiting rooms at

Bassett Hospital were the result of Bob’s careful craftsmanship and attention to detail. He was very pleased to have been a part of preserving the area’s history.

When Bob was born, the Bowers family presented to him as a birth gift, their childhood Lionel Train set. That train became the beginning of a lifelong love for old trains and metal toys as well as a talent that led to not only the restoration of antique toys but a reputation that was such that he received commissions from all over the country to either fix or build tin toys for others.

Bob married Barbara Walton in Springfield at the Spaulding Estate Gardens on Aug. 4, 1995 and they spent the next 20 years enjoying each other while going on grand adventures searching for that next great find!

They both enjoyed classic cars and alone or together could often be seen driving by in a vintage convertible with rock and roll music floating through the air. Together they usually traveled to York, Pa., for the twice a year Toy Train Collectors Association Train Show and Sale.

Bob enjoyed early morning coffee and could often be found in various local restaurants “holding court” first thing in the morning. This past summer he was often found sitting on a bench at Pioneer Park enjoying the sunshine and the friends and family who stopped by. He was also happy to give his views to passing tourists.

Bob was a member of the Native Sons of Cooperstown and was a forever Cooperstown Redskin. He was a member of the Walter P. Eggleston VFW Post.

He is survived by his wife of 20 plus years, Barbara; two children, Sean and Erin LaDuke of California; three-step children, Rob, Scott and Colleen; one grandchild and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Patti Bensen-Ashley (Walter) of Cooperstown, David LaDuke of Cooperstown, and Michael LaDuke of New Jersey. He was predeceased by his parents and grandparents.

As per his wishes, Bob is being cremated and his ashes will be spread at his home on County Route 31. To celebrate the life of Robert L. LaDuke we would like to invite you to join us at the Cooperstown Vet’s Club, 60 Main St., Cooperstown, on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016 from 1 to 4 p.m. for food and stories. All Cooperstown Redskin shirts are welcome!